World Darts Championship LIVE: Latest scores as 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 3-1 (1-0) Nathan Aspinall
Luke Littler is almost automatic on double 10. Just when Nathan Aspinall thinks he has a glimpse with the youngster erring on double tops, in to the bottom right corner a dart seems to fly.
Luke Littler 3-1 Nathan Aspinall
But that’s what the teenager can do. An 11-dart leg to leave Nathan Aspinall without a hope and his advantage widened again.
Luke Littler 2-1 (2-2) Nathan Aspinall
All with the darts in the set. To a deciding leg.
Luke Littler 2-1 (1-1) Nathan Aspinall
A nasty opening leg to set four, both players all over the place and Aspinall eventually knocking out double four at the third attempt.
That’s more like it. 180 for Littler, 180 for Aspinall, 180 for Littler.
No nine-darter, alas. But three more and Littler is level in the set.
Luke Littler 2-1 Nathan Aspinall
But Nathan Aspinall does precisely that! A nod of approval from Luke Littler as his opponent comes to the party.
Luke Littler 2-0 (2-2) Nathan Aspinall
Nathan Aspinall has had a great set here. He’ll still have to pinch one against the darts to take it, which says a lot about Luke Littler’s game.
Luke Littler 2-0 (2-1) Nathan Aspinall
Well, it was fun while it lasted. Luke Littler hits back instantly on his favourite double 10.
Three consecutive 180s! Nathan Apinall is for a fourth, too, though it would leave him without a finish and one required. Another double 10 to close out.
Luke Littler 2-0 (0-1) Nathan Aspinall
A really good leg from Nathan Aspinall, that, a 180 in there to work into a dominant position against the darts and sealing it out.
Luke Littler 2-0 Nathan Aspinall
A big 180 from Nathan Aspinall gives him hope...or not. Luke Littler misses 25 but is happy with the bull, niftily working down to three and across to double six for the finish.
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