Luke Littler triumphed over his friend Nathan Aspinall to secure the final spot in the semi-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship.
The 17-year-old, who narrowly missed out on the title last year, delivered a commanding performance, running out a 5-2 winner.
Littler, widely regarded as the favourite to win the tournament, will now face Stephen Bunting in the semi-finals. Bunting earned his place by overcoming two-time champion Peter Wright with the same 5-2 scoreline.
The second semi-final on Thursday will feature Michael van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, taking on Chris Dobey.
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Littler’s dominance continues
After showing some nerves in earlier rounds, fourth-seeded Littler started strongly, clinching the first set in just four minutes with an average of 118.
Despite Aspinall’s efforts to stay in the match – remarkable given his struggles with elbow and wrist injuries this year – he was unable to keep up with Littler.
Littler recorded 15 180s during the match and is on course to become the youngest-ever winner of the tournament. The current record-holder, Michael van Gerwen, was 24 years and nine months old when he claimed his first title in 2014.
Some performance from Luke Littler 💪 pic.twitter.com/84H0ASE10A
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2025
Bunting overcomes Wright
Stephen Bunting delivered an exceptional performance against Peter Wright to secure his spot in the semi-finals.
Wright, a two-time world champion in 2020 and 2022, entered the match on the back of a strong win over defending champion Luke Humphries.
However, Bunting appeared unstoppable, racing to a 4-0 lead before Wright managed to claw back two sets with a 133 checkout.
Bunting sealed the match with a 95 average and led the crowd in a jubilant chant of “Let’s go Bunting mental” after his victory.
Reflecting on his win, Bunting said: “In the back room I felt really nervous, on edge. Peter Wright is a massive fans’ favourite, a great mate of mine, and he’s my son’s favourite player, so I feel sorry for my son.”
The win will move Bunting up to the World No.5 spot following the tournament.
The second of our Semi-Finals is set…
Littler 🆚 Bunting
Who will make the Final? pic.twitter.com/PqX90G48MS
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2025
Van Gerwen survives Rydz
Michael van Gerwen emerged victorious in a thrilling quarter-final clash against Callan Rydz, winning 5-3.
The Dutch star, seeking his first world title since 2019, held off Rydz in a high-quality encounter that featured exceptional scoring from both players.
Rydz, who hit 17 180s and averaged 103 pushed Van Gerwen throughout the match. However, Van Gerwen delivered under pressure, finishing with a 103 average.
“Games like this give you so much joy,” Van Gerwen said. “He gave everything and put pressure on me constantly. My game is in a good place, but it doesn’t mean anything yet.”
One of the truly great Quarter-Finals at Alexandra Palace… 🙌 pic.twitter.com/PeUAlgvXZc
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2025
Dobey completes semi-final line-up
Chris Dobey came back from two sets down to defeat Gerwyn Price 5-3 and advance to his first semi-final.
Despite a slow start, Dobey turned the match around by winning four consecutive sets.
Although he missed five darts to secure a 5-2 win, Dobey maintained his composure to clinch the match with a spectacular double-double finish.
“I’ve never been so nervous throwing for a winning double as I have today,” said Dobey. “I’m just pleased I ground it out and got the win.”
The first of our Semi-Finals is set… 🙌
Michael van Gerwen will take on Chris Dobey for a place in the Final. pic.twitter.com/p0F05nHpeX
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2025
