Boy wonder Littler reaches World Darts Championship quarter-finals

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Luke Littler booked his place into the quarter finals in style. The 16-year-old opted against taking out The Big Fish before returning for double 15 to knock out Raymond van Barneveld

Teenager Luke Littler crushed his darting idol Raymond van Barneveld 4-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, where he will play Brendan Dolan.

The 16-year-old averaged 105.01, hit nine 180s to record a sensational victory over a legend in five-time World Champion, Van Barneveld.

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Littler makes a dominant start against Van Barneveld by winning the first two sets in style

‘The Nuke’ showed no signs of nerves as he won a rip-roaring first set 3-1 with a 103.8 average and 3/4 on the doubles.

The world youth champion was soon in dreamland after easing through the second set to strengthen his grip on the match for the loss of just two legs.

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Littler hits tops, tops for a magical ton checkout against Van Barneveld

Van Barneveld squandered two set darts in the next as Littler pounced to make it three without reply, averaging 110.68 in the set and 53 per cent on the doubles.

‘Barney’ held firm on double 6 to get off the mark in the fourth set and keep his hopes alive, but the teen star from Warrington stormed through to set up a meeting with Brendan Dolan by winning the deciding leg of the fifth set with a nerveless 130 set up shot before returning for double 15

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Dolan made it through to the quarter finals following a hard-fought victory over Anderson

Dolan followed up his upset win over Gerwyn Price by pulling off another famous scalp by knocking out two-time world champion Gary Anderson 4-3 to reach the quarter-finals for the second time in his career.

After falling 2-0 down, ‘The Flying Scotsman’ turned the match on its head to go in front for the first time but fellow veteran Dolan fired in 14, 14 and 15 dart legs to send a dramatic contest all the way to a final set.

But Anderson crumbled under pressure in the fourth leg of the deciding set, failing with four darts at double to allow Dolan to complete a stunning upset on double 3.

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Dolan took out 102 using the bullseye during his sensational win

“That was some game,” said Dolan. “I was wondering what was wrong with Gary but then he kicked into gear and the next thing he’s ahead of me. I’m wondering ‘don’t let this go, make him win it’ – it was in the lap of the gods,” said Dolan.

The afternoon session got under way with a clinical performance by Scott Williams to book his spot in the quarter-finals with a 4-1 win over Damon Heta.

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Scott Williams reeled in ‘The Big Fish’ after Damon Heta chose an alternative route in their clash

Williams produced some ruthless finishing, while Heta struggled on the doubles, a 170 out the highlight of proceedings.

Williams will now face one of the tournament favourites Michael van Gerwen on New Year’s Day.

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Chisnall says that he hasn’t had any practise for months because he’s been getting his front room redecorated

Perennial TV finalist Dave Chisnall held his nerve to grind out a 4-2 win over Daryl Gurney.

Chisnall took a 2-0 lead in the tie but Gurney fought back well, 130 and 151 checkouts enabling him to draw parity.

However, ‘Chizzy’ rallied and nine 180s and a 99 average secured his spot in the last 16.

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Gurney dazzled with superb 130 and 151 checkouts during his defeat to Chisnall

The session concluded with a ruthless performance from Rob Cross as he whitewashed ‘The Ferret’ Jonny Clayton 4-0.

The 2018 champion got off to a superb start as he took a 3-0 lead, with a stunning 140 checkout setting the tone.

Cross missed five match darts as Clayton levelled at 2-2 in the fourth set, but ‘Voltage’ held his nerve to seal a clinical win to set up a mouth-watering clash against ‘Hollywood’ Chris Dobey.

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Cross hit this clinical 140 checkout against Clayton

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Former World Champion Cross says he needed a new pair of pants after missing six match darts against Clayton

What’s happening on New Year’s Day at the World Darts Championship?

Michael van Gerwen is back in action on New Year’s Day at the World Darts Championship with semi-final spots on the line

Three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen will take on Scott Williams, with 2018 winner Rob Cross up against Chris Dobey.

Teenage sensation Luke Littler will take on Brendan Dolan, who has already knocked out Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson, with Dave Chisnall facing Luke Humphries or Joe Cullen.

The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final take place from January 1-3.

The sport’s biggest event sees the remaining players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.

Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months