Luke Littler v Brendan Dolan LIVE: World Darts Championship quarter-final result after Rob Cross stuns Chris Dobey
Teenage sensation Luke Littler breezed into the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship with another wonderful display at Alexandra Palace to defeat Brendan Dolan 5-1 in Monday’s afternoon session.
Littler is the first debutant to reach the last four since Nathan Aspinall five years ago and looks at home in this tournament. After a slow start, Littler won three legs in a row to clinch the opening set then turned up the heat to move 4-0 ahead. Brendan Dolan held his nerve to take a set back against the throw but Littler had another gear to go to.
Three more legs went his way and the 16-year-old tidied up the match before taking selfies with the crowd as he set up a semi-final tie with Rob Cross.
The match followed a thriller as Cross came back from 4-0 down to beat Chris Dobey 5-4 and book his place in the semi-finals. Later tonight the three-time champion Michael van Gerwen will take on Scott Williams, before Dave Chisnall faces the world No 3 Luke Humphries.
Relive the match below and get all the latest darts betting sites offers here.
World Darts Championship LIVE
16-year-old Luke Littler defeats Brendan Dolan 5-1 quarter-finals
Match followed thriller as Rob Cross comes back to beat Chris Dobey 5-4
How to watch the tournament on TV
Monday 1 January 2024 17:54 , Mike Jones
The World Darts Championship is on Sky Sports’ dedicated Darts channel with coverage beginning on 15 December and running through to the final on 3 January. Sky Sports customers can stream the action online via the app and website.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider.
When is Luke Littler playing again?
Monday 1 January 2024 17:46 , Mike Jones
Luke Littler returns to the Alexandra Palace on Tuesday evening.
The evening session kicks off at 7.30pm GMT on Tuesday with Littler taking on Rob Cross. With matches now best-of-11 set contests at the semi-final stage, we can expect Littler to take to the stage around 7.45pm.
When is Luke Littler playing his World Darts Championship semi-final?
Monday 1 January 2024 17:31 , Mike Jones
Teenage sensation Luke Littler returns to the stage at the World Darts Championship on Tuesday evening as he takes on Rob Cross for a place in the final.
Littler’s latest victim was Brendan Dolan, a darts veteran playing in his 15th World Championship. Littler took the initiative early on and quickly amassed a 4-0 lead in terms of sets. Dolan managed to nick on back against the throw but the 16-year-old continued his rise to the top and claimed a spot in the final four.
The teenager has burst onto the scene at Alexandra Palace and became the youngest player to reach the semi-finals when he hammered Dolan. That victory comes after he defeated his hero, Raymond van Barneveld in the previous round and now the youngster is targeting a spot in the showpiece match.
When is Luke Littler playing his World Darts Championship semi-final?
Teenager Luke Littler targets title after becoming youngest ever World Darts Championship semi-finalist
Monday 1 January 2024 16:50 , Mike Jones
Though Christmas and New Year have come and gone, the celebrations continued for 16-year-old Luke Littler after he breezed into the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship following an impressive 5-1 victory over Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan.
Littler, now the youngest ever semi-finalist at the World Championship, started slowly and lost the opening two legs with the throw to be pushed firmly on the back foot. The teenager quickly found his rhythm though and fought back from two legs down to clinch the first set 3-2 with enough time to play up to the crowd.
That confidence remained throughout the match as Littler repeatedly set up finishes of 170 in an attempt to land the biggest possible checkout. He swept the second set 3-0 before quickly holding serve to leave the Northern Irishman shook. Two more breaks of throw in the fourth set meant that Dolan had only held throw three times in the match with Littler one set away from victory.
Luke Littler targets title after reaching World Darts Championship semi-finals
Luke Littler defeats Brendan Dolan 5-1 to reach semi-finals
Monday 1 January 2024 16:31 , Mike Jones
Here’s a bit of reaction from the 16-year-old following yet another brilliant victory at the Ally Pally.
“Wow. I’m in the semi-final on my debut. I’m glad to get here. I’ve earned it and my performances have been well.” he told Sky Sports.
“I’ve threw another 100+ average and my doubles are on 47 per cent, so it’s gone well today as well.
“If I keep it up, I’ve got a good chance. Now I am dreaming! I’m two games away. I’m definitely thinking about lifting the title. 100 per cent.
“My board management is probably one of the best. I know what I’m going for. I know what to set up.”
Luke Littler 5-1 (3-0) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 16:13 , Mike Jones
140! Littler is driving towards winning this match but Dolan is up to the task in this leg. He’s the first to leave a finish of 164 as Littler sets up another 140 checkout.
Dolan misses his chance but so does Littler. He slides his second dart wide of the treble 18.
Dolan has one dart at double 20 to save the match... he misses!
Littler in response needs double 4 and hits! The teenager is into the final four and looks incredibly difficult to beat. Rob Cross watch out.
Luke Littler 4-1 (2-0) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 16:10 , Mike Jones
Dolan leaves 130 after nine darts to have a shot at winning the leg. He misses the treble 20 to give Littler a chance at hitting 80. He takes it and goes two up in the sixth set.
He’s just one leg away from semi-finals.
Luke Littler 4-1 (1-0) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 16:09 , Mike Jones
Rob Cross completed a miracle comeback from 4-0 down. Brendan Dolan has to down the same and he’s managed to take one of the required sets off Luke Littler.
He’s now got the darts and needs to hold throw.
A 162 from Littler leaves 140 for a checkout. Dolan can’t leave a finish. Littler nails treble 18, hits it again, and tidies up one dart at double 16.
He breaks the throw.
Luke Littler 4-1 (1-3) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 16:02 , Mike Jones
Dolan is playing nicely now but he’s under constant pressure from Littler who hits another 140 to keep the pressure on. Littler leaves 170 and will get the chance to checkout first.
Dolan sets up for 118.
Littler can’t hit the second treble but picks off the bull to leave 40.
Dolan has a chance, he hits treble 20, follows up with 18 and has one dart at double 20... it lands! The set goes to Dolan who gets himself on the board at last.
Luke Littler 4-0 (1-2) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 16:00 , Mike Jones
Luke Littler fought from two sets down in the first set to win that one. He needs to do so again now. The teenager gets off to a decent start but he’ll be worried about his finishing.
He’s misses eight darts at double in this set.
Dolan has the chance to clear up 108 after Littler misses out on 155. Dolan’s second dart bounces out of the board and Littler manages to hit double 8 to win the win and hold throw.
Luke Littler 4-0 (0-2) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:58 , Mike Jones
Littler’s impressive throwin is just starting to slip as Dolan finds a bit of mojo. He leaves 151 but Littler responds with a 126 to set up a 56 finish.
Dolan has to be perfect but misses his treble. Littler can break back immediately but misses double 20 and double 10 to take the leg. Dolan comes back to hit double 16 and moves within one leg of the set.
Luke Littler 4-0 (0-1) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:55 , Mike Jones
Luke Littler is one set away from a place in the World Darts Championship semi-finals. He’s already dominated the junior darts scene and could move within two matches of a world title should he hold his throw here.
Littler has the throw but Dolan lands a 180 to leave a finish of 144. Is the comeback on?
Not quite, he goes low trying to finish off a potential nine dart leg. Littler stays composed to set up 40 after 12 darts. Dolan misses bullseye to break but Littler slides under tops to keep Dolan’s hopes alive.
The Northern Irishman can’t take it but Littler messes up again trying to clean up 20.
This time Dolan hits double 8 and gets into the fifth leg.
Luke Littler 4-0 (3-1) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:48 , Mike Jones
Back-to-back 140s for Littler piles the pressure on Dolan but the darts are with the teenager who will have the first chance to checkout.
He’s got 164 and sets up with 104 to leave 60 for the set.
Littler hits 20, then land double tops this time to win the leg and the set. He’s four-nil up and looks seriously impressive.
Luke Littler 3-0 (2-1) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:46 , Mike Jones
A 134 for Littler to open the third leg puts him ahead and a 96 keeps him there. Dolan misses the trebles to leave the door open for Littler.
From 199, Littler takes out 139 to set up 60 for a chance to break Dolan’s throw. He hits 20 twice then comes down to nail double 10!
Littler is ahead again.
Luke Littler 3-0 (1-1) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:44 , Mike Jones
Littler scores wonderfully again to leave 170, which he loves to do. He misses the treble 20 so moves down and lands back-to-back treble 19s.
With just 36 remaining Littler hits on his second effort to go level in the fourth set.
Luke Littler 3-0 (0-1) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:42 , Mike Jones
Brendan Dolan is under pressure on his own throw again. He needs to take out 142 and lands a treble 20. He hits the same treble to leave double 11.
The Northern Irishman gets it to drop and he wins the leg! Huge checkout.
Luke Littler 3-0 (3-2) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:40 , Mike Jones
180! Littler is back on top with a maximum. A 134 leaves him with just 94 as Dolan languishes in the 300s. Littler sets up with a 36 to leave 58 for the set.
He hits 18 then lands double 20 to win the set!
Luke Littler 2-0 (2-2) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:38 , Mike Jones
Here comes Brendan. Two treble 20s and a 19 see him open up the leg with fine fashion but Luke Littler blows him out of the water with a 180!
Neither second visit is good so Dolan is still in the contest and hits a 140 to leave a finish of 164 which he doesn’t get. Littler has 170 but misses the treble.
Dolan’s next attempt to win is 104, he hits treble 18, hits the single then misses double 16.
Littler punishes him! A 111 checkout drops for the teenager who immediately breaks back!
Luke Littler 2-0 (1-2) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:36 , Mike Jones
‘Come on’ Littler says to himself. He knows he had the chance to take the previous leg and messed it up. A 140 makes he feel better but Dolan lands a 180 maximum to put the cat amongst the pigeons.
Dolan’s next visit sees him nail 140 and he’s left with 121. Littler doesn’t set up a finish and Dolan has six throws to checkout. He score 89 to leave 32 for a break of throw.
The Northern Irishman needs just one dart to win the leg. He’ll now throw to win the set.
Luke Littler 2-0 (1-1) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:34 , Mike Jones
180! Littler wants to tidy this set up as soon as possible. A maximum puts him in control of the scoring and he follows up with a 123 to leaves 138 for the finish.
Littler hits treble 19 but misses with his second attempt. Dolan must take out 147 but only musters 59.
In response Littler messes up 48, and Dolan can take out 88. He hits 20, he hits 18, he needs bullseye...gets it! Top class from Dolan.
Luke Littler 2-0 (1-0) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:31 , Mike Jones
Littler hit three out of three doubles in the second set without giving Dolan a shot to checkout. That’s wonderful darts.
The youngster has the throw in this third set and could move three up if he continues this form. There’s a nice response from Dolan who keeps up with the pace of Littler.
A 97 leaves the 16-year-old with 147 to finish but he’ll have six throws to do so. He sets up with a 127 to leave 20. It takes him three attempts but Littler hits the double 10 and goes further ahead.
Luke Littler 2-0 (3-0) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:25 , Mike Jones
From 152, Littler hits 126 to leave 56 for the second set. After Dolan misses out on cleaning up 120, Littler hits single 16 then follows up with double 20.
That’s a clean sweep in the second set and the teenager is on fire. Will there be a response from Dolan?
Luke Littler 1-0 (2-0) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:23 , Mike Jones
Oh my days. Littler is starting to tick now.
A 140 is followed up a 180 maximum to set up a possible 11 dart leg. He misses the single 7, scrunches up his face then goes bang, bang to end with double 10 and take the leg in 12 throws.
Luke Littler 1-0 (1-0) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:21 , Mike Jones
Brendan Dolan is an experienced player and won’t be too unsettled about losing that set against the darts. Especially after seeing Rob Cross come back from the very brink of defeat.
Littler starts the second set with a decent 134, followed by 171 to leave 100.
He nails the treble 60 and hits double 40 for an early break of throw.
Luke Littler 1-0 (3-2) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:15 , Mike Jones
180! Luke Littler opens the deciding leg in perfect fashion then follows up with a couple of decent scores to leave 170 after nine darts.
He’s quite a way ahead and gets the crowd very excited after hitting treble 20 twice. He goes for the checkout but misses the bullseye by a wide margin.
Still, Dolan can’t assert any pressure and Littler tidies up to claim the opening set from two legs down!
Luke Littler 0-0 (2-2) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:13 , Mike Jones
Dolan lands the first maximum at a much needed time. Littler was edging ahead but that 180 helps Dolan reach a finish first. He needs 143 but doesn’t get it.
Littler in response has to take out 70. He does! A double 8 finish puts the opening set back on track.
Luke Littler 0-0 (1-2) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:11 , Mike Jones
There’s a bit of pressure on Littler now who hasn’t settled into the type of rhythm that saw him blow Van Barneveld away. He’s scoring well in this leg though and leaves 24 with Dolan back in the mid 200s.
Littler hits double 12 and takes his first leg. He needs to break now to stay in the set.
Luke Littler 0-0 (0-2) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:09 , Mike Jones
Throughout the tournament so far, Luke Littler has only ever surrendered a three of sets. One each against Andrew Gilding, Matt Campbell and Raymond van Barneveld.
After a couple of missed throws with both players giving up chances to claim the leg, Dolan hits the double and moves two up in the set.
Luke Littler 0-0 (0-1) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:06 , Mike Jones
Luke Littler has the opening throw and starts off with a 58. He gets away with it as Brendan Dolan replies with just 60. Both players should take their time to build up to the big scores.
Littler leaves 150 as the first shot at a checkout with Dolan on 101. The teenager misses his first dart at a treble and with it the chance to finish goes away.
Dolan leaves double 16 to nick the open leg. He’s got one dart at it and lands! Break of throw immediately.
Luke Littler 0-0 (0-0) Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 15:01 , Mike Jones
Here come the players.
Luke Littler is first to make the walk to the stage. He hugs his family near the stage as he has done in each round so far. If anything, the 16-year-old looks more nervous for this one than he has so far in the tournament.
Brendan Dolan is playing in his 15th World Championship. Will he reach the semi-final stage today?
Rob Cross credits ‘amazing’ Dobey after thriller
Monday 1 January 2024 14:56 , Lawrence Ostlere
Rob Cross speaks after his sensational victory. “Four-nil down, I’ve not really played, I didn’t really feel like myself. But towards the end I just felt like, ‘just push on, push on’. I still believe even when I’m four-nil down. I’ve done it to Chris before in the match play. He’s an amazing player, he deserves a lot of credit, he kept on stepping up.”
On potentially facing 16-year-old star Luke Littler: “If he comes through [his quarter-final against Brendan Dolan], he’s got to be favourite [against me]. But for me, it’s head down now and it can’t happen again tomorrow.”
Rob Cross beats Chris Dobey 5-4 in epic!
Monday 1 January 2024 14:55 , Mike Jones
Rob Cross managed to get himself ahead on the averages in the end as well.
The second half of that match was just incredible. Chris Dobey couldn’t regain control of the match under the sheer weight of how brilliantly Rob Cross was throwing.
An undeniable classic.
Let’s hope the rest of this tournament lives up to that match.
Rob Cross beats Chris Dobey 5-4 in epic!
Monday 1 January 2024 14:46 , Lawrence Ostlere
What an extraoardinary match, and one of the all-time great comebacks in championship history. Rob Cross was 4-0 down, dead and buried. Somehow he reemerged to win five consecutive sets, the last of which was snatched 5-3. Wow. Chris Dobey is devastated.
Chris Dobey 4-4 (3-3) Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 14:41 , Lawrence Ostlere
Rob Cross holds his own throw in the fifth leg of this final set to go back into the lead... but a moment later Dobey lands another 180 and then takes the sixth leg – at the seventh time of asking! Six missed doubles revealed his nerves, but Cross wasn’t in place to take advantage.
Chris Dobey 4-4 (2-2) Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 14:37 , Lawrence Ostlere
Dobey snatches another back! So we go on. The winner must be two legs clear, until we get to 5-5, at which point the match will go to a decisive sudden-death leg.
Luke Littler vs Brendan Dolan
Monday 1 January 2024 14:59 , Mike Jones
Next up is a clash of underdogs.
Rising star Luke Littler faces Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan for the chance to take on Rob Cross in the semi-finals tomorrow. Littler swept Raymond van Barneveld aside in the last round but Dolan has already beaten Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson.
This one should be a cracker.
Chris Dobey 4-4 (1-2) Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 14:34 , Lawrence Ostlere
A lifeline for Dobey, who hits a 180 just when he needs it and finishes off the leg with double 10. Cross still only one leg away from glory...
Chris Dobey 4-4 (0-2) Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 14:32 , Lawrence Ostlere
Both players stutter towards the finish of the second leg of this deciding set, until Cross gives himself bull to win the leg – and he nails it. He turns and punches the air as Dobey raises his eyebrows as if to say, too good.
Chris Dobey 4-4 (0-1) Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 14:29 , Lawrence Ostlere
First leg to Cross, and the crowd roar. Dobey replies with a 180 throwing first in the second leg... and Cross responds likewise!
Chris Dobey 4-4 Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 14:27 , Lawrence Ostlere
Incredible! Rob Cross has turned this match around. It’s 4 sets each, and we’re going to a final, deciding set. How on earth does Chris Dobey lift himself off the floor?
Chris Dobey 4-3 (0-2) Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 14:25 , Lawrence Ostlere
Another leg lost, this time with an opportunity to win it missed, and Chris Dobey is totally shaken here. Rob Cross is on the verge of levelling the quarter-final at 4-4...
Chris Dobey 4-3 (0-1) Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 14:20 , Lawrence Ostlere
Rob Cross begins the eighth set in perfect fashion, with a break of throw, and he’s one leg to the good.
Chris Dobey 4-3 Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 14:14 , Lawrence Ostlere
Wow, wow. Dobey and Cross go down to a deciding leg for the seventh set, and Dobey needs bull for a place in the semi-finals... he misses! Cross holds his nerve to take a third successive set. What a comeback this is turning into.
Chris Dobey 4-2 Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 14:04 , Lawrence Ostlere
Now then: Rob Cross, the 2018 world champion, has shown some composure to settle his arm and raise his level, and he’s back in this match. It’s 4-2, first to five, and Chris Dobey desperately needs to re-find his rhythm – the crowd are baying for a comeback.
Luke Littler believes he can make more history
Monday 1 January 2024 13:54 , Lawrence Ostlere
Here’s what Luke Littler said ahead of this quarter-final. It’s fair to say he’s having the time of his life:
Darts prodigy Luke Littler bullish ahead of historic World Championship quarter-final
Chris Dobey 4-1 Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 13:51 , Lawrence Ostlere
Cross sees it through, and this quarter-final will go on to a sixth set. A reminder of what’s to come:
Afternoon Session (12:30pm)
2x Quarter-Finals
Rob Cross vs Chris Dobey
Brendan Dolan vs Luke Littler
Evening Session (7pm)
2x Quarter-Finals
Michael van Gerwen vs Scott Williams
Dave Chisnall vs Luke Humphries
Chris Dobey 4-0 (1-2) Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 13:47 , Lawrence Ostlere
Credit to Rob Cross, who’s battling back in this fifth set and at least making it competitive. He’s 2-1 up in this set looking to finally get one on the board. But surely this is too little, too late against a player in the form of Chris Dobey.
Chris Dobey 4-0 Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 13:40 , Lawrence Ostlere
What a dominant performance this is by Chris Dobey. He has absolutely steamrollered Rob Cross to pick up two more quick sets, and he is closing in on a place in the semi-finals.
What is the prize money?
Monday 1 January 2024 13:31 , Lawrence Ostlere
Luke Littler has already amassed a tidy sum of money for a 16-year-old, and there could be more to come. As well as the Sid Waddell Trophy, there is £2.5m in prize money on offer for the World Darts Championship with the champion netting £500,000.
The runner-up earns a cool £200,000 while semi-finalists will pocket £100,000 each and those that reach the quarter-finals winning £50,000.
Fourth-round and third-round losers earn themselves £35,000 and £25,000 respectively while there is £15,000 on offer for the 32 players knocked out in the second round and the 32 first-round losers will take away £7,500.
Chris Dobey 2-0 Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 13:20 , Lawrence Ostlere
Dobey already has six 180s notched in this match, and that rate of heavy scoring is proving too much for Rob Cross right now. Dobey has won all three of their meetings so far this season and is well on the way to win No 4. Cross marches off stage after losing the second leg, with plenty to ponder.
Meet Luke Littler – the 16-year-old darts prodigy lighting up the World Championship
Monday 1 January 2024 13:15 , Lawrence Ostlere
Littler has had Alexandra Palace rocking with four impressive wins to advance to the last eight:
Meet Luke Littler – the 16-year-old darts prodigy lighting up the World Championship
Chris Dobey 1-0 Rob Cross (best of nine sets)
Monday 1 January 2024 13:04 , Lawrence Ostlere
Ragged darts from both players in the opening set of this first quarter-final, perhaps showing some signs of nerves or even fatigue as we reach the finale of a gruelling championship. But it’s Chris Dobey who takes charge with a couple of 180s in the final two legs to get himself over the line.
How to watch the tournament on TV
Monday 1 January 2024 12:58 , Lawrence Ostlere
The World Darts Championship is on Sky Sports’ dedicated Darts channel with coverage beginning on 15 December and running through to the final on 3 January. Sky Sports customers can stream the action online via the app and website.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider.
Chris Dobey v Rob Cross
Monday 1 January 2024 12:54 , Lawrence Ostlere
Rob Cross gets this first quarter-final under way. It’s the best-of-nine sets in this round, which makes it a battle of stamina as much as nerve and talent.
Chris Dobey v Rob Cross
Monday 1 January 2024 12:46 , Lawrence Ostlere
So, first up today is 17th seed and Masters champion Chris Dobey up against Rob Cross, the 2018 world champion and eighth seed. It should be a belter.
Chris Dobey: “I feel my game’s in the right place, I’ve played some great darts. I feel like it’s going to take something special to beat me.”
Rob Cross: “Since the first game I’ve played well, my finishing’s got me through. Chris is an amazing player.”
The other three quarter-finals
Monday 1 January 2024 12:35 , Lawrence Ostlere
Rob Cross plays Chris Dobey in the opening match of 2024 while Michael van Gerwen should have too much for controversial Scott Williams and Luke Humphries takes on Dave Chisnall in the other quarter-final.
Luke Littler believes he can break ‘even more records'
Monday 1 January 2024 12:30 , Lawrence Ostlere
Littler’s impressive run has seen him hit the headlines around the world and enjoy celebrity status.
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, while players from his beloved Manchester United sent him good luck messages before the match with Van Barneveld.
“It was unbelievable,” he added. “I was walking to my room and one of the security guards from Arsenal said to me Declan and Aaron wanted a picture with me and I just went ‘a picture with me’, and they came out for one.
“They said they have a dartboard up in the changing room. It is crazy for them to want a picture with me, it should be the other way around.
“It was incredible to get the messages, obviously United didn’t get the win (at Forest), but Jonny (Evans) and Gary (Neville) are United legends and Jonny is still playing for us, it was just incredible.”
Luke Littler believes he can break ‘even more records'
Monday 1 January 2024 12:19 , Lawrence Ostlere
If Littler was to win the title it would be one of the greatest sporting stories and he would out-do several famous young achievers.
Pele was 17 when he won the World Cup with Brazil, Boris Becker claimed his first Wimbledon title at 18 while Mike Tyson was 20 when he became heavyweight world champion.
Littler, nicknamed ‘The Nuke’, has not heard of all of those names, including that of 2021 US Open singles champion Emma Raducanu, who his story shares many parallels with, but he believes there is more to come.
“Unbelievable, the names you have just said,” he said. “I know Mike, I only know Pele off FIFA and I don’t know the other ones.
“I have certainly broken the rules and records already but I know if my game is there I can beat even more records.
“My game is there, it is every darting kid’s, man’s, whoever’s dream to win it. I have certainly got the game, it is whatever happens on the day, whatever Luke Littler turns up.”
Luke Littler believes he can break ‘even more records'
Monday 1 January 2024 12:12 , Lawrence Ostlere
Teenager Luke Littler wants to “beat even more records” as he continues his dream World Darts Championship campaign with a quarter-final against Brendan Dolan on Monday.
The 16-year-old has burst onto the scene at Alexandra Palace and became the youngest player to reach the last eight when he hammered five-time world champion and his hero Raymond van Barneveld in the last 16 on Saturday.
That set up a winnable tie with Northern Irishman Dolan, who has seen off former world champions Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson in the last two rounds, on New Year’s Day and he is now dreaming of lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy on Wednesday.
World Darts Championship LIVE
Monday 1 January 2024 12:06 , Lawrence Ostlere
So, we are down to the quarter-final stage with eight remaining players as the tournament ticks over into 2024. Rob Cross and Chris Dobey will open up proceedings, before the 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler returns to the Alexandra Palace stage for a contest with Brendan Dolan.
Later tonight, three-time champion Michael van Gerwen takes on Scott Williams, Dave Chisnall meets the 28-year-old quietly working his way through the tournament and many people’s favourite to win the title, Luke Humphries. It’s a mouthwatering line-up.
Afternoon Session (12:30pm)
2x Quarter-Finals
Rob Cross vs Chris Dobey
Brendan Dolan vs Luke Littler
Evening Session (7pm)
2x Quarter-Finals
Michael van Gerwen vs Scott Williams
Dave Chisnall vs Luke Humphries
World Darts Championship LIVE
Monday 1 January 2024 11:44 , Lawrence Ostlere
Welcome along to live coverage of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
