World Darts Championship live: Gian van Veen sets up final against Luke Littler after winning thriller with Gary Anderson

Luke Littler has reached a third consecutive World Darts Championship final after thrashing Ryan Searle in the semi-finals of the 2026 tournament, and he will take on the brilliant Dutchman Gian van Veen in tonight’s showpiece.

Littler blazed into the final with a dominant 6-1 victory after losing the first set, averaging 105.35 on his way to a comprehensive victory. Searle fought gamely but couldn’t take his chances, while Littler was ruthless on the outer ring, hitting 59% of his doubles and regularly taking out tops, with which he finished off the match.

“Tops, it’s not usually the one I go for, I’d usually come inside and go for double 10, but it’s been good to me tonight,” Littler said. “Big shout out to Ryan, he’s done amazing this tournament. He can be proud.”

In the other semi-final, the resurgent Gary Anderson put on a great show but couldn’t contain the magnificent Gian van Veen, who won 6-3 to reach his first world final.

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World Darts Championship live

• Luke Littler will meet Gian van Veen in Saturday night's World Championship final
• Luke Littler beats Ryan Searle 6-1 to reach World Darts Championship final
• Littler, the world No 1, aiming to retain his title at Alexandra Palace
• Gian van Veen beats two-time champion Gary Anderson in thrilling second semi

Littler and Van Veen set up World Championship final that could define darts’ future

00:19 , Luke Baker

Report from Alexandra Palace:

Littler and Van Veen set up World Championship final that could define darts’ future

Littler plays down money motivation

00:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

If Littler does become champion - and it is going to take something special to stop him - he would collect a record £1m prize.

"It's a massive prize, but it's the trophy on the stage, it's not the money," he said. "I'm repeating myself, but ever since the Grand Slam I have just said I want to go back-to-back.

"So hopefully I can lift the trophy again and think about the money after.

"It feels great, not many people have done it, the first three World Championships reaching the final.

"I have joined a short list of people doing that. Now obviously the only goal is to join the list of people going back-to-back champions."

Littler: 'I might be on the same level as greats tomorrow'

Friday 2 January 2026 23:53 , Lawrence Ostlere

"Obviously in their primes, they were just absolutely unbelievable. I was watching it as a kid," Littler said.

"With what I've done, I can near enough say I'm playing just as well, with the titles, the averages, the amount of nine-darters on TV.

"Maybe if I get tomorrow, then I might be on my same level.

"I've got every right to think I can, but I never, ever say I'm going to win it.

"Never, ever. I never say I'm going to win this and that. We'll just see how the darts go, because one day it's different."

Littler on the brink of history

Friday 2 January 2026 23:46 , Lawrence Ostlere

Luke Littler believes he will be able to stand alongside the giants of the game if he wins a second successive World Championship title.

The precocious teenager looks unstoppable as he reached a third successive final at Alexandra Palace with a 6-1 demolition of Ryan Searle in the last four.

Few will back against him lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy on Saturday night, which will see him become the first man to win back-to-back titles since Gary Anderson a decade ago.

Littler is dominating the sport in the same way Phil Taylor did for the best part of 20 years and Michael van Gerwen did during the mid-2010s.

And the 18-year-old says getting his hands on the silverware will put him in the same bracket.

Littler will face Van Veen in the final (Getty Images)

Gian van Veen on his journey to the top of darts

Friday 2 January 2026 23:29 , Lawrence Ostlere

“I struggled with dartitis for many years. I had it about four years ago just before I got my tour card.

“Even back then when I wasn't struggling, I never thought this would happen. To be in a World Championship final, is not even a dream come true because I wasn't able to dream about this but now it's happened.

“Now look at me four years later. It's all been worth it.”

'Ridiculous darts'

Friday 2 January 2026 23:16 , Lawrence Ostlere

“It was captivating, it was everything you want from professional sport from start to finish,” says Wayne Mardle on Sky Sports. “Some of the standard within it was just absolutely ridiculous.”

Anderson goes down swinging

Friday 2 January 2026 23:04 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson averaged 117, by the way, in that stunning fifth set, and still lost it after going 2-0 up. Van Veen averaged 111. They both took out 170. It was nuts, and in hindsight it was perhaps the moment when Gian van Veen won the game.

Anderson goes down swinging

Friday 2 January 2026 23:01 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson’s level dropped a little at the end but he still averaged nearly 103, with nearly 50% of doubles converted. He pulled off the big fish too, but it wasn’t enough.

Gary Anderson and Gian van Veen after the match (Getty Images)

Gian van Veen speaks!

Friday 2 January 2026 22:57 , Lawrence Ostlere

“To win this kind of game, Gary threw everything at me. His finishing and scoring was great.

“I withstood it. Of course, the crowd was a bit against me but it’s fair play because Gary is such a fantastic human-being, such a fantastic darts player ... maybe it cost me one leg.”

Gian van Veen is through to the World Darts Championship final!

Friday 2 January 2026 22:51 , Lawrence Ostlere

Outstanding by Gian van Veen, slamming more trebles to cruise to victory in the deciding leg of the ninth set and clinch the match.

Van Veen wins 6-3 and he will play Luke Littler in tomorrow’s final.

Van Veen (5) *2-2 (3) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:49 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson has 126 for the leg but misses bull this time! Van Veen makes no mistake, hitting double eight to force a deciding leg...

Van Veen (5) 1-2* (3) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:47 , Lawrence Ostlere

Van Veen hits yet another 180 but misses two attempts at double eight to close out the leg. Can Anderson take on 121? Yes he can!!! Wow. Brilliant.

Van Veen (5) *1-1 (3) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:46 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson misses out on the big fish with his third dart, but manages to get over the line to win the leg.

Van Veen (5) 1-0* (3) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

Oh, Gary. He misses three attempts at double 12 to win the first leg, and Van Veen pinches one which he should really have lost.

*denotes next thrower

Van Veen (5) 3-2 (3) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:42 , Lawrence Ostlere

They are back on stage for the finale of this remarkable match.

Van Veen (5) 3-2 (3) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:38 , Lawrence Ostlere

Brilliant by Van Veen, to respond with 180 and then 140 to put himself in pole position in this leg. He leaves himself an awkward 59 to win the set... and he does it with two darts, finishing on tops!

A huge set for the Dutchman, and he’s only one from the final now.

Van Veen (4) 2-2* (3) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:36 , Lawrence Ostlere

Van Veen misses four set darts! Anderson pinches the leg and they go to a deciding leg... The crowd roar.

Van Veen (4) *2-1 (3) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:34 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson takes a risk going for a bull finish which he doesn’t need, and misses, but takes out 25 with two darts on his return to the oche. He really needs this next leg...

Van Veen (4) 2-0* (3) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:32 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson has one dart at double 16 for a break back but misses, And Van Veen finds the same bed to win it. Another key moment.

Van Veen (4) *1-0 (3) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:30 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson has the darts, but it’s a ragged start after that break and Van Veen has a shot at bull for the leg... he misses. Anderson can’t convert 110, though, and Van Veen returns to take out 25. That’s an instant break of throw.

*denotes next thrower

Van Veen (4) 2-3 (3) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:27 , Lawrence Ostlere

They take a brief break, and we all need it after that. Remarkable darts. The levels are outrageous and somebody is going to lose this semi-final with a wildly high average and tally of 180s.

Gary Anderson wins the seventh set! Van Veen (4) 2-3 (3) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:24 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson is in trouble until he hits 168 to give himself hope! Brilliantly done.

That adds pressure, Van Veen errs, and Anderson returns to take out tops with his second dart! He’s right back in this semi-final now!

Van Veen (4) *2-2 (2) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:21 , Lawrence Ostlere

Oh no, Anderson misses three shots at doubles to win the leg. Can Van Veen take advantage? No! He misses two set darts at double eight. Anderson comes back and makes it count this time. To a deciding leg they go...

Van Veen (4) 2-1* (2) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:19 , Lawrence Ostlere

Van Veen opens up with his seventh 180 of the match. Anderson has thrown 10, by the way... make that 11! Anderson can’t take out 54, though, and he can’t believe it. A huge missed chance. Van Veen makes no mistake hitting tops at the first attempt.

That might be the moment Anderson rues.

Van Veen (4) *1-1 (2) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:17 , Lawrence Ostlere

Yet another 180, this time by Anderson, and he makes short work of the leg to hold his throw.

Van Veen (4) 1-0* (2) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:16 , Lawrence Ostlere

A quick leg by Van Veen.

The standard is amazing. Both are finishing around 68%. Both are averaging around 106.

*denotes next thrower

Gary Anderson wins the sixth set! Van Veen (4) 1-3 (2) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:15 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson finishes it on the bull – superb! Now can he break Van Veen’s throw in the next set?

Van Veen (4) *1-2 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:13 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson throws another 180 en route to another hold of throw...

Van Veen (4) 1-1* (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:11 , Lawrence Ostlere

Van Veen responds with a quick leg of his own.

Van Veen (4) *0-1 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:09 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson ticks off the first leg of the sixth set with another 10-darter. Superb standard continues.

*denotes next thrower

Van Veen (4) 3-2 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:08 , Lawrence Ostlere

“A set of darts from the gods,” is Wayne Mardle’s verdict.

Gian van Veen wins the fifth set! Van Veen (4) 3-2 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:04 , Lawrence Ostlere

Van Veen has 127 left and hits the first two trebles but misses double eight! Anderson can’t convert 136, though, and Van Veen comes back to win it on double four!

Wow. An incredible set, surely the best of the entire tournament, and Van Veen wins it from 2-0 down.

Gary Anderson has it all to do now in this race to six sets.

Van Veen (3) *2-2 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:01 , Lawrence Ostlere

Another big fish by Van Veen! Stop it!! Anderson can only laugh. What is going on?!

Van Veen (3) 1-2* (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:01 , Lawrence Ostlere

And Van Veen responds with a 10-darter of his own. Wow. This set might be the best darts of the entire championship...

Van Veen (3) *0-2 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 22:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson hits the big fish! Stunning. The crowd go nuts.

Van Veen (3) 0-1* (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:59 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson quickly hits a 10-darter in reply as they return to the stage!

*denotes next thrower

Gian van Veen wins the fourth set! Van Veen (3) 3-2 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:53 , Lawrence Ostlere

Brilliant from Van Veen! He throws six perfect darts, and although the nine-darter never materialises, he finishes it off at the next visit to go 3-1 up as they take a break.

Van Veen averaged 110 in that set. Too good.

Van Veen (2) 2-2* (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:51 , Lawrence Ostlere

Van Veen makes short work of the next leg, and it’s another deciding leg coming up. Anderson to throw first...

Van Veen (2) *1-2 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:49 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson miscounts and gets himself in a pickle! But he escapes with the leg after being allowed a couple of visits to finish it off.

Van Veen (2) 1-1* (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:48 , Lawrence Ostlere

Van Veen edges the next, after Anderson had set himself up perfectly by leaving tops.

Van Veen (2) *0-1 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:46 , Lawrence Ostlere

You feel Anderson must win this set to stop Van Veen’s momentum, and to simply defend his own throw. He starts it brilliantly, taking out 144 for the first leg!

*denotes next thrower

Gian van Veen wins the third set! Van Veen (2) 3-2 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

Van Veen throws a 180 to start the leg and clenches his fist, but his next two visits are messy. Yet he composes himself to take out double 16 and that’s the set!

Van Veen (1) *2-2 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:43 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson hits a max and then almost takes out 140, but misses double 10 for the leg. No matter, as he takes out double five with his first dart at the next visit. Deciding leg coming up...

Van Veen (1) 2-1* (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:42 , Lawrence Ostlere

This is probably Van Veen’s worst leg of the match so far. Can Anderson capitalise? No, he’s struggling now too and can’t take out 126 or even get close. Van Veen hits double 14 to steal it!

Van Veen (1) *1-1 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:40 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson kills off the second leg with two attempts at tops to deny Van Veen a shot at the big fish.

Van Veen (1) 1-0* (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:39 , Lawrence Ostlere

Van Veen with a quick hold of throw to begin the third set after a brief break.

Gian van Veen wins the second set! Van Veen (1) 3-1 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:33 , Lawrence Ostlere

Excellent from the big Dutchman, who gets the job done while Anderson flounders with a couple of trebleless visits. All square after two sets.

Van Veen (0) *2-1 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:30 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson hits tops with one dart to gives himself a foothold in this second set.

Van Veen (0) 2-0* (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:29 , Lawrence Ostlere

Brilliant Van Veen, who delivers a 14-dart hold of throw, hitting double 14.

Van Veen (0) *1-0 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:28 , Lawrence Ostlere

A perfect start by Gian van Veen, throwing a max and a 149 to clinch a stunning 10-darter.

Gary Anderson wins the first set! Van Veen (0) 1-3 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:26 , Lawrence Ostlere

That was very impressive from Gary Anderson, winning against the throw. Gian van Veen has work to do.

Gian van Veen in action during the first set (Adam Davy/PA Wire)

Gary Anderson wins the first set! Van Veen (0) 1-3 (1) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:21 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anderson misses two attempts at tops to win the leg, but Van Veen can’t take out 120 and the double world champion gets another chance – he hits double 10 with his third dart to win the first set!

Van Veen (0) 1-2* (0) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:19 , Lawrence Ostlere

Another max from Van Veen to start the leg, and Anderson responds with his own! This is a high-quality start. Anderson finishes off 141 to win an 11-dart leg against the throw. Superb.

Van Veen (0) *1-1 (0) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:17 , Lawrence Ostlere

Van Veen hits the first max of the match, but he can’t take out 121. Anderson makes no mistake on 72, finishing on top to level it.

Van Veen (0) 1-0* (0) Anderson

Friday 2 January 2026 21:16 , Lawrence Ostlere

Van Veen takes out 80 to claim the first leg on his own throw.

*denotes next thrower

World Darts Championship semi-final

Friday 2 January 2026 21:14 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here they go, then. Van Veen to throw first...

Gary Anderson v Gian van Veen

Friday 2 January 2026 21:10 , Lawrence Ostlere

So, next up: Gary Anderson v Gian van Veen. There is a reason this was scheduled as the headline match tonight. If it lives up to its potential then this will be fantastic.

Littler simply too good

Friday 2 January 2026 21:04 , Lawrence Ostlere

Luke Littler averaged 105.35 to Ryan Searle’s 93.31. He threw 10 180s to Searle’s four, and made 59% of his doubles. Those sort of numbers will be very hard to overcome in tomorrow’s final if he repeats them.

Luke Littler speaks!

Friday 2 January 2026 20:57 , Lawrence Ostlere

On his opponent: “Big shout out to Ryan, he’s done amazing this tournament. He can be proud.”

On nailing tops throughout: “Tops, it’s not usually the one I go for, I’d usually come inside and go for double 10. But it’s been good to me tonight.”

On the final: “It’s gonna be a brilliant game, I don’t mind who I play.”

Luke Littler through to World Darts Championship final!

Friday 2 January 2026 20:53 , Lawrence Ostlere

Brilliant finish by Littler, who deliberately leaves tops and yet again makes no mistakes there, hitting the middle of the bed with precision on his first dart.

Littler wins 6-1.

Littler (5) 2-2* (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:51 , Lawrence Ostlere

Searle misses one set dart and it’s costly, as Littler hits tops to send them to a deciding leg...

Littler (5) *1-2 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:49 , Lawrence Ostlere

Good from Searle, who makes Littler pay for a messy finish buy taking out double four for the leg.

Littler (5) 1-1* (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:48 , Lawrence Ostlere

Littler wastes no time winning the next leg to level.

Littler (5) *0-1 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:47 , Lawrence Ostlere

Wild leg! Littler throws seven perfect darts before missing treble 20 to give up the nine-darter chance. Then Searle steps up with 170 left and hits the big fish! Wow. Littler grins and they share a first bump.

Luke Littler wins the sixth set! Littler (5) 3-0 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

Littler takes out 91 to win the set!

Littler (4) *2-0 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:44 , Lawrence Ostlere

Great drama, as Littler hits two 180s and the crowd are on their feet... but he hits treble five and the nine-darter slips away! He’s cross with himself, and then misses three darts to kill off the leg. Searle returns to the oche but can’t take his chance, and Littler manages to see out the leg.

Littler (4) 1-0* (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:42 , Lawrence Ostlere

Littler gets himself in a mix once again by missing a single, but steadies himself and takes out tops once more to clinch the leg.

Littler in control

Friday 2 January 2026 20:40 , Lawrence Ostlere

Luke Littler is enjoying himself tonight. Two more sets to reach a third consecutive final...

Luke Littler celebrates during the semi-final (Adam Davy/PA Wire)

Luke Littler wins the fifth set! Littler (4) 3-0 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:37 , Lawrence Ostlere

Searle had a chance to take out 127 but can’t pull it off, and Littler makes no mistake knocking off 100, not for the first time tonight.

Ryan Searle walks off stage looking a little dazed. He’s played well in the main, but hasn’t taken some key chances.

Littler (3) 2-0* (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:34 , Lawrence Ostlere

Littler makes a big mistake, missing three which would have left him tops, and instead forcing himself towards double 12. It rattles him, and he misses the finish twice. But Searle can’t take the gift! He had to.

Littler returns and finally hits double 12 at the fourth attempt.

Littler (3) *1-0 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:31 , Lawrence Ostlere

Littler comes straight out of the gate with 174 and 180 in his first three visits. It’s an 11-dart leg.

*denotes next thrower

Luke Littler wins the fourth set! Littler (3) 3-0 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:26 , Lawrence Ostlere

Littler takes out 110 to win the leg and the set! He’s halfway to the final, as they walk off stage for another brief break.

Littler (2) *2-0 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:24 , Lawrence Ostlere

“Cummon!” shouts Littler as he hits double nine with his third dart to win another leg.

Littler (2) 1-0* (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:23 , Lawrence Ostlere

More 180s from both players, but Littler quickly takes down this first leg of the fourth set.

Luke Littler wins the third set! Littler (2) 3-2 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:22 , Lawrence Ostlere

Oh, Ryan! At a crucial moment his throw deserts him with a terrible opening visit. He records a 180 to get himself back in the leg, but errs once more and at the last and allows Littler to finish it off.

Littler (1) 2-2* (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:19 , Lawrence Ostlere

Littler hits a 180 and then ignores a potential bull finish – to light boos from the crowd – to set himself up for tops, which he hits first time. Decider...

Littler (1) *1-2 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:18 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ryan Searle registers his first 180 of the match, and wraps up the leg with double 10 after missing tops. His finishing has been outstanding so far – six from eight.

Littler (1) 1-1* (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:16 , Lawrence Ostlere

Littler picks off tops with a comfortable leg to level this third set.

Littler (1) *0-1 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:15 , Lawrence Ostlere

Searle wins the first leg, taking out double eight with Littler nowhere close to a finish.

*denotes next thrower

All square after two sets

Friday 2 January 2026 20:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

Interesting battle so far. Ryan Searle has shown he is here for the fight and he’s not wilting in the spotlight of a first world semi-final.

Luke Littler in action against Ryan Searle (Adam Davy/PA Wire)

Luke Littler wins the second set! Littler (1) 3-1 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:10 , Lawrence Ostlere

No mistakes from Littler this time, as a 180 helps him pull clear and he hits tops to take the leg and set.

Littler (0) 2-1* (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:08 , Lawrence Ostlere

Searle hits back, though, as Littler offers up a ragged leg. Can he take another?

Littler (0) *2-0 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:06 , Lawrence Ostlere

Excellent by Littler, who hits a couple of 140s en route to a break of throw.

Littler (0) 1-0* (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:05 , Lawrence Ostlere

Littler rattles off the first leg, finishing on his old favourite, double 10.

Ryan Searle wins the first set! Littler (0) *0-0 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:01 , Lawrence Ostlere

Littler actually averaged 105 compared to Searle’s 94.50 in that first set, but couldn’t finish his chances and that cost him.

Ryan Searle wins the first set! Littler (0) 2-3 (1) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 20:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

Littler is all over the board and his opponent takes full advantage, taking out double eight at the first time of asking. A dream start, and Littler leaves the stage shaking his head and muttering to himself.

Littler (0) 2-2* (0) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 19:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

Littler throws 147 and hits tops for a 10-darter. Rapid. We go to a deciding leg, with Searle throwing first...

Littler (0) *1-2 (0) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 19:57 , Lawrence Ostlere

Searle misses tops for the leg, but Littler can’t take out 25, missing double 10 and double five, and Searle finishes it off with one dart!

Littler (0) 1-1* (0) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 19:56 , Lawrence Ostlere

Littler responds with a brilliant 170 to set up a finish, and he hits tops to level the score.

Littler (0) *0-1 (0) Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 19:55 , Lawrence Ostlere

Searle takes the first leg, taking out 56, and that will be an early settler.

*denotes next thrower

Luke Littler v Ryan Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 19:53 , Lawrence Ostlere

And they’re off! Searle to throw first. Best of 11 sets, so first to six.

Luke Littler v Ryan Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 19:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

There are more boos for Luke Littler as he prepares to walk to the stage. He embraces his entourage, which includes “Angry Ginge”, before sharing a handshake with his opponent.

Luke Littler walks to the stage (Adam Davy/PA Wire)

Luke Littler v Ryan Searle

Friday 2 January 2026 19:49 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here they come, then. Ryan Searle is welcomed to the stage first as “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath rings out once more. He gives a little wave and strolls over to his table, looking calm.

World Darts Championship semi-finals

Friday 2 January 2026 19:46 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ryan Searle, speaking ahead of the final: “I’m probably not expected to win tonight because I’m up against Luke Littler, and he’s a phenomenal dart player. But I’ll try and upset the odds.”

World Darts Championship semi-finals

Friday 2 January 2026 19:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

Searle’s highest average of the tournament? 102.29 in the third round. He would need to go beyond that tonight to reach the final, you’d think.

Record prize money on the line

Friday 2 January 2026 19:37 , Lawrence Ostlere

A reminder of what’s at stake here, beyond darts history: record prize money.

World Darts Championship 2026 prize money: How much does the winner earn?

World Darts Championship semi-finals

Friday 2 January 2026 19:27 , Lawrence Ostlere

Luke Littler has been booed before walking on stage over the past couple of rounds. What will his reception be tonight?

World Darts Championship semi-finals

Friday 2 January 2026 19:21 , Lawrence Ostlere

Some dramatic build-up for you, to get in the mood:

128 came, but only four remain.

It's semi-finals night here at the Palace! 🤩#WCDarts | @stuartpykesport pic.twitter.com/bqVeTl26oL

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 2, 2026

Tonight's semi-final schedule

Friday 2 January 2026 19:13 , Lawrence Ostlere

We are about half an hour away from the action getting underway tonight. A reminder of the mouthwatering semi-final line-up: Littler v Searle, scheduled to start at around 7.40pm, with Van Veen v Anderson following at around 9.30pm.

Football really wants to be darts right now – but darts still wishes it was pro wrestling

Friday 2 January 2026 19:05 , Luke Baker

A fun one from The Adam Clery Football Column today, comparing darts, football and pro wrestling – centred on Luke Littler’s shifting relationship with the Ally Pally crowd and how Wayne Rooney fits into the puzzle...

Read Adam’s full column here:

Football wishes it was darts – but darts wants to be pro wrestling

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website