World Darts Championship LIVE!
Luke Littler is through to a third successive World Darts Championship final at Alexandra Palace. It has been an interesting week for the defending champion, who had an emotional reaction to being booed during his fourth-round thriller against Rob Cross before praising the “unbelievable” support from the crowd after his quarter-final rout of Krzysztof Ratajski. The 18-year-old is once again the clear man to beat, having advanced to the business end of yet another major tournament in imperious fashion.
Looking to cause a considerable upset this evening was Ryan Searle, who had not dropped a single set at Ally Pally this year before dispatching Jonny Clayton 5-2 on his maiden quarter-final appearance. However, he was no match whatsoever for the superior Littler, who cruised to an emphatic 6-1 victory.
There will be no Littler vs Luke Humphries showpiece this year after the latter was thrashed on Thursday by reigning European and world youth champion Gian van Veen, who is continuing his staggering rise as the new Dutch No1 and world No3 defeated two-time winner Gary Anderson in an epic contest. Follow the World Darts Championship semi-finals live below!
World Darts Championship semi-final results
- Van Veen defeats 'idol' Anderson in Ally Pally classic
- Littler thrashes Searle to reach third straight final
Gian van Veen 6-3 Gary Anderson (3-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:51 , George FloodAn unfortunate deflection for Anderson and Van Veen quickly leaves himself down on 32.
Double 16 for the match... takes it out in one dart!
He wins a remarkable game against his idol 6-3 to tee up a massive final clash with Luke Littler at Ally Pally tomorrow night.
That could be another classic!
Gian van Veen 5-3 Gary Anderson (2-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:49 , George FloodBig chance here for Van Veen, who is down to 87 as Anderson leaves 126 with a ton.
Van Veen needs the bull... no!
Anderson needs this for the set, needs the bull too... no!
Single nine, double eight for Van Veen and he moves within one leg of the final.
Gian van Veen 5-3 Gary Anderson (1-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:47 , George FloodTwo 180s in this leg from Van Veen to leave 41.
Hits nine, misses two attempts at double 16.
Bullseye from Anderson to check out 121!
Amazing, wow. He’s not done yet!
Anderson to throw for the set and 5-4...
Gian van Veen 5-3 Gary Anderson (1-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:45 , George FloodAnderson just misses the bull for another Big Fish!
Anderson can’t check out 28 and Van Veen’s ton takes him down to 48.
Anderson needs double four and gets it for the leg.
Gian van Veen 5-3 Gary Anderson (1-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:44 , George FloodAnderson now needs to win three sets in a row here.
He leaves 32, misses three goes at double 16 for a break of throw to open the ninth set. Ouch.
Van Veen has 20 and hits double 10 at the second attempt to hold.
Gian van Veen 5-3 Gary Anderson (3-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:39 , George FloodA stunning response from Van Veen to missing those darts for a 5-3 lead.
He leaves 98 with Anderson on 181... can’t check it out.
59 for Van Veen as Anderson leaves 84.
Double 20 goes after the 19 and now the Dutchman does lead 5-3!
He’s one set away from a maiden World Championship final.
Gian van Veen 4-3 Gary Anderson (2-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:36 , George Flood180 from Van Veen to pile huge pressure on Anderson.
Anderson is on 170 as Van Veen leaves 97. No Big Fish this time.
38 for tops for Van Veen and a 5-3 lead in this semi-final... won’t go!
96 for Anderson, who goes double/double and can’t make it.
Van Veen misses double 20, double 10 and double five for the set! My word.
Double 18 goes in from Anderson and we’ve got a decider in the eighth set!
Wow.
Gian van Veen 4-3 Gary Anderson (2-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:34 , George FloodAnother 180 from Anderson and he just misses the bull for a 161 finish.
Van Veen leaves tops, Anderson just gets double eight under huge pressure to stay in the set.
The next leg is massive.
Van Veen throwing first...
Gian van Veen 4-3 Gary Anderson (2-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:33 , George FloodAnderson really needs a 106 finish here with Van Veen on 52, just misses double 16.
No such miss from Van Veen, though, who now leads 2-0 in this eighth set.
The crowd aren’t happy - they want this match to continue for as long as possible.
Gian van Veen 4-3 Gary Anderson (1-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:31 , George FloodVan Veen misses the bull for an impressive 88 checkout against the throw.
He’s left on 25 as Anderson gets down into the 60s, takes out double eight to lead in the set.
Gian van Veen 4-3 Gary Anderson
Friday 2 January 2026 22:29 , George FloodAfter a spontaneous rendition of the Robbie Williams classic ‘Angels’ from a bouncing crowd, a pivotal eighth set is underway.
Where does this match rank in terms of all-time greats at the World Championship?
It’s got to be pretty high...
Gian van Veen 4-3 Gary Anderson (2-3)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:24 , George FloodA poor leg at the worst possible time from Anderson, but he gets 165 out of nowhere to leave tops with Van Veen on 91.
Double 20 for the set... hits it with the second dart!
How important could that be?
Gian van Veen 4-2 Gary Anderson (2-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:22 , George FloodAnderson with his seventh 180 of the night after a potentially crucial missed chance in that last leg.
Anderson leaves 87 with Van Veen out on 207. 47 leaves him tops.
Van Veen down to 67, Anderson misses double 20, double 10 and double five!
Oh dear.
Van Veen with two shots at double eight for the set... no!
Anderson back on five, eventually gets double one to level the set.
High drama of a different kind as both men suddenly struggle badly on the doubles.
Gian van Veen 4-2 Gary Anderson (2-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:19 , George FloodA sixth 180 of the match from Anderson!
No 130 finish for Van Veen, Anderson needs 54 with Van Veen on tops.
He can’t find it and Van Veen nails the double 20 at the first try.
The momentum swings are incredible in this match.
Gian van Veen 4-2 Gary Anderson (1-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:18 , George FloodDouble four to finish from Anderson and we’re back level in this set.
Gian van Veen 4-2 Gary Anderson (1-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:16 , George FloodVan Veen races down to 32, nails his first attempt at double 16.
He leads the seventh set so fast - Anderson can only laugh.
Gian van Veen 4-2 Gary Anderson (1-3)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:15 , George FloodYet another Anderson 180.
Now 140 to leave 181, takes it down to 81 as Van Veen goes from 176 to 76 with his own ton.
Anderson leaves the bullseye... YES!
A 12-darter this time to claim a set that he badly needed.
This match is something else.
Gian van Veen 4-1 Gary Anderson (1-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:13 , George FloodAnderson is raining down the 180s and he’s on a 148-finish. Gets 100 with Van Veen leaving 70.
Eight, double 20 needed from Anderson - yes, gets it.
He’s back in front in this set.
Gian van Veen 4-1 Gary Anderson (1-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:12 , George FloodA 180 from Anderson is followed by a huge score in response from Van Veen.
He can only get down to 100 from 146, with Anderson on 220.
Just misses double 16 for the ton finish!
180 to 83 for Anderson, but Van Veen needs only one go at double eight to level the set.
Gian van Veen 4-1 Gary Anderson (0-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:10 , George Flood180 from Anderson to kick off set six.
He really, really needs to take this one.
He’s quickly on a finish on 87, nails it with the double 18.
11-darter for the Flying Scotsman.
Gian van Veen 4-1 Gary Anderson
Friday 2 January 2026 22:08 , George FloodThe Big Fishes are not safe in the water tonight!
Anderson is averaging 105.55, with Van Veen averaging 105.97.
68 per cent on the doubles from Van Veen, 59 for Anderson.
Imagine averaging 117 in a set, losing it and being 4-1 down.
Ridiculous!
IT'S RAINING BIG FISHES ‼️ pic.twitter.com/MwcK6kcLi0
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2026
Gian van Veen 4-1 Gary Anderson (3-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:04 , George FloodThis set has been utterly, utterly outrageous.
Van Veen on 127, leaves double eight... just misses!
Anderson is on 136, misses his try at a second successive treble 20.
Van Veen returns on 16, needs double four with the third dart... makes it.
I need a lie down after that.
Gian van Veen 3-1 Gary Anderson (2-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:02 , George Flood121 and 111 are the averages so far in this set.
Anderson down to 64 from 121.
Van Veen on his own Big Fish finish after two treble 20s...
AND HE’S HIT THE BULL!
Two Big Fishes in the same set. Incredible.
Gian van Veen 3-1 Gary Anderson (1-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 22:00 , George FloodVan Veen with a 180 in response and he’s checked out 90 in a flash to get on the board in this fifth set.
A ridiculous standard at the moment in this absorbing semi-final showdown.
Gian van Veen 3-1 Gary Anderson (0-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:59 , George FloodTreble 20, treble 20, bull from Anderson!
It’s another Big Fish!
Unbelievable. 10-darter followed by a Big Fish.
He’s in control of a crucial fifth set.
Gian van Veen 3-1 Gary Anderson (0-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:57 , George Flood180 followed by 141 as Anderson looks to take this first leg of set five against the throw.
Double tops for the 10-darter!
Excellent.
Gian van Veen 3-1 Gary Anderson
Friday 2 January 2026 21:56 , George FloodSublime finishing from Gian van Veen, who has been absolutely superb on the doubles. 77 per cent!
You sense that Gary Anderson cannot afford to lose this fifth set...
Gian van Veen goes 3-1 up after a superb set of darts 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TyjkQQkVYX
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2026
Gian van Veen 3-1 Gary Anderson (3-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:53 , George Flood180 followed by 177 from Van Veen! Wow.
Leaves him on 144, he misses treble 20 with the first dart and there won’t be a nine-darter.
Anderson can’t check out 132 and Van Veen is on 47, goes 15 and hits the double 16 to break throw and move into a two-set lead.
Gian van Veen 2-1 Gary Anderson (2-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:52 , George FloodVan Veen ruthlessly hits double 16 at the first attempt to check out 32 and force another deciding leg.
He has been superb on the doubles tonight.
Gian van Veen 2-1 Gary Anderson (1-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:50 , George FloodAnderson knocks down a 180 and is quickly down to 87 on throw in the third leg of this fourth set.
He miscounts and here comes Van Veen on 164, misses the treble 19 with his first dart.
Anderson on 39 now, gets seven and then hits double 16 at the second try.
Huge relief for the Flying Scotsman.
Gian van Veen 2-1 Gary Anderson (1-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:48 , George FloodVan Veen gets to 76 from 170, with Anderson leaving himself on tops.
Treble 20, double eight. Another fine finish.
Gian van Veen 2-1 Gary Anderson (0-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:47 , George FloodOh, magnificent from Anderson, who checks out 144 with two treble 20s and a double 12 to take an early lead in set four.
Sensational.
Gian van Veen 2-1 Gary Anderson (3-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:45 , George FloodVan Veen with another 180 to pile the pressure on Anderson.
He’s on 160, going down to 32 with Anderson well adrift on 208.
It’s double 16 for the set, gets it with the second dart.
Gian van Veen 1-1 Gary Anderson (2-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:43 , George FloodAnderson narrowly misses double 10 for the big 140 checkout.
No Big Fish from Van Veen and Anderson hits double five to force a third-set decider.
Captivating darts.
Gian van Veen 1-1 Gary Anderson (2-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:42 , George FloodAnderson on 126 after Van Veen leaves 68, but it’s not close to a checkout.
After a treble 20, Van Veen nails double four at the second attempt to retake the lead.
A poor leg from Anderson.
Gian van Veen 1-1 Gary Anderson (1-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:40 , George FloodAnderson gets his second attempt at tops after an initial 16 to check out 56 and not let Van Veen back to the oche.
All square.
Gian van Veen 1-1 Gary Anderson (1-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:38 , George FloodSensational again from Van Veen, taking out tops to check out 107 and hold throw in the first leg of this third set.
Gian van Veen 1-1 Gary Anderson (3-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:32 , George FloodVan Veen leaves himself 117 and duly hits treble 20, 17, double 20 to take the second set and level this match, which is already gripping.
Brilliant darts from the new world No3.
Gian van Veen 0-1 Gary Anderson (2-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:31 , George FloodAnderson is quickly on a finish on 135, but can only get to 72 with Van Veen on 182.
16, 16, double 20 to take his first leg in this second set.
Gian van Veen 0-1 Gary Anderson (2-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:29 , George FloodVan Veen down to 50 with Anderson going from 168 to 87.
Double 16 from the Dutchman to check out and take a commanding lead in this second set.
Gian van Veen 0-1 Gary Anderson (1-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:27 , George Flood180 from Van Veen in the opening leg of set two.
He’s left himself on 32, takes out double 16 at the first try for a stylish 10-darter.
How about that for a response!
This could be a classic if that first set is anything to go by...
ADVANTAGE ANDO!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 2, 2026
Flying start from The Flying Scotsman!
Despite missing four darts for the set, Gary Anderson draws first blood against Gian van Veen with an average of almost 105!
📺 https://t.co/59TualjgND#WCDarts | SF pic.twitter.com/RCtAiGQs88
Gian van Veen 0-1 Gary Anderson (1-3)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:21 , George FloodAnother 180 from Anderson, who has averaged 117 to start.
Anderson is down to 59 with Van Veen on 242, now down to 102.
Anderson misses two goes at double 20 to take the opening set!
He will return though after Van Veen misses tops!
Huge drama already as Anderson nails his second try at double 10 to claim the opening set against the darts.
And breathe. What a start!
Gian van Veen 0-0 Gary Anderson (1-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:19 , George FloodWhat a start from these two, some serious scoring already here as Anderson follows 180 with 140 to go to 41.
Van Veen has a chance but can’t get the ton-plus finish.
Nine, double 16 from Anderson to check out 41 in an 11-dart leg.
Superb.
Gian van Veen 0-0 Gary Anderson (1-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:17 , George Flood180 from Van Veen leaves him on 121, with Anderson not able to get the Big Fish.
Anderson on 72 after Van Veen leaves tops, Anderson with his own double 20 to level the first set.
Gian van Veen 0-0 Gary Anderson (1-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 21:16 , George FloodVan Veen throwing first in this opening set.
Anderson is in a bit of a muddle on 130 with Van Veen on 80.
The Dutchman returns to check it out and take an early lead, 20, 20, double 20.
Solid start and a hold of throw.
Gian van Veen vs Gary Anderson
Friday 2 January 2026 21:13 , George FloodA typically energetic entrance from Van Veen as ‘Astronomia’ by Tony Igy and Vicetone accompanies him to the oche.
He’s become a massive crowd favourite.
Can he topple two-time winner Gary Anderson?
It’s time to find out...
Gian van Veen vs Gary Anderson
Friday 2 January 2026 21:11 , George FloodJohn McDonald is back on the mic and it’s time for Gary Anderson to make his way to the oche as ‘Jump Around’ by House of Pain rings out around Ally Pally.
Luke Littler matches Phil Taylor after reaching third final
Friday 2 January 2026 21:08 , George FloodNot bad company to keep as Littler writes another chapter in his amazing story...
Luke Littler becomes the second player after Phil Taylor to make the final of his first three appearances at the World Championship 🤯 pic.twitter.com/waPBEVCZc4
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 2, 2026
Gian van Veen vs Gary Anderson
Friday 2 January 2026 20:57 , George FloodRight then, you’d hope this second semi-final will be much closer.
Who will have the formidable task of trying to take down Luke Littler in tomorrow night’s showpiece?
Gian van Veen vs Gary Anderson is on the way very soon.
Luke Littler 6-1 Ryan Searle (3-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:53 , George FloodLittler on 167, gets down to 40 to leave tops with Searle on 200.
Gets it at the first attempt to secure a 6-1 rout and a place in his third consecutive World Championship final.
Another masterclass.
Luke Littler 5-1 Ryan Searle (2-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:51 , George FloodLittler with another 180 to leave himself on 121.
Treble 20 is followed by 14, he can’t check out after another miscalculation.
Searle just misses his double to check out 109 and Littler is on tops, hitting it at the second try.
One leg away...
Luke Littler 5-1 Ryan Searle (1-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:49 , George FloodLittler can’t check out 82 with Searle on eight, another slight mistake from The Nuke there.
Searle takes out double four to retake the lead in the seventh set.
Luke Littler 5-1 Ryan Searle (1-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:47 , George FloodLittler gets 96 to again leave tops, which he takes at the first attempt to level set seven.
Just two more legs required now.
Luke Littler 5-1 Ryan Searle (0-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:46 , George FloodThere’s life in Ryan Searle yet as he nails his own Big Fish finish!
What a moment for him and the crowd are belting out his name.
A rough night, but that’s something to remember.
Luke Littler 5-1 Ryan Searle (3-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:45 , George FloodLittler is absolutely cruising into the final.
Another big checkout and it’s 11 legs in a row and another clean sweep of a set.
5-1. One more needed.
Luke Littler 4-1 Ryan Searle (2-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:43 , George FloodBack-to-back 180s from Littler, but there will be no nine-darter as the crowd boos in pantomime fashion.
He’s down on 12, misses double six and two tries at double three. Wow.
Searle is on 47 but misses double 20 and double 10, the latter by miles.
No mistake on double three this time from Littler, who wins his 10th leg in a row.
Searle absolutely has to take those chances.
Luke Littler 4-1 Ryan Searle (1-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:42 , George FloodTwo treble 19s from Littler to leave 117.
He just misses double 19 for another ton-plus checkout, with Searle out in the 200s.
Another miscalculation follows from Littler, but it’s left him on tops and you know the rest.
A NINTH straight leg for Littler.
Luke Littler 4-1 Ryan Searle
Friday 2 January 2026 20:40 , George FloodLittler to throw first in set six.
He’s averaging just over 103 in this match so far.
Luke Littler 4-1 Ryan Searle
Friday 2 January 2026 20:38 , George FloodUtterly ruthless from the champion...
LITTLER REFUSING TO RELENT!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 2, 2026
This is BRUTAL!
It's another clean sweep in set five for Luke Littler, who extends his winning run to seven legs as he races 4-1 ahead!
📺 https://t.co/59TualjgND#WCDarts | SF pic.twitter.com/rwWsvCDLCo
Luke Littler 4-1 Ryan Searle (3-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:36 , George FloodSearle on 127 after Littler can’t take out 160.
Searle leaves himself on tops and hopes Littler can’t take out 100.
Wrong. Of course he does. Treble 20, double 20.
Easy as you like, another leg and another set in the bag.
He is two away from another final.
Luke Littler 3-1 Ryan Searle (2-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:33 , George FloodSearle just misses double 16 for a huge checkout.
Littler then misses double 12 to take out 43 after a rare error.
Searle then misses four darts for the leg and a shot at double four.
Littler is on 24 and takes out double 12 at the second attempt.
A massive missed opportunity for Searle.
Luke Littler 3-1 Ryan Searle (1-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:31 , George FloodSearle throwing first in set five.
He’s down to 170 before Littler hits a 180.
No Big Fish for Searle and Littler is on 51.
11, double 20, nails it.
A sixth straight leg for The Nuke and another break.
Luke Littler 3-1 Ryan Searle
Friday 2 January 2026 20:29 , George FloodHalfway to a third successive World Championship final for Littler.
A serious uphill task in store now for Searle, whose positive start feels a long time ago.
LITTLER HALFWAY TO VICTORY!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 2, 2026
This is starting to look ominous!
Littler produces a fourth set average of almost 110 to storm into a 3-1 lead, and Searle has no answer right now!
📺 https://t.co/59TualjgND#WCDarts | SF pic.twitter.com/ei6acJj94J
Luke Littler 3-1 Ryan Searle (3-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:26 , George FloodLittler is really in the groove now and another 180 follows to take him onto another Big Fish finish.
He can’t do it and is down to 110. Treble 19, 13, double 20, yes.
Woof.
Another leg, another set for the defending champion.
Stunning stuff and Searle is sinking, fast.
Luke Littler 2-1 Ryan Searle (2-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:24 , George FloodSearle with a 180 early in leg two of this fourth set.
He needs to quickly start disrupting this ominous and familiar Littler momentum.
Littler gets down to 96, eventually hitting double nine to take another leg.
This is one-way traffic now.
Luke Littler 2-1 Ryan Searle (1-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:22 , George FloodBack-to-back 180s to begin set four!
And once again, Littler efficiently leaves himself on tops.
The first one misses, but he makes no mistake on double 10 and he leads the fourth set.
Luke Littler 2-1 Ryan Searle (3-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:21 , George FloodOh dear, 15 from Searle as he throws first in the crucial fifth leg of this set.
He recovers with a 180 to leave 69, with Littler just missing tops for a huge checkout.
Back comes Searle and he makes another mistake before missing the bull.
It leaves tops again for Littler, no mistake.
He breaks throw and wins the third set for a 2-1 lead.
That feels potentially huge.
Luke Littler 1-1 Ryan Searle (2-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:19 , George FloodHeavy scoring again from Littler, another 180 in the bag.
He takes 121 down to 40 in typically efficient fashion and then of course nails his first attempt at tops.
Luke Littler 1-1 Ryan Searle (1-2)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:18 , George FloodA first 180 of the match in leg three of the third set from Searle.
He’s on 83, but misses treble 17 for a potential checkout.
On his next visit on 40, he misses tops but hits double 10 to retake the lead in this set.
Luke Littler 1-1 Ryan Searle (1-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:16 , George FloodLittler with another 180 to get down to 91, gets 51 to leave 40.
Then hits tops at the first attempt to swiftly level set three.
Luke Littler 1-1 Ryan Searle (0-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:15 , George FloodA crucial hold of throw there for Searle as he again takes out double eight to check out 76.
He needs to wrestle back some momentum.
Luke Littler 1-1 Ryan Searle
Friday 2 January 2026 20:14 , George FloodThird set off and running.
Searle to throw first.
Luke Littler 1-1 Ryan Searle (3-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:10 , George FloodLittler nails the first 180 of the match to get down to 41.
Ruthless from the defending champion as he then goes 1, double 20 to take the fourth leg and quickly level this match at one set apiece.
These two certainly aren’t hanging around...
Luke Littler 0-1 Ryan Searle (2-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:08 , George FloodLittler with another attempt at the Big Fish 170 finish, but this time’s it’s well offline.
Double tops to check out 43 for Searle, who had been struggling in this second set but now breaks in the third leg.
Luke Littler 0-1 Ryan Searle (2-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:07 , George FloodLittler needs one try at double 10 after more fast, heavy scoring and in a flash he’s 2-0 up in this second set.
Luke Littler 0-1 Ryan Searle (1-0)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:05 , George FloodExactly the response you would have predicted from The Nuke.
He hits double 10 to hold throw in the opening game of set two.
This is the first time that Luke Littler has been behind at this World Darts Championship.
The second set is now underway.
Cool as you like from ‘Heavy Metal’.
Can he back it up?
Ryan Searle takes the opening set 💪 pic.twitter.com/GnBjVUaSyx
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2026
Luke Littler 2-3 Ryan Searle (0-1)
Friday 2 January 2026 20:00 , George FloodFirst set to Ryan Searle!
He confidently checks out 76, finding double eight as the crowd go wild.
Exactly the start he would have wanted and really needed.
How will Littler respond?
Luke Littler 2-2 Ryan Searle
Friday 2 January 2026 19:58 , George FloodAnother swift hold of throw from Littler, again finished with double 20.
Back level in the opening set.
Luke Littler 1-2 Ryan Searle
Friday 2 January 2026 19:57 , George FloodA dramatic third leg as Littler just misses double five and Searle nails tops after both men go close to impressive high checkouts.
Luke Littler 1-1 Ryan Searle
Friday 2 January 2026 19:55 , George FloodA swift and efficient reply from Littler, who nails his first shot at double 20 to check out 40 and hit straight back with his own hold of throw.
Level in this first set, which has started at some pace.
Heavy scoring and fine doubling so far.
Luke Littler 0-1 Ryan Searle
Friday 2 January 2026 19:54 , George FloodFirst blood to Searle, who holds throw in the first leg and checks out 56 with double tops.
Important that he wasn’t broken there to set the tone.
Luke Littler vs Ryan Searle
Friday 2 January 2026 19:51 , George FloodHere we go!
Searle to throw first...
Luke Littler vs Ryan Searle
Friday 2 January 2026 19:50 , George FloodInitial loud boos for Littler again give way to cheers as the familiar sounds of Pitbull’s ‘Greenlight’ rings out around Ally Pally.
Almost time to get underway.
A reminder that these semi-final matches are best of 11 sets.
Luke Littler vs Ryan Searle
Friday 2 January 2026 19:48 , George FloodJohn McDonald is on the mic and it’s time for the players to walk to the oche.
First up is Ryan Searle, who has ‘Paranoid’ by Black Sabbath as his walk-on music of choice.
He’s not called ‘Heavy Metal’ for nothing, you know.
Luke Littler coming up
Friday 2 January 2026 19:44 , George FloodA fantastic atmosphere at Alexandra Palace as always as a sold-out crowd awaits our first semi-final clash.
Luke Littler vs Ryan Searle is on the way very shortly.
Stay tuned!
Littler 'didn't feel comfortable' in quarter-final rout
Friday 2 January 2026 19:32 , George FloodDespite his whitewash of Krzysztof Ratajski in which he averaged 100, piled up the 180s and even nailed a Big Fish checkout, Luke Littler admitted that he wasn’t too happy with his quarter-final performance last night.
“I didn’t feel comfortable tonight, but a win is a win,” he said.
“I was changing the way I was holding my dart, but hopefully now I’m playing day after day, I will perform better tomorrow.
“I think that first set was crucial.
“I’ve not gone a set down in this tournament yet, and to win the set by hitting the big fish, it felt even better!”
Van Veen rise to Dutch No1 beyond his wildest dreams
Friday 2 January 2026 19:13 , George FloodGian van Veen insisted becoming the new world No3 and Dutch No1 was beyond his childhood dreams ahead of tonight’s semi-final showdown with Gary Anderson.
The 23-year-old said he had always looked up to Michael van Gerwen and never even considered the possibility that he might one day rise above him.
“With the prize money increases, we all knew the World Championship was going to have a big effect on the world rankings,” Van Veen told the PDC.
“To be the Dutch number one and the world number three - it’s an amazing feeling, and I couldn’t even dream of this when I was a little kid.
“Especially as a young Dutchman, you always looked up to Raymond van Barneveld and then later Michael van Gerwen, so this is amazing.
“The goal was to be Dutch number two.
“That was the dream, because in my head, you cannot overtake Michael van Gerwen, so to have done that now is so special.”
Littler thanks fans for support
Friday 2 January 2026 19:01 , George FloodMore praise for the Ally Pally crowd from Luke Littler on social media this afternoon.
Will he get the same reception tonight?
Around 45 minutes now until the defending champion takes to the oche.
Unbelievable crowd from the minute I stepped on the stage, thanks for all the support. bring on the semi finals❤️🎯 pic.twitter.com/5jyLSOtxJD
— Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) January 2, 2026
Anderson: Experience not a major factor against Van Veen
Friday 2 January 2026 18:52 , George FloodIt’s been a brilliant renaissance from Gary Anderson, who has reached his first semi-final for four years after cult hero Justin Hood saw his incredible run ended in a 5-2 loss yesterday - though his £100,000 prize money will still be enough to open that Chinese restaurant.
He also eased past Michael van Gerwen in an upset after initial wins over Jermaine Wattimena, Connor Scutt and Adam Hunt.
At 55, can the Flying Scotsman become the oldest-ever world darts champion a decade on from his second successive title at Ally Pally?
Tonight is his eighth world semi-final overall, though he doesn’t believe that vast experience will count for much against Van Veen.
“I don’t think it makes any difference now,” he said.
“The talent of players now… I just play darts, I take each game as it comes. You wait until I’m 60!
“I’d like to keep playing and hopefully my son can play on these stages. It’d be great to stand up there with him.”
Van Veen relishing clash with 'darting idol' Anderson
Friday 2 January 2026 18:35 , George FloodThough Luke Littler is the main event at Ally Pally tonight as always, equally if not more box office at this World Championship so far has been a certain Gian van Veen.
The 23-year-old reigning back-to-back world youth and 2025 senior European champion was tipped as a dark horse for glory before the tournament began and he’s certainly lived up to that billing so far, breezing past Cristo Reyes, Alan Soutar and Madars Razma before then easily silencing fellow confident young star Charlie Manby.
Van Veen followed that up by once again beating Luke Humphries last night, maintaining his 100 per cent record against the 2024 champion and reaching his first world semi-final with a 5-1 destruction.
Now the provisional new world No3, who has overtaken the great Michael van Gerwen to be Dutch No1, is looking to take down his darting idol in two-time winner Gary Anderson.
“I’m just going to enjoy the game,” he said.
“Gary has played a fantastic tournament so far, and so have I.
“Before the tournament, all the pressure was on my first game, and once I got that victory, all the pressure was off my shoulders.
“I was just happy to win my first ever game here, and I haven’t felt nervous for the rest of the tournament.
“Gary is my darting idol. I’m really looking forward to sharing the biggest stage of them all with him, and hopefully it’s going to be a great game.”
Ryan Searle speaks on rare eye condition
Friday 2 January 2026 18:23 , George FloodIt’s been a dream run to the semi-finals for Ryan Searle, who had never previously been past the fourth round at Alexandra Palace.
‘Heavy Metal’ had not dropped a single set in wins over Chris Landman, Brendan Dolan, Martin Schindler and James Hurrell, then brushing aside Jonny Clayton 5-2 last night.
Searle has spoken candidly this week about suffering from a rare condition called autosomal dominant optic atrophy and is serving as an inspiration to those with eyesight issues to give darts a try.
"It was only in the last 18 months that I realised what the diagnosis was for my vision. It's been bad for as long as I can remember," said Searle.
"But to have a diagnosis for it is really good and it puts you in that place where you know what's wrong with your vision.
“There's no cure for what I've got so I'm stuck with it. I wear contact lenses now to try and take a bit of the blurriness away from my vision.
"But sometimes on stage I'm asking the caller what I've scored and sometimes I don't and it puts me in a bit of a difficult position.
"If I can inspire people that maybe can't see as well as others to pick up the game and give it a go, then it means a lot to me."
Littler hails 'unbelievable' support after crowd U-turn
Friday 2 January 2026 18:14 , George FloodWhat a week it’s been for Luke Littler, who hit out at the Ally Pally crowd - as did his mum on social media - after he was roundly booed during his 4-2 fourth-round win over Rob Cross on Monday, pointing out that their ticket costs funded his prize money.
The few jeers that greeted him before last night’s quarter-final clash with Krzysztof Ratajski quickly gave way to cheers and after an ominous 5-0 demolition he praised the “unbelievable” support.
"Obviously it's a new year, first day of the year. A few boos here and there but as soon as I got on stage, the crowd were absolutely unbelievable," Littler said.
"Leading up to it, my family and friends were just like, 'whatever happens, happens.'
“And yeah, as soon as I got on stage, I clapped everyone just so they know I want them on my side again, but yeah, they were on my side tonight and I got the job done. So hopefully it's the same again tomorrow.
“I don't think it does [impact my performance]. Obviously I'm growing as a player mentally.
“I know how to deal with it and I think the Rob Cross game, definitely tested me.
“But yeah, I got through it and in future games, I know how to deal with it and get past it."
How to watch World Darts Championship semi-finals
Friday 2 January 2026 18:06 , George FloodTV channel: Live coverage of the World Darts Championship is available in the UK on Sky Sports Darts, with tonight’s session also shown on Sky Sports Main Event.
Coverage begins at 7:30pm GMT on the former and 8pm on the latter.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also watch live online via the Sky Go app.
World Darts Championship live
Friday 2 January 2026 18:03 , George FloodGood evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship.
It’s semi-final night at Alexandra Palace, with the mighty Luke Littler in action first as the defending champion looks to avoid a sizable upset against Ryan Searle and seal his third successive appearance in the showpiece.
New world No3 and Dutch No1 Gian van Veen will then look to continue his incredible rise as he faces off against his darting idol in two-time world champion Gary Anderson.
We should be underway at approximately 7:45pm GMT at Ally Pally, so stay tuned for build-up and live updates.
