Luke Littler opponent was BANNED from using his walk-on song choice at World Matchplay Darts

An opponent of superstar Luke Littler has seen his walk-on song choice banned at the World Matchplay Darts.

Josh Rock will take on Littler in the semi-final of the competition which is being held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

The tie has been set up after Littler beat Andrew Gilding in his quarter-final and survived a comeback from his opponent.

Rock meanwhile booked his place in the semi-final after he beat 2023 runner-up Gerwyn Price with a score of 16-11.

Rock is looking forward to taking on one of his best friends in the form of Littler later on this evening and hopes an exciting contest is on the cards.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Rock said: "I'm on cloud nine at the minute. What a game.

"I was just like, 'Josh, you're doing nothing wrong, you're playing your own game, happy days'. The form Gerwyn's in, you know what to expect.

"Littler's one of my closest friends behind the scenes. I hope we both turn up. Hopefully it will be a cracking game."

Littler himself is putting the friendship to one side when he takes on Rock and insists it will be business first when the duo meet.

He said: "I don't think it really matters who you play, whether you're friends or not.

Josh Rock will take on Luke Littler. (Image: Getty)

"We've been good friends now for quite a while. He has been playing really good darts for quite a few months.

"Obviously I've come on the scene, but I can definitely say he is an underdog."

A big part of the darts is the walk-on music each player comes on to the oche.

Luke Littler's walk-on song is Greenlight by Pitbull, which features Flo Rida and LunchMoney Lewis, which originally came out in July 2016.

Rock has walked out to Welcome to the Party by Dj Krissy, despite voicing an intention to change his song ahead of the World Cup of Darts this summer.

This has not taken place, however, and Rock has now spoken out on the issue and made it clear he did not suddenly change his mind and was not allowed to do so.

Speaking to Darts News, he said: "I didn't change my mind - I just wasn't allowed in the end.

"But I’m not going to mention it."

Generally speaking, darts players can change their walk-on music, but the PDC does reserve the option to veto any selections - which Rock did not confirm or deny when he spoke.