World Darts Championship LIVE: Latest scores after Luke Littler powers into semi-finals
The teenage phenom set up a semi-final against Stephen Bunting with victory over Nathan Aspinall at Ally Pally
An impressive Luke Littler powered into the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship as the teenage superstar beat Nathan Aspinall 5-2.
Littler had survived a scare earlier in the tournament but showed no signs of pressure in his last eight encounter, starting superbly and rarely relenting to again average three figures. While Aspinall stayed with the youngster at times, he never looked likely to produce the consistency to match last year’s runner-up, squandering a couple of key opportunities as Littler set up a meeting with Stephen Bunting.
Bunting had earlier overcome Peter Wright, surging to a 4-0 lead against the Scot before surviving a mini fightback to take the encounter 5-2. The afternoon action, meanwhile, saw Chris Dobey defeat Gerwyn Price with a fine performance, while Michael van Gerwen battled through a tough, high-scoring match against Callan Rydz as the Dutchman continued his pursuit of a fourth world title and remained on a potential final collision course with Littler.
We’re guaranteed a new winner in 2025 after defending champion Luke Humphries lost 4-1 to Wright in round three, with the Englishman joining two-time champion Gary Anderson and second seed Michael Smith as notable names to exit the competition early on.
Re-live all of the action from Ally Pally in our live blog below:
Luke Littler cruises past Nathan Aspinall to set up World Championship semi-final clash with Stephen Bunting
Luke Littler advanced to the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship for a second year running as he cruised past Nathan Aspinall 5-2 in their last-eight clash.
The 17-year-old made 15 maximums, taking his tally for the tournament past the half-century mark, and capitalised on Aspinall’s inability to finish his own opportunities as he made it look relatively comfortable.
Aspinall extended the contest by getting it back to 4-2 but Littler closed it out as he looks to cap an outstanding first year on the PDC Tour - in which he was won 10 titles - with his first world crown.
Luke Littler cruises past Nathan Aspinall to set up clash with Stephen Bunting
The favourite was in ominous form against Aspinall to set up a meeting with the dangerous Bunting, while Michael van Gerwen will take on Chris Dobey in the other last four encounter
The PDC World Darts Championship is in full flow, with plenty of shocks and show-stopping moments already captivating fans at Alexandra Palace.
But how much money is on the line, and what can players expect to take home if they reach the latter stages of the tournament?
World Darts Championship prize money: How much will winner earn at Ally Pally?
Luke Littler is the favourite for the title in 2025
Semi-final line-up
Thursday January 2 (7.30pm)
Semi-finals:
Michael van Gerwen vs Chris Dobey
Luke Littler vs Stephen Bunting
Luke Littler speaks to Sky Sports after reaching the last four
“I think we both played very well there. I’m very glad to win. I had to finish it. When we each won a set, we’d give each other a fist bump, but once it’s game on, it’s game on.
“It’s been fine. It feels like last year. I’m playing with absolute confidence and freedom. On to the semi-finals. The crowd have been good for me tonight, they can take their pick of who they want to support tomorrow. I don’t really like having days off, so I’ll be up for it again tomorrow.”
Luke Littler beats Nathan Aspinall 5-2 to reach World Darts Championship semi-finals
Game shot, and the match - Luke Littler is back in the last four at Ally Pally! Nathan Aspinall battled hard and hit some serious highs, but double tops is match dart. Another three-figure average for the favourite.
He’ll take on Stephen Bunting for a place in the final.
Luke Littler 4-2 (2-0) Nathan Aspinall
Dynamite. A checkout of 101 completed on tops and Littler is (again) a leg away.
Luke Littler 4-2 Nathan Aspinall
We’re going to another set! Nathan Aspinall is back from the brink - for now, at least.
Luke Littler 4-1 (2-2) Nathan Aspinall
Aspinall lives! A double 16 with the pressure on and he’ll have the darts in the decider.
Luke Littler 4-1 (2-1) Nathan Aspinall
Luke Littler finally finds a bullseye, two 20s to navigate down from 90 and then drilling it home. One more leg’ll do it.
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