Luke Littler triumphed over his friend Nathan Aspinall to secure the final place in the semi-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship.
The 17-year-old, who narrowly missed out on the title last year, produced an excellent performance, winning 5-2.
Littler, considered by many to be the favorite to win the tournament, will now face Stephen Bunting in the semi-finals. Bunting earned his place by defeating two-time champion Peter Wright by the same score of 5-2.
In the second semi-final on Thursday, Michael van Gerwen, the three-time world champion, will play against Chris Dobey.
Littler’s dominance continues
After showing some nerves in the previous rounds, fourth seed Littler started strongly, winning the first set in just four minutes with an average of 118.
Despite Aspinall’s efforts to stay in the match – incredible given his struggles with elbow and wrist injuries this year – he was unable to keep pace with Littler.
Littler recorded 15 180s during the match and is on track to become the tournament’s youngest winner. The current record holder, Michael van Gerwen, was 24 years and nine months old when he won his first title in 2014.
Several performances by Luke Littler 💪 pic.twitter.com/84H0ASE10A
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2025
Bunting overpowers Wright
Stephen Bunting produced an outstanding performance against Peter Wright to secure his place 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 seemed unstoppable, racing her to a 4-0 lead before Wright managed to pull back two sets with a 133 checkout.
Bunting sealed the match with an average of 95 and led the crowd in a jubilant chant of “Let’s go Bunting mental” after his win.
Reflecting on his win, Bunting said: “In the back room I felt really nervous, on edge. Peter Wright is a massive fan favorite, a great mate of mine, and he’s my son’s favorite player, so I feel sorry for my son.”
A win will move Bunting up to No. 5 in the world after the tournament.
The second of our semi-finals is set…
Littler 🆚 Bunting
Who will go to 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, who is looking for his first world title since 2019, withstood Rydz in a high-quality encounter in which both players scored exceptionally.
Rydz, who hit 17 180s and averaged 103, pushed Van Gerwen throughout the match. However, Van Gerwen delivered under pressure, finishing with an average of 103.
“Games like this give you so much joy,” Van Gerwen said. “He gave his best and constantly put pressure on me. My game is in a good place, but that doesn’t mean anything yet.”
One of the really great quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace… 🙌 pic.twitter.com/PeUAlgvXZc
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2025
Dobey completes the line-up for the semi-finals
Chris Dobey came back from two sets down to defeat Gerwyn Price 5-3 to reach his first semi-final.
Despite a slow start, Dobey turned the match around by winning four straight sets.
Although he missed five shots to win 5-2, Dobey kept his composure and finished the match with a spectacular double-double.
“I’ve never been as nervous pitching for a winning double as I was today,” Dobey said. “I’m just happy that I made it and won.”
The first of our semi-finals is ready… 🙌
Michael van Gerwen will battle Chris Dobey for a place in the final. pic.twitter.com/p0F05nHpeX
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2025
