World Darts Championship LIVE: Semi-final results after Luke Littler beats Rob Cross to set up final with Luke Humphries

Teenage star Luke Littler is one win away from completing his sensational World Darts Championship dream as he cruised into the final.

The 16-year-old has set the Alexandra Palace alight over the last fortnight and is the youngest-ever player to reach the decider of the premier darts tournament.

The 16-year-old Littler eased past Brendan Dolan to reach the final four and has now defeated former World Champion Rob Cross for a place in Wednesday’s final. Cross - who won the tournament back in 2018 on debut - booked his place in the semi-finals after a miraculous display on Monday, fighting back from 4-0 down to defeat the in-form Chris Dobey 5-4. But he had no chance of a comeback this time as he went down 6-2.

In the other semi-final, pre-tournament favourite Luke Humphries hammered Scott Williams and will meet Littler in the final. Humphries reached this stage after a comprehensive win over Dave Chisnall, while Williams produced one of the shocks of the tournament to defeat three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals - but couldn’t repeat the feat, losing 6-0 in the semis.

Follow all the live reaction below, and get all the latest darts betting sites offers here.

World Darts Championship semi-finals LIVE

• 16-year-old Luke Littler faces former World Champion Rob Cross

• Pre-tournament favourite Luke Humphries takes on Scott Williams

• Littler loses first set but roars back to beat Cross and take place in final

• Sensational performance from Humphries to take second semi-final 6-0 against Williams

Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler celebrates historic semi-final win at world championship

Tuesday 2 January 2024 23:26 , Karl Matchett

Teenage sensation Luke Littler has reached the World Darts Championship final.

The 16-year-old, who burst onto the scene last month, produced the performance of his life to beat Rob Cross in his semi-final at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday night (2 January).

Cross, a former world champion in brilliant form, was blown away by Littler, who won 6-2 to book his place in the final.

The teenager showed no nerves on the biggest stage of his career - and is now just one win away from making even more history - and winning it all..

Moment Luke Littler celebrates historic semi-final win at World Darts Championship

World Darts Championship LIVE

Tuesday 2 January 2024 23:10 , Karl Matchett

Two fantastic performances, two Lukes, one final.

Make sure you come back for more tomorrow - we’ll have it all live.

Superstar teenager Luke Littler books place in World Darts Championship final

Tuesday 2 January 2024 23:00 , Karl Matchett

Teenage star Luke Littler is one win away from completing his sensational World Darts Championship dream as he cruised into the final.

The 16-year-old has set the Alexandra Palace alight over the last fortnight and is the youngest-ever player to reach the decider of the premier darts tournament.

He is now on the cusp of producing one of the greatest sporting stories of all time, which would rival Emma Raducanu’s US Open win in 2021.

Littler has already proved he is the real deal but produced his biggest statement yet as he downed eighth seed Rob Cross 6-2 in stunning fashion.

He bombarded the treble-20 16 times, produced three 130-plus checkouts and averaged 106.05 in a nerveless performance.

‘The Nuke’ is trying to emulate 2018 champion Cross by lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy on debut and few would bet against him as his juggernaut looks impossible to stop.

Whatever happens in Wednesday’s final he is the story of the tournament.

Superstar teenager Luke Littler books place in World Darts Championship final

Luke Humphries 6-0 Scott Williams

Tuesday 2 January 2024 22:52 , Karl Matchett

“It was amazing - never would have imagined myself to be world NO.1, that’s a special feeling,” Humphries says.

“As I’ve said, that can last a couple of months, world champion is forever. I’ve got a big test on against Luke.

“In the practice room I felt even better, I was watching [the first semi-final]. To perform like that is very pleasing.”

Luke Humphries 6-0 Scott Williams

Tuesday 2 January 2024 22:51 , Karl Matchett

That’s it! We’ll have a final of Lukes: Littler vs Humphries tomorrow night in the World Darts Championship final.

108.74 his average - the highest of the tournament and a top-10 average in this tournament’s history. What a way to reach the final and guarantee himself the world No.1 spot after this tournament.

Sensational display tonight.

Luke Humphries 6-0 Scott Williams

Tuesday 2 January 2024 22:49 , Karl Matchett

Williams breaks and has the advantage of throw and the Humphries average has just dipped below 110 for the first time tonight. A win tonight and he becomes world No.1, remember.

Williams busts his score - misses double 6 and back to 126. Humphries picks up 180 to leave himself 30, Williams misses bull with a different route this time but Humphries punishes him, 2-1.

Throwing to reach the final now and to face Luke Littler. The first match dart is missed but a double 10 is all he needs and he duly gets it - that’s a superb 6-0 semi-final victory and he’s on top of the world and into the final!

Luke Humphries 5-0 Scott Williams

Tuesday 2 January 2024 22:38 , Karl Matchett

A 19 and double 20 and that’s 2-0 - Humphries just flying through this match.

The No.3 seed then wraps it up with a bull, treble 13 and double 16 again - sensational. Raised eyebrows from Scott Williams who has just stood no chance so far. 5-0 to Humphries.

Luke Humphries 4-0 Scott Williams

Tuesday 2 January 2024 22:35 , Karl Matchett

Humphries 180. Williams 180. But the former has only 41 left to claim the first leg and duly does so, 1-0 in the fifth. Williams is into must-win territory in this set.

Luke Humphries 4-0 Scott Williams

Tuesday 2 January 2024 22:29 , Karl Matchett

Bull, treble 20, double top is the highlight of the fourth set as Humphries shows magnificent poise to claim the fourth leg and force a decider. Williams needs this one and takes himself to 211 but Humphries is averaging over 111 though as he moves to within striking distance.

Humphries misses double 10 to make it 4-0, but is given a reprieve and, despite taking the long way around, rattles off the set with double 2.

Superstar teenager Luke Littler books place in World Darts Championship final

Tuesday 2 January 2024 22:22 , Karl Matchett

Teenage star Luke Littler is one win away from completing his sensational World Darts Championship dream as he cruised into the final.

The 16-year-old has set the Alexandra Palace alight over the last fortnight and is the youngest-ever player to reach the decider of the premier darts tournament.

He is now on the cusp of producing one of the greatest sporting stories of all time, which would rival Emma Raducanu’s US Open win in 2021.

Littler has already proved he is the real deal but produced his biggest statement yet as he downed eighth seed Rob Cross 6-2 in stunning fashion.

He bombarded the treble-20 16 times, produced three 130-plus checkouts and averaged 106.05 in a nerveless performance.

Superstar teenager Luke Littler books place in World Darts Championship final

Luke Humphries 3-0 Scott Williams

Tuesday 2 January 2024 22:20 , Karl Matchett

Humphries continues his imperious start in the third set but Williams rallies well to claim a leg.

Humphries takes a second, then Williams misses a double nine to level matters. He gets a second chance though and sends it to a decider.

Both need a bull to finish - only Humphries lands it and that’s three sets to nil. He’s flying and halfway to the final.

Luke Humphries 2-0 Scott Williams

Tuesday 2 January 2024 22:08 , Karl Matchett

Pretty relentless from Luke Humphries as he powers through the second set - a rueful shake of the head from Scott Williams who knows he’s up against it already.

Williams thinks he’s left himself a nice finish from 80 but doesn’t even get the chance as Humphries closes from 136 to win the second set 3-0.

Luke Humphries 1-0 (3-2) Scott Williams

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:58 , Karl Matchett

Another leg apiece as they rapidly move through the first set.

Humphries whacks in a 180 at the start of the decider fifth leg, then leaves himself 129 for the first attempt at a finish.

5, treble 20...16. Not what he wanted initially but just needs double top to finish next time out and he does so - that’s the first set to Humphries.

Luke Humphries 0-0 (1-1) Scott Williams

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:54 , Karl Matchett

Off we go then. Scott Williams is very quickly off the mark, clocks up a 180 and finishes neatly for the first leg.

Second leg sees Humphries picks up his own first 180 and needs 81 to close and immediate break back - and he does so with ease. Double 12 to finish.

Luke Humphries vs Scott Williams

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:51 , Karl Matchett

Now we turn attention to the second semi-final.

Humphries is a three-time major champion and says he’s “experienced all the emotions” - he’s ready to go.

Williams says he “can’t complain” after some struggles, as he’s still a semi-finalist and wants to go one step further.

Rob Cross 2-6 (2-3) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:50 , Karl Matchett

No changes to the routine tomorrow for Littler ahead of the final. “I learned to keep composed after two or three sets, that’s not the finish. I’ll just do what I’ve been doing [before the final]. I’ll go for my omelette tomorrow then come here and get to the board!”

Will he be watching the other semi-final? Sure he will.

Rob Cross 2-6 (2-3) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:45 , Karl Matchett

Littler speaks after his semi-final win:

“It’s crazy to think I’m in the final on my debut. I was happy to win one game and now I could go all the way. You play Rob, he’s world champion on his debut. He’s just said ‘respect, go and do it’.

“I just wanted to win my first-round game. I heard rumours [my opponent] was struggling with an injury but I just blocked it out and tried to play my game.

“I’ve just settled on the stage. It takes me a few games to settle into a rhythm but once I find it I’m good to go.”

What is the World Darts Championship prize money?

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:40 , Karl Matchett

Want to know what everyone else is searching for right now, after a 16-year-old took his place in the final?

This:

What is the World Darts Championship prize money?

Rob Cross 2-6 (2-3) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:35 , Karl Matchett

That was some special work from Luke Littler, who showed absolutely no nerves to beat one of the finest by a massive margin.

Rob Cross 2-6 (2-3) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:32 , Karl Matchett

Walking in a Littler wonderland is once more ringing out and the inevitable is closing in. Might not be this leg though - Cross has 36 to take it and he gets it first time of asking. That’s 2-2 and we go to a decider.

Littler starts with a classic 137. Cross misses treble 20 twice and is already on the chase, as Littler takes two of them himself.

From 224 it’s treble 20, 20 and 18 to leave 126. It’s a big finish but we’ve seen him do similar already...he can’t this time and leaves 80.

Treble 20, double 10, he loves that finish - Luke Littler is into the World Championship final, 19 days before his 17th birthday!

Rob Cross 2-5 (1-2) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:28 , Karl Matchett

102 left for Littler. Cross needs a great leave but misses his second treble 20 so it’s 141 for him.

Littler misses his double 16 to take the leg and Cross needs a perfect 141 - leaves himself 78. Double 8 landed at the first time of asking and Luke Littler is one leg away from the final.

Rob Cross 2-5 (1-1) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:26 , Karl Matchett

Cross needs double 18 to take the second leg and gets it with his second dart.

What about this for a finish though last time around!

Rob Cross 2-5 (0-1) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:24 , Karl Matchett

Let’s see if he finishes matters at the first time of asking.

Cross needs to pull off an even bigger comeback than in his last outing and so far there’s scant evidence that it might happen. He lands 100 and again looks angry with it. That’s the standard he’s facing.

132 for Littler: bullseye, bullseye, double 16. Amazing stuff to take the first leg. Roars from inside the arena.

Rob Cross 2-5 (1-3) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:18 , Karl Matchett

Littler playing with confidence, Cross with frustration, constantly shaking his head. Littler misses and leaves himself 50 to finish. Needs double 16 and lands it - that’s the fifth set of the night for him. Rob Cross smiles as he leaves the stage but he knows he’s in a world of trouble now.

The World final awaits the teen, who looks unstoppable.

Rob Cross 2-4 (1-2) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:16 , Karl Matchett

Littler straight back at it to make it 1-1 with ease.

Cross constantly under pressure and unable to string together the back-to-back legs he really needs to open up a bit of a gap, give himself a bit of breathing space.

Littler moves to 87, Cross only lands 59 to leave himself 170. He returns to the board but it’s a massive ask and he doesn’t come close to landing it in truth. Double ten for Littler once more to finish and it’s 2-1.

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

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:13 , Karl Matchett

Cross needs 94to win this first leg but misses both double attempts. Littler needs a bull to finish from 132 - hits the outer.

Double 18 for Cross and that’s 1-0 in the seventh.

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

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:11 , Karl Matchett

107 for Cross but only takes himself to 50. Littler needs 82 but again misses the double tops. Needs double 10 next time if he gets the chance but Cross needs double 8 first...and misses.

A shake of the shoulders, a stretch of the neck...and Littler finds his double 10 to win the set! 4-2 now and he’s two sets from the final.

Rob Cross 2-3 (1-2) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:08 , Karl Matchett

40% and 47% for landing doubles now, the latter being Littler. He’s also hit a total of 14 tonight for 180s.

In this leg he needs 16 to finish out while Cross has yet to get to below 200 - a simple double 8 does the job. 2-1 to Littler, who will now seek to reestablish his two-set lead.

Rob Cross 2-3 (1-1) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 21:06 , Karl Matchett

Rapid start from Littler in this sixth set. He takes the first leg and moves to 52 for the second, lands the 12 but twice misses double tops.

Cross manages to find it though and levels matters.

Rob Cross 2-3 (3-2) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:58 , Karl Matchett

For the set, then.

Cross misses a big chance and Littler needs 74 - but misses double tops. 20 and double 20 for Cross to take the fifth set...and finds it!

Shakes his head, seems annoyed at missing the previous finish but he’s back in the semi-final all the same.

Rob Cross 1-3 (2-2) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:55 , Karl Matchett

Very nearly another big finish for Cross but just misses the double 9. Littler couldn’t finish 131 so it’s Double 4 for Cross and he has quickly taken the lead in this set. Important that he gets himself back in the running and make it 3-2.

Littler now is the one looking just a little more unsure with his darts, as Cross lands 180 - the 21st of the night. Leaves himself 32, Cross goes from 166 to 62 but it’s up to Littler for double 16...hits the single and misses double 8. Opportunity gone - but Cross also misses the double 8!

Littler nabs the leg second time around.

Rob Cross 1-3 (1-1) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:50 , Karl Matchett

18 left, Littler splits it but can’t finish. Still 16 to close.

138 for Cross and a chance to get back in the set: Double 18, double 18, needs double 15....and lands it! 1-1, and Littler nods his approval. Fist bump between the pair at that finish.

Rob Cross 1-3 (0-1) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:49 , Karl Matchett

The 850th tournament 180 is landed by Littler as we head into the fifth set. Big pressure on Cross now to come up with some big accuracy.

It’s the teenager who keeps up the standard though, lands another 180 and doubles out to take the first leg.

Cross actually has the marginally higher average, just over 106.6, but he’s simply not finishing them when he needs to.

Rob Cross 1-3 (0-0) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:42 , Karl Matchett

Luke Littler is halfway to the World Championship final after a brilliant comeback performance since that difficult first set.

Huge job on now for Rob Cross to salvage the night and his tournament.

Rob Cross 1-3 (2-3) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:41 , Karl Matchett

Cross knows he needs a big game here to get back in with a chance to take this set - and he provides it with a fine double 17. 2-2 now and he needs to do it again - fantastic start with another 180.

Littler isn’t bothered - he turns around and lands one of his own - and then Cross turns around and does exactly the same again!

Classic excitement as the third in a row lands.

141 for Cross to claim the leg but he can’t do it and Littler has only left 41. Double 16 and it’s 3-1 to Littler!

Rob Cross 1-2 (1-2) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:37 , Karl Matchett

Cross misses another bullseye finish - third one of the match. Littler steps up and smashes out 149 to go 2-1 up in the fourth set.

Quite incredible.

Rob Cross 1-2 (1-1) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:35 , Karl Matchett

Littler picks straight back up where he left off and takes the first leg of the fourth.

Another 180 follows, that’s 12 for the night. Six wins of the last seven legs have gone his way, after that magic start from Cross.

It’s 164 to finish, Littler’s highest finish of this tournament, but he doesn’t replicate that here and Cross closes out his 32 instead to level the set, 1-1.

Rob Cross 1-2 (1-3) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:32 , Karl Matchett

Cross keeps the set alive with a very calm finish and a bit of a grin at the crowd - receiving a bit of stick from them, perhaps.

Littler picks up the match’s 10th 180 of the night, taking himself to 164 and picks up a solid 100 next time out. Cross on 68 so Littler must finish this time for the set - but misses double tops to do so.

Can Cross close out? He can’t double 16 missed and Littler lands double 10 to lead two sets to one!

Rob Cross 1-1 (0-2) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:28 , Karl Matchett

88 or 86? Littler couldn’t finish the latter, Cross comes in and needs double 14, gets the single, misses the double 7.

Littler misses the first throw, five instead of 20, but finishes to take the first leg.

Cross needs to raise his game once more.

5/17 doubles found for Cross, 6/10 for Littler. And Littler has just landed another 180 to wild acclaim - 140 the follow for Cross. Littler hits treble 17 twice and needs double tops for another leg - nails it.

Rob Cross 1-1 (2-3) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:20 , Karl Matchett

Littler goes low to move to 74, Cross misses the second double 10 he needs to close out and Littler buries double 12 to take the leg and the set! One apiece and he suddenly looks far happier.

Rob Cross 1-0 (2-2) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:17 , Karl Matchett

Littler shakes his head in frustration after missing his mark once more. What’s the response? This is really the first time he’s struggled, been under pressure, at the Championship.

Rob Cross really on top right now and playing well - needs 86 to finish and take a two-set lead. 18, 18...25. Misses his chance and Littler closes with double 12 to go 2-2 in the second set.

Rob Cross 1-0 (2-1) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:15 , Karl Matchett

Cross hits back to take the next leg and just ask another question of his young opponent, who again finds the five instead of the 20 as he returns to the board.

Cross has the chance to clear from 128. Treble 18, 18, 20 - leaves himself 36. Back he comes for double 18 for a second straight leg - but hits the single and misses the double 9.

One more chance for Littler and he incredibly sees the dart bounce out off the metal!

Ten and double four sees Cross finally land the leg.

Rob Cross 1-0 (0-1) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:10 , Karl Matchett

Zero trebleless visits for Cross in the first set - work for Littler to do to improve on that score.

The second set starts with Littler getting one treble 20 then seeing the next arrow ricochet across into the five. Cross takes 180, Littler responds with the exact same score. 12 to close out for Littler if he gets the chance, Cross needs the bull...gets the outer!

Double 3 for Littler to take the first leg.

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

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:04 , Karl Matchett

“Wow”, mouths Littler as he lands just one of the three treble 19s he was aiming for.

Cross takes himself down to 32, Littler responds with 180 but the former champion closes the first set with a double 16 first dart.

Rob Cross 0-0 (2-2) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 20:02 , Karl Matchett

180 for Cross, his first of the night. Both miss a throw they could have finished on but Cross hits back to land a double 8 and take the third leg.

Littler then only opens with 57 next leg, leaving himself work to do - and Cross looks very much at ease right now, asking the crowd for some noise after landing another double 18 to leave himself 54 to finish. Double 20 is missed though...double 10 too.

Littler 76 to take the leg - and he lands it! 2-2.

Rob Cross 0-0 (1-1) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 19:58 , Karl Matchett

Cheers ring out as Littler lands the first 180 of the night!

A second attempt to finish from 170 for the youngster but he leaves 34 on the board. Cross doesn’t finish from 134 and Littler lands double 10 to equal matters, 1-1.

Rob Cross 0-0 (1-0) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 19:56 , Karl Matchett

Cross opens with 100 and here we go. Massive atmosphere as we get started, chiefly due to “stand up if you love the darts” chants.

Cross hits the bull but can’t finish from 121, leaving Littler 170 - also misses out, hitting the 1 instead of 20. Double 20 for Cross...takes him three darts but he manages it in the end to claim the first leg!

Rob Cross 0-0 (0-0) Luke Littler

Tuesday 2 January 2024 19:53 , Karl Matchett

“Walking in a Littler wonderland” is ringing out around the Ally Pally as we prepare to get underway!

98.92 tournament average for Cross, 100.29 for Littler.

Rob Cross vs Luke Littler - LIVE

Tuesday 2 January 2024 19:52 , Karl Matchett

Luke Littler is introduced by our Master of Ceremonies - plenty of noise and acclaim for him - including from a giant stuffed dog in the crowd. The youngster plays to the crowd, asking for more noise.

Rob Cross joins him on stage amid a host of boos initially - soon drowned out by music, cheers and plenty of other noise.

The two players shake and we’re about ready to get going for the first World Championship semifinal.

Rob Cross vs Luke Littler - LIVE

Tuesday 2 January 2024 19:46 , Karl Matchett

Here’s the route to the last four for both players:

Rob Cross

3-0 vs Thibault Tricole

4-2 vs Jeffre de Graaf

4-0 vs Jonny Clayton

QF: 5-4 vs Chris Dobey

Luke Littler

3-0 vs Christian Kist

3-1 vs Andrew Gilding

4-1 vs Matt Campbell

4-1 vs Raymond van Barneveld

QF 5-1 vs Brendan Dolan

Rob Cross vs Luke Littler - LIVE

Tuesday 2 January 2024 19:39 , Karl Matchett

As a reminder, we’re into first to six sets in the semis. Here is the format for each round:

First Round - Best of five sets

Second Round - Best of five sets

Third Round - Best of seven sets

Fourth Round - Best of seven sets

Quarter-Finals - Best of nine sets

Semi-Finals - Best of 11 sets

Final - Best of 13 sets

Rob Cross vs Luke Littler - LIVE

Tuesday 2 January 2024 19:34 , Karl Matchett

We are back at Ally Pally and just four are left standing - Rob Cross vs Luke Littler is first up in the semi-finals.

Luke Humphries takes on Scott Williams in the second later this evening.

What is the World Darts Championship prize money?

Tuesday 2 January 2024 19:15 , Karl Matchett

Defending champion Michael Smith is out and there will be a different name on the trophy this year, with the World Darts Championship entering the final stages at Alexandra Palace. Smith won last year’s tournament, beating Michael van Gerwen 7-4 in the final to lift the trophy for the first time but fell to Chris Dobey in the last 16 this time round.

We’re reaching the business end after 96 players took part in the prestigious championship hoping for their shot at glory. As runner-up back in January, Van Gerwen has also been dumped out of the tournament following his loss to Scott Williams with Luke Humphries the new favourite to win the competition.

What is the World Darts Championship prize money?

Luke Littler confident ahead of World Darts Championship semi-finals: ‘It’s going to take a lot to stop me’

Tuesday 2 January 2024 19:05 , Karl Matchett

Luke Littler will aim to move a step closer to World Championship glory on Tuesday night and his path became clearer after tournament favourite Michael van Gerwen crashed out.

The 16-year-old has taken Alexandra Palace by storm and became the youngest semi-finalist ever after he beat Brendan Dolan 5-1 in the quarter-final.

A semi-final against 2018 winner Rob Cross is next up, but he will no longer have to meet Van Gerwen in the final after the three-time champion suffered one of the biggest shocks in recent times, going out 5-3 to unseeded Scott Williams.

It was a new year, but the same old brilliance from the precocious Littler, who is on the cusp of producing one of the greatest sporting stories of all time.

And the teenager believes it is going to “take a lot” to stop his juggernaut.

‘It’s going to take a lot to stop me’: Luke Littler eyes World Championship final

James Maddison, Declan Rice and the Premier League players supporting Luke Littler at World Championship

Tuesday 2 January 2024 18:55 , Karl Matchett

Luke Littler has taken the darts world by storm and is making headlines around the world as the 16-year-old stands on the cusp of one of the greatest sporting stories of all time at the World Championship.

The teenage darts sensation plays Rob Cross in the semi-finals tonight and is enjoying celebrity status amid his historic run at Alexandra Palace.

Littler became the youngest semi-finalist ever after beating Brendan Dolan 5-1 in the quarter-finals on Monday night, which followed his stunning victory over his childhood idol Raymond van Barneveld.

The Cheshire player is also attracting the support of Premier League stars and the Manchester United fans was a guest at Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur matches over the weekend.

Littler and his family received complimentary tickets to watch Arsenal in the Premier League on Thursday night, with Gunners pair Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale asking him for a photo.

James Maddison, Declan Rice and the Premier League players supporting Luke Littler

Luke Humphries back to his best

Tuesday 2 January 2024 18:45 , Ben Fleming

It was a quiet start to these Championships for the pre-tournament favourite Luke Humpries but the World No. 3 was back to his ruthless best in the quarters last night, with a 5-1 dismantling of Dave Chisnall.

Humphries is now unbeaten in 17 straight games and won the Players Championship and Grand Slam prior to this event. He’s the man in form but will have to negotiate a tricky semi-final customer in Scott Williams if he is to reach Wednesday’s showcase finale.

Scott Williams after yet another upset

Tuesday 2 January 2024 18:35 , Ben Fleming

Luke Littler’s journey has stolen the spotlight but the performance of Scott Williams is equally noteworthy.

The unseeded Englishman had already dumped out two top-ten players to reach the quarter-finals but produced the shock of the tournament to defeat three-time champ Michael van Gerwen.

Williams said of his famous win: “Words don’t describe it, I am very, very happy.

“Michael is probably the best player in my generation, to be here is crazy ridiculous, but he wasn’t the Michael van Gerwen we have seen over the last few games, but I don’t really care.

“I am just happy to be here for another day. It is not about what he did in this game, it is about what I did. I hit my doubles and my treble 20s.”

Rob Cross looks to spoil the party

Tuesday 2 January 2024 18:25 , Ben Fleming

Standing between Littler and a place in tomorrow’s final is eighth seed Rob Cross who pulled off a miraculous comeback to reach the final four.

Cross looked dead and buried when he was 4-0 down after barely 45 minutes as Chris Dobey played one of the matches of his life before the former electrician sparked into life and reeled off five successive sets to win 5-4.

The 33-year-old knows a thing or two about making a splash in this tournament, having demolished the legendary Phil Taylor to win the 2018 World Championship on debut but says he will try to block out the noise as he looks to reach the World Championship final for the first time since his maiden win.

“Everyone loves an underdog story,” Cross said of Littler’s journey. “It took a bit of pressure off me winning it first time as well.

“He’s fantastic and he deserves all the luck in the world - he is a nice young boy. Tomorrow we play darts, though, and I have to go down to business.”

Meet Luke Littler – the 16-year-old darts prodigy lighting up the World Championship

Tuesday 2 January 2024 18:15 , Ben Fleming

The 16-year-old has taken Alexandra Palace by storm and became the youngest semi-finalist ever after he beat Brendan Dolan 5-1 in the quarter-final.

Littler now has a final-four clash against Rob Cross for a place in tomorrow’s final.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new darting sensation:

Meet Luke Littler – the 16-year-old darts prodigy lighting up the World Championship

Luke Littler confident of Ally Pally glory as Michael van Gerwen dumped out

Tuesday 2 January 2024 18:05 , Ben Fleming

Luke Littler says it is going to take something special to stop him becoming world darts champion and his path to Alexandra Palace glory became clearer after three-time winner Michael van Gerwen crashed out.

The 16-year-old has taken the World Championship by storm and continued his amazing journey by becoming the youngest semi-finalist ever after beating Brendan Dolan 5-1.

It was a new year but the same old brilliance from the precocious Littler, who is on the cusp of producing one of the greatest sporting stories of all time.

A semi-final against 2018 winner Rob Cross is next up but he will no longer have to meet Van Gerwen in the final after the Dutchman suffered one of the biggest shocks in recent times, going out 5-3 to unseeded Scott Williams in the last eight.

Here’s a recap of last night’s action:

Luke Littler confident of Ally Pally glory as Michael van Gerwen dumped out

Good evening!

Tuesday 2 January 2024 15:13 , Ben Fleming

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the World Darts Championship semi-finals - and what an evening we have in store for you!

After a mouthwatering set of quarter-finals on Monday, the final four return to the Alexandra Palace as they look to make it to tomorrow’s final. First up, teenage sensation Luke Littler will look to continue his fairytale story as he takes on former World Champion Rob Cross.

After that, pre-tournament favourite Luke Humphries will take on Scott Williams for a place in the final.

Stay tuned right here for all the build-up and live updates!

Luke Littler hinted he would take sporting world by storm at three years old

Tuesday 2 January 2024 23:26 , Karl Matchett

Luke Littler gave a big hint that he was going to take the sporting world by storm when he was just three years old.

The 16-year-old from Warrington has enjoyed an historic run to the final of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, becoming the youngest player to ever do so.

Nicknamed ‘The Nuke’, he is just now one win away from producing one of the greatest sporting stories of all time.

Luke Littler hinted he would take sporting world by storm at three years old