Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liveupdated

World Darts Championship LIVE: Latest updates as Luke Littler demolishes Raymond van Barneveld in last-16

The 56-year-old Dutchman crashed out as the 16-year-old Englishman won 4-1

Michael Jones
Saturday 30 December 2023 19:32 EST
Comments
Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler admits he has ‘nothing to lose’ in historic run

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Teenage sensation Luke Littler continued his historic World Darts Championship journey by downing hero Raymond van Barneveld to reach the quarter-finals.

The 16-year-old has set the Alexandra Palace tournament alight on debut and is the youngest player ever to reach the last eight after a stunning 4-1 win. He showed maturity and talent way beyond his tender years to get past the five-time world champion, who he used to imitate in front of the television as a three-year-old.

Luke Humphries then clinched a classic that came down to a sudden death leg against Joe Cullen. Both men had darts at winning the match but it has the world number three who managed to get through to the quarter-finals.

Brendan Dolan also beat his second former world champion in three days when he ousted Gary Anderson 4-3. The Northern Irishman, who dumped out Gerwyn Price in the third round, was heading out as Anderson rallied from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 but he fought back to claim the final two sets and reach the last eight.

Relive all the action from the World Darts Championship below:

World Darts Championship LIVE

Luke Humphries 3-3 (1-2) Joe Cullen

Joe Cullen needs to hold serve but Humphries is putting him under immense pressure. Cullen repeatedly misses the trebles and Humphries gets down to 122.

He leaves 56 with Cullen nowhere close.

Humphries cleans out and brings himself back into the match.

Mike Jones30 December 2023 23:32

World Darts Championship LIVE

Luke Humphries 3-3 (0-2) Joe Cullen

Cullen is on the charge! A 180 puts him ahead in the scoring but Humphries gets to a finish first. It’s 147 but he only score 59.

Cullen is left with 91 and leaves one dart at double 10. He misses it though!

Humphries can’t hold throw with his visit and Cullen goes lands the double to break and move within one of victory.

Mike Jones30 December 2023 23:30

World Darts Championship LIVE

Luke Humphries 3-3 (0-1) Joe Cullen

In deciding sets the winner must go clear by two legs. Luke Humphries just slides wide of the bullseye to take out 164 and Cullen tidies up 40 to win the first leg.

Mike Jones30 December 2023 23:28

World Darts Championship LIVE

Luke Humphries 3-3 (0-0) Joe Cullen

Bang, bang! Joe Cullen has the chance to take out Luke Humphries but misses it and the world number three hits treble 18 and double 20 to take the set in a straight sweep.

There’s going to be a deciding set.

Mike Jones30 December 2023 23:27

World Darts Championship LIVE

Luke Humphries 2-3 (2-0) Joe Cullen

Cullen misses a shot at the bull from 107 and leaves 47. Humphries doesn’t take out 90 but Cullen’s next visit isn’t good and Humphries takes the leg to move comfortably ahead in the set.

Mike Jones30 December 2023 23:25

World Darts Championship LIVE

Luke Humphries 2-3 (1-0) Joe Cullen

Onto a sixth set then. Can Humphries respond and hold his throw? He needs to.

He leaves 40 but Cullen hits a 180 to increase the pressure. Humphries doesn’t feel it and lands tops to start the set off in beautiful fashion.

Mike Jones30 December 2023 23:24

World Darts Championship LIVE

Luke Humphries 2-3 (0-0) Joe Cullen

Whose going to take the initiative?

Joe Cullen throws the better start and leaves 140. He’ll have six darts at it and leaves himself 40 to win the leg. There’s no pressure from Humphries and Cullen hits the double to win the set.

He needs one more to win this match.

Mike Jones30 December 2023 23:22

World Darts Championship LIVE

Luke Humphries 2-2 (2-2) Joe Cullen

180! Humphries is ticking now. A maximum puts him in control and a last dart treble 20 keeps him going with an 80. He scores 140 and leaves 16.

He hits 8, he hits 4, he misses double 2!

Cullen fails to take out 131 and leaves Humphries three more darts for the set. He misses them all. Cullen doesn’t miss. He takes out double 5 and forces a fifth leg in the set.

Mike Jones30 December 2023 23:21

World Darts Championship LIVE

Luke Humphries 2-2 (2-1) Joe Cullen

All Cullen needs to do at the minute is score well and hold his throw. Humphries is starting to find a bit of mojo and sets up a finish of 70.

Cullen needs 145 but misses his second needed double.

Humphries takes it out in two darts and will throw to break for the set.

Mike Jones30 December 2023 23:19

World Darts Championship LIVE

Luke Humphries 2-2 (1-1) Joe Cullen

Should Cullen hope to win this match he needs to put more pressure on Humphries’ throw. He was doing that in the opening two sets but has slipped off the boil slighty.

Humphries takes out 78 in two darts to draw level again.

Mike Jones30 December 2023 23:17

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in