Littler Hits Tournament High as Hurrell Stuns Bunting on Day 14 at World Championship

Luke Littler delivered his finest performance yet at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship on Saturday, producing his highest-ever Alexandra Palace average in a dominant straight-sets victory over Mensur Suljovic. Elsewhere, James Hurrell claimed the biggest win of his career by knocking out fourth seed Stephen Bunting.

Day Fourteen marked the start of round three action following the Christmas break, with several heavyweight clashes producing drama, quality and major talking points.

Littler produces best Ally Pally display

Reigning World Champion Luke Littler was in scintillating form as he brushed aside Suljovic without dropping a set, averaging over 107 – the second-highest tournament average so far and his best performance on the Ally Pally stage.

The world number one converted a remarkable 71% of his checkout opportunities and stormed into a commanding position by winning the opening seven legs on the bounce. Littler capped his performance with a superb 124 finish in a deciding leg of the third set before closing out the match in style.

“Tonight felt like a free hit,” Littler said afterwards. “I had no nerves at all and just let my darts do the talking.

“I was on a 109 average after the first set, so it dropped slightly, but I’m really happy with the doubling. Winning without losing a set is always a positive.

“This is darts – anyone can win on the day. I just need to turn up next time and hopefully play like that again.”

Littler will now meet either Damon Heta or Rob Cross for a place in the quarter-finals.

Hurrell shocks Bunting in seven-set thriller

James Hurrell produced a stunning display to eliminate fourth seed Stephen Bunting in a dramatic 4-3 encounter, claiming the biggest scalp of his career to date.

Bunting had moved 2-1 ahead after producing outstanding finishes of 161 and 121, but Hurrell refused to wilt. The Englishman won 18 of the 30 legs played and posted an average in excess of 98 to turn the contest around and secure a famous victory.

“It feels incredible – this is the biggest win of my career,” said Hurrell. “I knew my game was there, I just needed to tidy up the doubles.

“I’ve beaten the world number four, so I’m not worried about who I face next.”

Hurrell will now meet either Martin Schindler or Ryan Searle for a place in the quarter-finals.

Clayton edges Zonneveld in classic

Jonny Clayton came through a high-quality seven-set battle against Niels Zonneveld, with both players averaging over 98 in one of the matches of the tournament so far.

The Welsh number one took the lead on three occasions, only for Zonneveld to respond each time. However, Clayton found another gear in the deciding set, winning it without reply to advance to round four for the fifth consecutive year.

“I stayed calm and got over the line,” Clayton said. “Niels is a fantastic player and has a big future.

“My doubles held up today, which is something I’ve been working hard on. I’d love to go all the way and lift that trophy.”

Clayton will now face Andreas Harrysson in the last 16.

Harrysson’s fairytale run continues

Harrysson’s remarkable debut campaign continued with a 4-2 victory over German number two Ricardo Pietreczko. The Swede averaged over 96 – one of the best figures of the round – and never fell behind throughout the contest.

Despite Pietreczko landing a huge 158 checkout, Harrysson dominated the closing stages, winning six of the final seven legs to book his place in round four.

Woodhouse and Ratajski progress

Luke Woodhouse produced a powerful display to defeat Andrew Gilding 4-1, condemning Gilding to a fourth successive round three exit at Alexandra Palace.

After a slow start, Woodhouse averaged over 103 across the final three sets to reach the last 16 for the second year running, setting up a clash with Krzysztof Ratajski.

Ratajski himself came through a thrilling encounter against Wesley Plaisier, recovering from 3-1 down to claim a dramatic 4-3 victory. Plaisier missed three match darts at 4-2, and the Polish number one capitalised, firing in four ton-plus finishes – including a decisive 116 – to reach round four for just the second time in his career.

Round three continues on Sunday

Round three continues on Sunday with another blockbuster double session at Alexandra Palace.

Former World Champions Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen headline the action as they face Gabriel Clemens and Arno Merk respectively. Elsewhere, Rob Cross meets Damon Heta, while Gary Anderson takes on Jermaine Wattimena in a mouth-watering schedule.

Littler Hits Tournament High as Hurrell Stuns Bunting on Day 14 at World Championship

2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship

Saturday December 27

Afternoon Session

Round Three

Krzysztof Ratajski 4-3 Wesley Plaisier (0-3, 3-0, 1-3, 2-3, 3-2, 3-2, 3-1)

Luke Woodhouse 4-1 Andrew Gilding (3-1, 1-3, 3-0, 3-0, 3-2)

Jonny Clayton 4-3 Niels Zonneveld (3-2, 1-3, 3-0, 0-3, 3-2, 1-3, 3-0)

Evening Session

Round Three

Andreas Harrysson 4-2 Ricardo Pietreczko (3-2, 2-3, 3-0, 1-3, 3-0, 3-1)

James Hurrell 4-3 Stephen Bunting (3-1, 2-3, 2-3, 3-0, 3-1, 2-3, 3-1)

Luke Littler 4-0 Mensur Suljovic (3-0, 3-0, 3-2, 3-1)

Sunday December 28

Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)

Round Three

Martin Schindler v Ryan Searle

Damon Heta v Rob Cross

Gary Anderson v Jermaine Wattimena

Evening Session (1900 GMT)

Round Three

Gian van Veen v Madars Razma

Luke Humphries v Gabriel Clemens

Michael van Gerwen v Arno Merk