Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liveupdated

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

Boris Krcmar and Jeffrey de Graaf knocked out two seeded players on their way to the third round

Michael Jones
Friday 22 December 2023 18:08 GMT
Comments
World Darts Championship: Michael Smith says he doesn’t want to be ‘former world champion’

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.

The PDC World Darts Championship continues this afternoon with a host of round two fixtures. Yesterday, 16-year-old Luke Littler lit up the Alexandra Palace to reach the third round having defeated 20th seed Andrew Gilding 3-1. The teenager is a rising star in the sport and one to watch as the tournament progresses.

Elsewhere, Rob Cross avoided an upset with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Thibault Tricole and Damon Heta reached the third round following his win over Martin Lukeman.

Today’s afternoon session saw four round two matches being played. First up is Brendan Dolan and Mickey Mansell played out a five set thriller with Dolan edging it in a sudden death leg.

Jose de Sousa was blown away by Jeffrey de Graaf who came from a set down to win 3-1. Jamie Hughes put up a strong fight but couldn’t over Krzysztof Ratajski and Dirk van Duijvenbode’s shoulder issue causes him problems as Boris Krcmar raced into the third round.

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

Michael van Gerwen hits 167 in opening World Championship win

Michael van Gerwen began his bid for a third World Championship title by easing into the third round.

The Dutchman has not won the biggest tournament in darts since 2019 and is ready to end that drought, opening his campaign with a 3-0 win over Keane Barry.

The highlight was an impressive 167 checkout, finishing with an average of 98.17 at Alexandra Palace.

Michael van Gerwen hits 167 in opening World Championship win

The Dutchman disposed of Keane Barry 3-0.

Mike Jones22 December 2023 12:20

Unbeelievable! Ross Smith stung by wasp on stage during World Darts Championship

Ross Smith was stung by a wasp on stage at the World Darts Championship after avoiding second-round pain to Niels Zonneveld.

Number 16 seed Smith eased to a 3-1 victory over Zonneveld before running into problems at Alexandra Palace.

“There’s the wasp,” Smith said in his post-match Sky Sports interview as he noticed the insect. The Englishman then recoiled in pain and said: “He’s just stung me like a good one.”

Unbeelievable! Ross Smith stung by wasp on stage during World Darts Championship

The number 16 seed moved into the third round at Alexandra Palace with a 3-1 victory over Niels Zonneveld

Mike Jones22 December 2023 12:15

Peter Wright crashes out of World Darts Championship while dressed as the Grinch

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.

The 53-year-old, who was dressed as the Grinch complete with lime-green hair, ensured a miserable Christmas after posting a dismal three-dart average of less than 84.

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.”

Peter Wright crashes out of World Darts Championship while dressed as the Grinch

The two-time champion was dumped out by Jim Williams after posting a dismal three-dart average of less than 84

Mike Jones22 December 2023 12:10

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

Teenager Luke Littler continued his dream PDC World Championship debut by defeating Andrew Gilding to reach the third round.

The 16-year-old was the toast of Alexandra Palace after beating Christian Kist on Wednesday and he was at it again 24 hours later with a 3-1 success against 20th seed Gilding.

The UK Open champion is 37 years older than Littler but it was the youngster showing the greater composure in the first two sets, with Gilding twice missing a pair of darts at double in the second.

Littler suffered a blip in the third but Gilding was unable to take his opportunities and the teenager clinched a spot in the last 32 against Matt Campbell.

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

Littler had Alexandra Palace rocking again as he continued his dream debut by defeating Andrew Gilding to reach the third round

Mike Jones22 December 2023 12:05

Afternoon Session starts at 12.30pm

Round Two: Brendan Dolan v Mickey Mansell

Round Two: Jose de Sousa v Jeffrey de Graaf

Round Two: Krzysztof Ratajski v Jamie Hughes

Round Two: Dirk van Duijvenbode v Boris Krcmar

Mike Jones22 December 2023 12:00

PDC World Darts Championship

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Friday’s afternoon session from the PDC World Darts Championship.

There are four matches going ahead at the Ally Pally as Brendan Dolan takes on Mickey Mansell before Jose de Sousa plays Jeffrey de Graaf. Krzysztof Ratajski will then test himself against Jamie Hughes before the headline match has Dirk van Duijvenbode facing Boris Krcmar.

All eight players are hoping to emulate 16-year-old Luke Littler and reach the third round. The teenager defeated Andrew Gilding last night on his World Championship debut.

We’ll have the latest updates throughout the afternoon so stick with us.

Mike Jones22 December 2023 11:15

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