Van Veen Shocks Humphries to Reach Maiden World Semi-Final as Final Four Confirmed

Gian van Veen delivered a breathtaking performance on New Year’s Day to eliminate Luke Humphries and book his place in a first-ever Paddy Power World Darts Championship semi-final at Alexandra Palace.

The European Champion headlined a blockbuster day of quarter-final action, joining Luke Littler, Gary Anderson and Ryan Searle in the final four of the sport’s biggest tournament.

Van Veen produces career-defining performance

Van Veen arrived at Ally Pally this year without a single World Championship victory to his name, but the 23-year-old has rapidly rewritten his own narrative. His stunning 5-1 victory over world number two Humphries was not only emphatic on the scoreboard, but commanding in quality.

Continuing a remarkable head-to-head dominance — having already beaten Humphries four times in 2025 — the Dutchman produced his most polished display yet, averaging 105.41 and unleashing 11 maximums in a ruthless showing.

“I’m absolutely buzzing. I’m so proud of myself,” said Van Veen, who will rise to Dutch number one following the tournament, overtaking Michael van Gerwen.

“You know you have to be at your absolute best to beat Luke. He’s an unbelievable player.

“I always thought the European Championship was the biggest win of my career, but this tops it. The feeling is unreal.”

Van Veen struck first in a high-quality opening set, aided by clinical 120 and 124 finishes, before Humphries responded immediately to level proceedings. However, the momentum soon swung decisively.

After edging a nervy third set, Van Veen ignited the Ally Pally crowd with a spectacular 170 checkout and followed it up with a ten-dart leg to move 3-1 clear. Even after narrowly missing the bull for another ‘big fish’, the Dutchman kept his composure, winning a pivotal fifth-set decider before closing out victory with a polished 11-darter.

Littler marches on in ruthless fashion

Reigning champion Luke Littler continued his title defence in commanding style, sweeping aside Krzysztof Ratajski in straight sets to move within two wins of back-to-back world crowns.

Littler set the tone with a sensational 170 finish to snatch a tense opening set, and from there, momentum was firmly on his side. A seven-leg surge followed, featuring a 128 checkout on the bull and two ton-plus finishes, leaving Ratajski struggling to stem the tide.

The Polish number one showed resilience by mounting a fightback in the fourth set, but missed opportunities proved costly. Littler pounced on three missed darts to reduce the deficit and wrapped up the contest with typical efficiency.

“I didn’t feel completely comfortable, but a win is what matters,” Littler reflected, despite averaging 100, firing in ten 180s and converting 55% of his doubles.

“The first set was massive. To win it with a 170 without dropping a set in the tournament so far gave me confidence.”

Littler will now face Ryan Searle in Friday’s semi-final.

Searle continues dream run

Searle booked his spot in a maiden World Championship semi-final with a convincing 5-2 victory over fifth seed Jonny Clayton, extending his remarkable run in north London.

The Somerset thrower stormed into a 3-0 lead, capitalising on missed doubles from Clayton to claim a 17th consecutive set in this year’s competition. While the Welshman briefly halted the momentum in set four, Searle reasserted control, landing a vital 111 checkout to regain command.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Searle, who is set to break into the world’s top eight for the first time.

“My scoring wasn’t at its best today, but when it mattered, I found the finishes. That’s what got me through.”

Anderson’s experience shines through

The final quarter-final saw Gary Anderson halt Justin Hood’s fairytale run, as the two-time World Champion powered into his eighth World Championship semi-final.

Although Hood remained competitive early on, aided by sharp finishing that included 101 and 100 checkouts, Anderson’s class told in the latter stages. The Scot won nine of the final ten legs, producing a devastating burst of scoring and finishing to seal a 5-2 triumph.

Anderson capped his performance with checkouts of 72, 98, 121 and a superb 161, underlining his enduring pedigree on the Ally Pally stage.

“The atmosphere was unbelievable,” Anderson said after averaging just under 100. “Justin’s been fantastic this year — people definitely know who he is now.

“At this stage, everyone left can play. It’s all about who turns up on the night.”

Semi-final line-up confirmed

The Paddy Power World Darts Championship semi-finals take place on Friday evening, with Littler opening proceedings against Searle, before Van Veen faces Anderson in a mouth-watering clash for a place in the final.

Van Veen Shocks Humphries to Reach Maiden World Semi-Final as Final Four Confirmed

2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship

Thursday January 1

Quarter-Finals

Afternoon Session

Ryan Searle 5-2 Jonny Clayton (3-1, 3-0, 3-1, 1-3, 3-2, 1-3, 3-0)

Gary Anderson 5-2 Justin Hood (3-0, 1-3, 3-0, 2-3, 3-0, 3-1, 3-0)

Evening Session

Luke Littler 5-0 Krzysztof Ratajski (3-2, 3-0, 3-0, 3-2, 3-1)

Gian van Veen 5-1 Luke Humphries (3-2, 1-3, 3-2, 3-1, 3-2, 3-1)

Friday January 2 (1930 GMT)

Semi-Finals

Luke Littler v Ryan Searle

Gian van Veen v Gary Anderson