PDC World Darts Championship LIVE: Results, scores and updates from Alexandra Palace

Peter Wright is the latest seeded player to exit early after James Wade lost earlier in the week

World Darts Championship: Michael Smith says he doesn’t want to be ‘former world champion’

Two-time winner Peter Wright crashed out of the World Darts Championship in the second round after a 3-0 defeat to Jim Williams at Alexandra Palace.

Williams, a BDO runner-up in 2020, was also far from his best in a poor quality clash, admitting afterwards: “I was fighting myself all the way and it’s a little bit frustrating – but hopefully we’ll get there.”

16-year-old Luke Littler marked his World Championship debut with a blistering 3-0 win over experienced Dutchman Christian Kist.

Littler showed no nerves as he hit seven 180s and finished with an extraordinary average of 110 to mark himself out as a genuine contender for the crown.

Also in the Wednesday evening session, Richard Veenstra eased past Ben Robb 3-0 while Ryan Joyce was a 3-1 winner over Alex Spellman.

In the afternoon, 16th seed Ross Smith eased to a 3-1 victory over Niels Zonneveld before being stung by a wasp on stage.

Meanwhile Poland’s Cork-based Radek Szaganski overcame Finland’s Marko Kantele 3-2 with a final set 142 checkout helping him through to a second-round clash with five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld.

Owen Bates lost a two-set lead as Ireland’s Steve Lennon fought back to win 3-2. Lennon’s compatriot William O’Connor had a far more comfortable time with a 3-0 victory over Bhav Patel.

Relive the action below plus find the latest tips and offers right here:

PDC World Darts Championship live

• RESULT: Radek Szaganski 3-2 Marko Kantele
• RESULT: Steve Lennon 3-2 Owen Bates
• RESULT: William O’Connor 3-0 Bhav Patel
• RESULT: Ross Smith 3-1 Niels Zonneveld

[22 December 2023 16:14 · Mike Jones]

Krzysztof Ratajski 2(1) - 1(1) Jamie Hughes

First chance to Ratajski on 122 as Hughes’ touch seems to have deserted him in the fourth set. Ratajski gets down to 66 before Hughes misses his attempt to take out 154.

After missing out on his next trip he goes again and Ratajski breaks with double 8.

However, Hughes fires back with a 14-dart leg to bring the set level against the throw.

[22 December 2023 16:06 · Mike Jones]

Krzysztof Ratajski 2-1 Jamie Hughes

Ratajski proves why he’s a seeded player. It takes him nine darts to set up a 121 finish and with Hughes miles back he utilises five darts to win the leg and the set.

Hughes isn’t playing badly, Ratajski is just playing better.

[22 December 2023 16:05 · Mike Jones]

Krzysztof Ratajski 1(2) - 1(2) Jamie Hughes

Hughes holds his nerve again. He almost takes out 120 but undershoots the double. On his next trip a couple of wayward throw almost cost him but he nails double 5 and forces a final leg shootout for the third set.

[22 December 2023 16:01 · Mike Jones]

Krzysztof Ratajski 1(2) - 1(1) Jamie Hughes

There’s no sign on fear from Ratajski who checks out 111 having lost control of the leg. He goes back in front in the set and is one leg away from taking it.

Wonderful darts.

[22 December 2023 15:59 · Mike Jones]

Krzysztof Ratajski 1(1) - 1(1) Jamie Hughes

Smart, confident stuff from Jamie Hughes who answers with a 15 dart leg to hodl his own throw and keep Ratajski on his toes.

[22 December 2023 15:58 · Mike Jones]

Krzysztof Ratajski 1(1) - 1(0) Jamie Hughes

The momentum is firmly with Ratajski as he takes a third leg in a row by cleaning out 32. The immediate break back of set puts him with the advantage once again and he’ll be hoping to rattle off a quick win here to pile the pressure on Jamie Hughes.

[22 December 2023 15:53 · Mike Jones]

Krzysztof Ratajski 1-1 Jamie Hughes

Break of set!

Ratajski hopes to take out 86 after Hughes misses a 170 checkout. He’s got one dart at bullseye, but it’s well off target.

Hughes then misses his finish of 65 and Ratajski hits double top to draw level in sets.

[22 December 2023 15:49 · Mike Jones]

Krzysztof Ratajski 0(2) - 1(2) Jamie Hughes

Ratajski holds his nerve and his throw to keep the second set on level terms. He checks out double 4 to level the set, but Hughes has the darts for the second-set decider.

[22 December 2023 15:47 · Mike Jones]

Krzysztof Ratajski 0(1) - 1(2) Jamie Hughes

Here comes Jamie Hughes again!

Hughes fails his attempt to finish 104 but Ratajski can’t finish from 144. That leaves Hughes to take out 59 to even things up and he does.

The first two legs of the second set have gone against the darts, but Hughes manages to hold this time to edge back in front with a 48 checkout.

[22 December 2023 15:40 · Mike Jones]

Krzysztof Ratajski 0(1) - 1(0) Jamie Hughes

Break of throw for Ratajski.

Hughes’ finish to the last set was a blinder but a few mistakes creep into his game here and he’s made to pay as Ratajski takes out 74 with treble 14, double 16.