Littler Survives Cross Scare as Quarter-Final Line-Up Takes Shape at Ally Pally

Luke Littler produced another statement performance at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship on Monday evening, holding off a determined Rob Cross to keep his hopes of retaining the Sid Waddell Trophy firmly alive at Alexandra Palace.

The teenage sensation averaged close to 107 and unleashed a remarkable seventeen maximums in a high-quality clash between two former world champions, as Littler and Ryan Searle became the first players to book their places in the quarter-finals.

Littler shows champion resolve against Cross

Day 16 belonged to the reigning champion, who once again demonstrated his resilience on the biggest stage. Littler was pushed harder than at any point so far in the tournament by Cross, but responded superbly when momentum threatened to swing.

After Cross drew level at 1-1 — handing Littler his first dropped set of the championship — the world number one responded in emphatic fashion. Littler produced a breathtaking display in the third set, averaging an astonishing 125 to regain control of the contest.

Cross refused to fade away, though. Trailing 3-1, the former champion found inspiration with a stunning 126 checkout on the bull to force a fifth set, before following up with 13- and 12-dart legs to move ahead in the sixth and pile pressure on the title holder.

Littler, however, delivered a response befitting a reigning champion. A sensational ten-dart break of throw — completed after surviving a set dart — swung the momentum back in his favour, before a composed 68 finish on tops sealed a thrilling 4-2 victory.

“It was exactly the kind of test I needed,” Littler said afterwards. “Rob really turned it on towards the end, but I showed again that I can handle those moments.

“I’ve followed up a 107 average with a 106, so I’m feeling confident. I’ll be back on New Year’s Day ready to go again.”

Littler will return to the Ally Pally stage to face either Krzysztof Ratajski or Luke Woodhouse for a place in the semi-finals, as he targets becoming the first player since Gary Anderson to successfully defend the world title.

Searle marches on without dropping a set

Earlier in the session, Ryan Searle underlined his growing title credentials with a dominant 4-0 victory over James Hurrell, remaining the only player yet to concede a set at this year’s tournament.

The Somerset thrower followed up his 102.29 average against Martin Schindler in round three with another commanding display, averaging just shy of 101 and converting half of his attempts at double to reach his first World Championship quarter-final.

“It didn’t quite happen for James tonight, and I’ve been on the wrong side of nights like that,” Searle admitted. “All you want is the chance to show what you can do on that stage.

“If I play my game, I believe I can go all the way. You have to believe that to be here.”

Searle will now face either Jonny Clayton or Andreas Harrysson for a place in the last four.

Round three concludes with dramatic finishes

The afternoon session saw round three come to a close, with Josh Rock, Kevin Doets, Charlie Manby and Justin Hood completing the last-16 line-up.

Kevin Doets produced one of the performances of the tournament to eliminate Nathan Aspinall in a seven-set epic. Aspinall struck his second 170 checkout of the championship to move 3-2 ahead, but Doets responded in sensational style, firing in an 11-darter followed by checkouts of 112 and 164 to level the match.

The Dutchman maintained his composure in the decider, landing 100 and 96 finishes before punishing missed doubles from Aspinall to secure victory and set up a mouth-watering clash with Luke Humphries.

“I felt comfortable and stayed focused throughout,” said Doets. “That’s when you play your best darts.

“This tournament is what you build towards all year, and if I play like I did at the end there, Luke will know he’s been in a game.”

Manby continues fairytale debut

Debutant Charlie Manby continued his impressive run with a confident 4-2 victory over Ricky Evans, setting up a last-16 meeting with European Champion Gian van Veen.

After early struggles on the doubles, the 20-year-old found his rhythm, winning nine of the final 12 legs to extend his breakthrough campaign, having already accounted for Cameron Menzies and Adam Sevada.

“It’s unbelievable to be in the last 16,” Manby said. “Everything seems to be clicking at the moment.

“I know Gian well and we’ve practised together. I think it will be a good game with a great pace.”

Rock and Hood progress

Josh Rock also impressed, defeating Callan Rydz 4-1 with a 99 average and nine maximums to reach the last 16 for the second time in his career.

Justin Hood joined him after a polished display against Ryan Meikle, landing three ton-plus finishes to seal victory, despite surviving back-to-back 146 and 147 checkouts from Meikle during a dramatic fourth set.

All eyes on Day 17

The Paddy Power World Darts Championship resumes on Tuesday with Day 17, as round four concludes at Alexandra Palace.

Luke Humphries faces Kevin Doets in the evening’s headline match, while Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson renew one of the sport’s most iconic rivalries.

Elsewhere, Gian van Veen meets Manby, with Jonny Clayton and Josh Rock among the stars set to feature in the final day of PDC action in 2025.

Littler Survives Cross Scare as Quarter-Final Line-Up Takes Shape at Ally Pally

2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship

Monday December 29

Afternoon Session

Round Three

Justin Hood 4-1 Ryan Meikle (3-2, 3-1, 3-0, 1-3, 3-2)

Charlie Manby 4-2 Ricky Evans (1-3, 3-2, 0-3, 3-2, 3-1, 3-0)

Kevin Doets 4-3 Nathan Aspinall (1-3, 3-2, 2-3, 3-2, 2-3, 3-0, 3-0)

Evening Session

Round Three x1

Josh Rock 4-1 Callan Rydz (1-3, 3-2, 3-0, 3-2, 3-2)

Round Four x2

Ryan Searle 4-0 James Hurrell (3-2, 3-0, 3-1, 3-1)

Luke Littler 4-2 Rob Cross (3-1, 1-3, 3-0, 3-1, 2-3, 3-2)

Tuesday December 30

Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)

Round Four x3

Luke Woodhouse v Krzysztof Ratajski

Jonny Clayton v Andreas Harrysson

Justin Hood v Josh Rock

Evening Session (1900 GMT)

Round Four x3

Charlie Manby v Gian van Veen

Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson

Luke Humphries v Kevin Doets