PDC World Darts Championship – Semi-Final Report

The PDC 2026 World Darts Championship reached a dramatic crescendo on semi-final night, as Alexandra Palace played host to two compelling contests that set up a fascinating final. One match delivered a pulsating heavyweight battle packed with quality and momentum swings, while the other showcased the ruthless efficiency of a young star continuing his remarkable rise on the sport’s biggest stage.

Van Veen holds nerve in classic against Anderson

Gian van Veen booked his place in a maiden World Darts Championship final with a superb 6-3 victory over Gary Anderson in a semi-final that will be remembered as one of the standout matches of the tournament. Both players produced sustained excellence, with averages above the 102 mark, but it was the Dutchman who repeatedly delivered in the defining moments.

Anderson began with real intent, breaking throw early and claiming the opening set, but Van Veen quickly signalled his own ambitions. Clinical finishing, including a series of finishes above the ton, allowed him to settle into the contest and level the match. As the sets progressed, the pattern became familiar: Anderson applying pressure with trademark scoring power, and Van Veen responding with composure and precision when it mattered most.

Several sets were decided by final-leg shootouts, and time and again Van Veen stood firm. His ability to produce 13 and 14-dart legs under maximum pressure proved decisive, particularly during a remarkable mid-match spell where he overturned a deficit against the throw on multiple occasions. Even when Anderson mounted a late rally to close the gap, the Dutchman refused to buckle.

In the ninth set, with a place in the final on the line, Van Veen showed the maturity of a seasoned contender. After trading breaks, he produced one last high-quality leg to seal victory and become only the third Dutch player to reach a World Championship final. It was a performance defined by resilience, nerve, and relentless scoring at the crucial moments.

Littler sweeps past Searle to reach another final

Luke Littler continued his extraordinary World Championship campaign with a commanding 6-1 win over Ryan Searle in the second semi-final. After a competitive opening set that went the way of Searle, Littler quickly took control and never looked back.

The turning point came early in the second set, as Littler raised his scoring power and punished any slips from his opponent. From that moment onwards, the teenager dictated the tempo of the match, combining heavy scoring with sharp finishing to reel off set after set. His ability to break throw proved decisive, repeatedly snatching control of legs at the first available opportunity.

Searle continued to battle and enjoyed moments of success, but Littler’s consistency was relentless. Checkouts above 100 punctuated his dominance, while a series of clinical 12 and 13-dart legs ensured there was little opportunity for his opponent to build momentum.

By the time Littler closed out the match, he had underlined why he is now regarded as one of the most formidable forces in the game. Reaching yet another World Championship final, he did so with a display that balanced maturity beyond his years with the fearless confidence that has become his trademark.

Final set for a fascinating showdown

With the semi-finals complete, the stage is now set for a captivating World Darts Championship final. Van Veen arrives with the confidence gained from surviving one of the toughest tests imaginable, while Littler comes in riding the wave of another dominant display.

Both players have taken very different routes to the final, yet each has shown the qualities required to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy. One has demonstrated resilience and nerve under sustained pressure, the other has imposed his will with authority and control. The clash of styles promises a fitting finale to another unforgettable World Darts Championship.

Follow all the action at this year’s World Darts Championship here