- Defending champion Luke Littler crushed Krzysztof Ratajski 5-0 in the quarter-finals on January 1, 2026.
- Gian van Veen stunned second seed Luke Humphries 5-1, marking a major upset.
- Ryan Searle and Gary Anderson completed the semi-final lineup with strong wins.
- Semi-finals on January 2: Littler vs Searle, van Veen vs Anderson.
Littler’s Commanding Performance Wins Over Crowd
Luke Littler delivered a masterful display to advance at Alexandra Palace. The 18-year-old world No. 1 averaged 106.58—third-highest of the tournament—and produced a standout 125.25 set average against Ratajski.
After boos in his previous match against Rob Cross, Littler received overwhelming support this time. Cheers drowned rare jeers, with fans chanting his name and singing along to his walk-on.
Littler acknowledged the shift: “The crowd were unbelievable… I clapped to get them on my side again.” His resilience shone through adversity.
A 170 checkout highlighted dominance, winning 12 of 15 legs post-early exchange.
Major Upset as van Veen Ousts Humphries
Gian van Veen, 23, announced himself with a sensational 5-1 victory over Luke Humphries. The Dutch 10th seed averaged 105, continuing his 2025 dominance over the 2024 champion—including the European Championship final.
van Veen called it potentially his career-best win. Humphries, Littler’s perceived biggest threat, exited early.
Searle and Anderson Complete Semi-Final Lineup
Ryan Searle reached his first quarter-final, extending a 17-set unbeaten streak before a 5-2 win over Jonny Clayton. Clinical doubles (17/30) proved decisive.
Gary Anderson ended debutant Justin Hood’s run 5-2. The 55-year-old Scot accelerated late, securing his first semi in four years.
Hood’s impressive debut earned £100,000 and ranking jump.
Semi-Final Matchups and Expectations
The last four features youth versus experience:
| PDC World Darts Championship 2026 Semi-Finals (January 2) |
|---|
| Luke Littler vs Ryan Searle |
| Gian van Veen vs Gary Anderson |
The PDC World Darts Championship 2026 quarter-finals on January 1 delivered drama and brilliance at Alexandra Palace. Luke Littler’s emphatic progress headlined a day of contrasts.
Littler’s 5-0 rout of Ratajski showcased maturity. After Monday’s boos against Cross—and his pointed “thanks for paying my prize money” retort—the crowd rallied fully.
Walk-on cheers set tone; a 170 checkout ignited roars. Littler won convincingly, blending power scoring and checkout precision.
His mental growth impressed: “The Rob Cross game tested me… now I know how to deal with it.” Family advice—”whatever happens”—aided focus.
Gian van Veen’s 5-1 dismantling of Humphries stole headlines. The Dutchman’s high average and composure ended Humphries’ challenge abruptly.
van Veen reflected: “Over the moon… probably my biggest win.” His 2025 victories over Humphries built confidence.
Ryan Searle’s quarter-final debut yielded 5-2 over Clayton. Unbeaten sets streak ended, but doubles mastery prevailed.
Anderson’s experience overcame Hood’s fairy tale. The English debutant’s run—£100,000 prize, ranking leap—inspired.
Quarter-finals confirmed:
- Littler 5-0 Ratajski
- Searle 5-2 Clayton
- Anderson 5-2 Hood
- van Veen 5-1 Humphries
Semi-finals promise clashes: Littler’s flair versus Searle’s consistency; van Veen’s momentum against Anderson’s pedigree.
Alexandra Palace’s atmosphere—chants, costumes—elevates darts uniquely. Littler’s crowd turnaround exemplifies its passion.
This tournament blends youth breakthroughs (Littler, van Veen) with veterans (Anderson). Upsets and dominance create compelling narrative.
Littler’s defense stays on track—back-to-back potential historic. van Veen’s rise signals generational shift.
January 2 semis set stage for thrilling conclusion.
