World Darts Championship LIVE: Results and reaction after Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler shine

Michael Van Gerwen shone at Alexandra Palace and wants to be on everyone's lips as he targets a fourth World Championship crown.

As the battle for the £500,000 top prize intensifies, the Dutchman has too much for compatriot Richard Veenstra, winning 4-0, on a superb night of darts, which saw 16-year-old Luke Littler with another sensational performance to destroy Matt Campbell 4-1 in the last 32 and continue to capture the imagination of the darting world.

Defending champion Michael Smith did not have his best darts, but held off the tricky Latvian Madars Razma to advance.

"I wish everyone gives me attention because when you get attention it is a pleasure, it is something good," said Van Gerwen. "When they talk about you it is a good sign, it means you still mean something to the sport.

"I think there is more to get, I feel comfortable and I feel good and I am looking forward," he added. “I was pleased, with the way I played it gave me confidence, that is the way you want to do things. I did what I had to do."

Relive all the action from the World Darts Championship below after victories for Littler, Smith and Van Gerwen:

World Darts Championship LIVE: Littler, Smith and Van Gerwen in action

• Today’s results: Cross advances as Chisnall sets up fascinating last 16 battle

• What is the World Darts Championship prize money?

• Luke Littler 4-1 Matt Campbell

• Michael van Gerwen 4-0 Richard Veenstra

• Michael Smith 4-1 Madars Razma

Michael Van Gerwen seeks ‘attention’ in bid for fourth World Championship crown

Wednesday 27 December 2023 22:54 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Van Gerwen wants to be the name on everyone’s lips as he continued his search for a fourth World Championship crown.

The Dutchman, who has not won at the Alexandra Palace since 2019, eased through to the fourth round with a 4-0 win over Richard Veenstra.

But for once, Van Gerwen had not been the one people had been talking about as 16-year-old Luke Littler stole the headlines after taking the tournament by storm with a sensational performance to destroy Matt Campbell 4-1 in the last 32.

And he was keen for some of the limelight.

Michael Smith set for Ross Smith or Chris Dobey in last 16

Wednesday 27 December 2023 22:34 , Jack Rathborn

It’s Ross Smith or Chris Dobey in the last 16 then for Michael Smith.

He’ll need to improve based on this performance.

Relief for Bully Boy though.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith reacts to win over Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 22:33 , Jack Rathborn

“I thought it will go in this one, I want to apologise, I thought it would go in, I got over the line in the end,” Smith says.

“Every time he slowed down and sped up, something you have to learn. I’ve played him before and he’s never done that. Stick to that. I watched him in the practice room and tried to time him. But everything changed.

“I’m not happy with the performance, happy to be in the next round. I don’t know when I’m next playing.

“I know it’ll be fast, Ross is more methodical, Dober wants to get on with it as quick as he can. Work twice as hard, I wanted to put on a really good performance for the crowd, but it didn’t happen.”

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 22:29 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 4-1 (3-1) Madars Razma

Six perfect darts... A nine-darter?

Nope. The seventh dart is just 20. Boos echo around the Ally Pally. Just 39, would you believe it, Bully Boy apologises to the crowd.

Smith will be back for a 13-darter, his favourite double 10 left. Of course it is.

The players embrace, and embrace some more, some words from both men whispered into each other’s ears. Intriguing, no love lost?

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 22:28 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 3-1 (2-1) Madars Razma

Razma slowing it down again, it’s painful, in truth, but it’s probably giving him the best chance to win.

Smith throwing with that smooth action, 140 on the board, and in a prime position to get the break.

Now with 167, 87 off and he’ll be back too. Razma floundering a bit, only back on 160 if Smith misses.

But he doesn’t, double top and a 15-dart break. Followed up with a maxi! Majestic darts, finally.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 22:25 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 3-1 (1-1) Madars Razma

180! Finally, some joy for Bully Boy, a fifth maximum of the match.

Five perfect darts, a sixth, surely? No, it ricocheted into the single one.

Still, sensational from Smith, who has come to life finally.

To win the leg, 75, two more darts, an 11-darter, brilliant.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 22:18 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 3-1 (3-2) Madars Razma

A shout in relief, Smith grabs the set, it means so much to him. The finish line in sight.

Razman walks off first, head in his hands, his spirit seemingly broken.

This will serve Smith well though, battling through distractions and his ‘B’ game, you would have to say.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 22:13 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 2-1 (2-2) Madars Razma

Razma looking to win the fourth set on throw now.

He loves the treble 19, it’s kept him in this match, a timely 133 keeps him ahead.

On 160, with Smith back on 170, he can only take 100 off the total.

Bully Boy had a dart at the leg, the bullseye evades him though.

For the set... Razma hits big 20, but misses two at tops. Agony for the Latvian. And Smith punishes him with double 10, his favourite double. A shake of the head from Razma, he knows he has blown a glorious chance.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 22:10 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 2-1 (0-2) Madars Razma

Razma needs double nine, he takes an age, makes it! A twirl of the wrist, searching for a spark, maybe this lead will give him that.

And 134 next up is what he needs. The 171 is stunning there, too, much better from the Latvian.

He sets up 40 for the leg, with Smith way back on 230. And he holds, setting up a fascinating end to this set.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 22:07 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 2-1 (3-1) Madars Razma

And that’s a much-needed set for Smith, who is grinding this one out.

Smith averaging 90.65, while Razma is averaging 85.8.

Can he pick up now to get over the finish line?

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 22:04 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 1-1 (2-1) Madars Razma

Smith is clearly upset with the state of his game right now.

Razma has a shot at the hold, but can’t take out 50. This one is a struggle for both men.

Smith with double eight and he has some breathing room again.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 22:02 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 1-1 (1-1) Madars Razma

Smith looking for the break of throw here.

Razma with a timely 125 though. Smith can only produce 43 with that visit and now the Latvian has six darts at 155.

And 99 leaves 56 for Razma, Smith looks frustrated with just 85, but he soon perks up with another chance.

It’s not quite there though, three single 20s. Razma eventually checks out with double two. A 20-dart leg.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 21:52 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 1-1 (3-2) Madars Razma

Razma now frustrated with himself and Bully Boy is ruthless.

A single chance at the set, double 20 lands, we’re level. 1-1.

Smith’s average is just 91.49, while Razma’s average is 89.12. It’s been a scrappy match so far.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 21:48 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 0-1 (1-1) Madars Razma

Smith with a chance to get the break now. Just 32 left, as Razma bangs in 140 to put the pressure on.

Needs a third, at double four, NO! A big reprieve for Razma. Can he capitalise?

It’s 16, double 16, and that’s ruthless. 1-1. Smith is not at his best here. The pressure increases.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 21:46 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 0-1 (1-0) Madars Razma

Double 15 for a big finish, Bully Boy back in business.

Razma had him rattled a little, seemingly, but Smith has 3/3 checkouts and his opponent is at 3/5. So when they go for the doubles, they’re taking their chances.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 21:38 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 0-1 (2-3) Madars Razma

Razma is firing himself up after every leg, it’s a lot, and Smith is not happy. Muttering a little.

Whatever works for you and if your opponent is slightly distracted, well, all the better you could argue.

Now slowing it down, with the darts, Razma needs a treble, can’t find it, 97 left though. It’s on.

It’s 19, 18... fat 20 for an easy 40 to come back for.

Smith is languishing back on 261 still. So Razma gets another six darts at just 40.

He only needs a couple, 20 and then double 10. Well then, the upset could be on?

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 21:34 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 0-0 (1-2) Madars Razma

A loud crowd still, can Bully Boy give them something to sing about?

A scrappy six darts for Razma, he had the chance to ram home the advantage. Smith can only deliver 97 and a lead of 19, so the Latvian still holds the advantage.

But Smith with a stunning 168 to pile on the pressure. It’s just 66 for Razma, one dart for the leg and... GETS IT!

Double eight, it was huge, 2-1, and he yelps in delight.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 21:31 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 0-0 (1-1) Madars Razma

Smith now has 55 to hold the throw.

A big 15 and tops, easy as pie. 1-1.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 21:29 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 0-0 (0-1) Madars Razma

The Latvian strikes first!

A little frown from Smith, after a wild celebration from Razma. He didn’t seem to like that.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 21:27 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 0-0 (0-0) Madars Razma

St Helens’ Jack Welsby is at Ally Pally to support his friend Michael Smith.

Here we go!

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael Smith vs Madars Razma

Wednesday 27 December 2023 21:26 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith 0-0 (0-0) Madars Razma

It’s the main event then, and what a night it’s been.

Littler and Van Gerwen dominating, can Bully Boy make a statement of his own?

World Darts Championship 2024

Wednesday 27 December 2023 21:22 , Jack Rathborn

Michael Smith: “I feel good, 11 days off, I watched it back to see what I was doing wrong.

“I want to get to the final again.”

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael van Gerwen thrashes Richard Veenstra

Wednesday 27 December 2023 21:06 , Jack Rathborn

Stephen Bunting in the next round? Could they provide a test for MVG?

A 101.39 average and 63.16 checkout percentage (12/19)

“I think that was a good game,” Van Gerwen tells Sky Sports.

“From games like that, you can put pressure on him, I didn’t want to give him the feeling there was anything in the game. He’s a good player.

“I had to keep my focus. I did that. The will was there, the fighting Michael. The crowd was spot on.

“Give me Bunting, he’s a fantastic player, if you want to win this tournament , you have to beat anybody.

“I don’t care [about Bunting].”

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael van Gerwen vs Richard Veenstra

Wednesday 27 December 2023 21:02 , Jack Rathborn

Michael van Gerwen 4-0 (3-0) Richard Veenstra

MVG for the cushion, scrappy with that visit, only one dart at the double and he missed tops.

A wild dart from Veenstra, then another, both missed tops by equal margins.

And MVG capitalises, 2-0 and the end is close.

Comprehensive in the end, he breezes through and gives a couple of fist pumps to the crowd. Daunting.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael van Gerwen vs Richard Veenstra

Wednesday 27 December 2023 20:59 , Jack Rathborn

Michael van Gerwen 3-0 (1-0) Richard Veenstra

A seventh maximum for MVG!

A frightening level of darts here.

Now then, 105 for the break, he wanted tops, tops... Two singles though. Veenstra must capitalise. Double 16: NO!

Tops again for MVG: There we go, at the second attempt, it’s 1-0 and a break in what could be the final set of the match.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael van Gerwen vs Richard Veenstra

Wednesday 27 December 2023 20:57 , Jack Rathborn

Michael van Gerwen 3-0 (3-2) Richard Veenstra

Veenstra is digging in, he’s back to 2-2, but now with a mountain to climb, 409 left with MVG on 150.

It’s a nice set-up, 54 left, having only used up 12 darts.

For the set: 14, tops... No. Tops again... NO!

Veenstra still back on 224, so there’s not much to worry about, but double 10 is there. 3-0.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael van Gerwen vs Richard Veenstra

Wednesday 27 December 2023 20:50 , Jack Rathborn

Michael van Gerwen 2-0 (2-1) Richard Veenstra

This is special from MVG, a 107.64 average and he’s racing to victory.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael van Gerwen vs Richard Veenstra

Wednesday 27 December 2023 20:45 , Jack Rathborn

Michael van Gerwen 2-0 (3-1) Richard Veenstra

149... woof! Treble 20, bullseye, treble 13. Sensational darts.

Van Gerwen takes double 16 to earn the break.

The difference in the players’ averages right now: Van Gerwen 107.24 and Veenstra is down at just 84.03.

A ruthless performance from the favourite.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael van Gerwen vs Richard Veenstra

Wednesday 27 December 2023 20:41 , Jack Rathborn

Michael van Gerwen 1-0 (0-1) Richard Veenstra

A 180 from Veenstra, his second of the match, as he bids to hold throw to start the second set.

140 left... After two single 20s, a treble, that’ll do nicely.

Just tops then, two attempts, no good. The last? In it goes. Veenstra edges ahead.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael van Gerwen vs Richard Veenstra

Wednesday 27 December 2023 20:31 , Jack Rathborn

Michael van Gerwen 0-0 (1-1) Richard Veenstra

Van Gerwen could only score 65 from the 130 left.

But Veenstra doesn’t punish him, leaving Van Gerwen with double tops eventually to get the break, but a miss!

And Veenstra breathes a sigh of relief, he’s level, which should settle the nerves nicely.

World Darts Championship 2024: Michael van Gerwen vs Richard Veenstra

Wednesday 27 December 2023 20:27 , Jack Rathborn

Here comes MVG!

The crowd love it, the favourite... What can he do to follow Littler?

A nice embrace between the compatriots on the stage.

A fine performance first up, can Veenstra hang in there a bit longer than Campbell did?

Veenstra is 13/2 to win the match, the three-time world champion 1/16.

What is the World Darts Championship prize money?

Wednesday 27 December 2023 20:20 , Jack Rathborn

England’s Michael Smith is defending his title, with the World Darts Championship now underway. Smith won last year’s tournament, beating Michael van Gerwen 7-4 in the final to lift the trophy for the first time and he’ll be keen to repeat that success this year.

That won’t be an easy task as 96 players take part in the prestigious championship hoping for their shot at glory. As runner-up back in January, Van Gerwen is seeded second – behind Smith – for this competition with Luke Humphries third but two-time world champion Peter Wright is already out after being stunned in the second round pre-Christmas.

Other big names to compete are 2021 winner Gerwyn Price and World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall, while 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler has lit up the tournament with a level of play far beyond his years.

What is the World Darts Championship prize money?

World Darts Championship 2024: Luke Littler reacts to win over Matt Campbell

Wednesday 27 December 2023 20:13 , Jack Rathborn

Littler edged the 180 count, 8-4. He also averaged 97.19.

He also had a 40 percent checkout rate (14/35), too.

“I let my darts do the talking,” says Littler. “As soon as I won the first game, I settled.

“I wanted them [the crowd] back, I was watching my highlights every day.

“Barney has said nice words about me, Jamie has beaten Peter Wright, but I’ll take anybody.

“Who wants to see me get another kebab?”

That’s the celebration sorted, then.

World Darts Championship 2024: Luke Littler vs Matt Campbell

Wednesday 27 December 2023 20:10 , Jack Rathborn

Luke Littler 4-1 (3-1) Matt Campbell

Littler’s 180, his eighth of the match, puts him in prime position to win. Six darts to win from 167.

Just 57 leaves the door ajar. But Campbell’s 135 leaves 103, probably not enough.

But he has a chance. Double 16 for the leg... NO!

Littler, here we go, double top, bingo!

The leg and the match, what a star!

Wednesday 27 December 2023 19:58 , Jack Rathborn

Luke Littler 3-1 (2-3) Matt Campbell

20, 19, 18... Hmmm, scrappy from Littler, but a 51 from Campbell is not the response he needs.

Littler, 167, he’s got six darts, sets up 91 for his next visit.

Campbell can only put up 58, 120 left, not enough pressure surely.

Littler needed bull, no good!

Shanghai for Campbell... Double tops, gets it! We’ve got a game!

World Darts Championship 2024: Luke Littler vs Matt Campbell

Wednesday 27 December 2023 19:55 , Jack Rathborn

Luke Littler 3-0 (2-1) Matt Campbell

That double seven from Littler was a bit special, 2-1.

The Rhythm of Littler is majestic. And Campbell can’t keep up.

Gutsy checkout from Campbell, Littler will have to throw for the match.

World Darts Championship 2024: Luke Littler vs Matt Campbell

Wednesday 27 December 2023 19:47 , Jack Rathborn

Luke Littler 3-0 (3-2) Matt Campbell

What a dart! 180 for Campbell from the most improbable angle, but Littler is ruthless, levelling up.

A decider now, and 180 for ‘The Nuke’! Tremendous!

And there are five perfect darts, but the sixth treble 20 misses... boos from the crowd, they sensed something very special was close.

Littler, 124 for the set: single 20, single 18, single 18, leaves 68.

But Campbell can’t get rid of 142 in a visit.

Littler gives him hope though, double tops is no good. Campbell blows it though, the same dart, too.

No mistake this time from Littler, 3-0!

World Darts Championship 2024: Luke Littler vs Matt Campbell

Wednesday 27 December 2023 19:46 , Jack Rathborn

Luke Littler 2-0 (1-2) Matt Campbell

The pair exchange 180s, 139 for Littler, though, double 11 is a slither away. But Campbell fails to check out with double four, Little gets the big two, double 10 is no problem and it's 2-1.

Will Campbell be thinking about those three darts to win the set?

World Darts Championship 2024: Luke Littler vs Matt Campbell

Wednesday 27 December 2023 19:44 , Jack Rathborn

Luke Littler 2-0 (0-2) Matt Campbell

On the board! Relief for Campbell, who has a first leg in the match.

He’s behind here though, but Littler misses tops for the leg.

101... Double 16 lands! Campbell is in this now, the break!

World Darts Championship 2024: Luke Littler vs Matt Campbell

Wednesday 27 December 2023 19:40 , Jack Rathborn

Luke Littler 2-0 (0-0) Matt Campbell

Average: Littler 102.5-82.5 Campbell

75 percent success on doubles helps too.

World Darts Championship 2024: Luke Littler vs Matt Campbell

Wednesday 27 December 2023 19:35 , Jack Rathborn

Luke Littler 2-0 (3-0) Matt Campbell

Quite amazing!

Three 180s in this match already, and then the sheer arrogance to go treble 20, treble 20... Double five!

A 130 checkout and Campbell’s lip curls in approval. Absolutely devastating.

And in a flash, it’s 3-0 in the set and 2-0 overall!

World Darts Championship 2024: Luke Littler vs Matt Campbell

Wednesday 27 December 2023 19:27 , Jack Rathborn

Luke Littler 1-0 (3-0) Matt Campbell

A little sloppy to finish the third leg from Littler, Campbell misses with the bull.

Darts for the set... Tops isn’t there for Littler.

Double eight... NO!

Double four... NO!

Pressure, Littler checks out, three-zip, 1-0. And doesn’t he love it, dancing to the crowd’s tune.

World Darts Championship 2024: Luke Littler vs Matt Campbell

Wednesday 27 December 2023 19:24 , Jack Rathborn

Luke Littler 0-0 (2-0) Matt Campbell

180! The scoring is piping hot out the traps from Littler.

A two-leg lead, Campbell on the ropes already.

World Darts Championship 2024: Luke Littler vs Matt Campbell

Wednesday 27 December 2023 19:23 , Jack Rathborn

Luke Littler 0-0 (1-0) Matt Campbell

Campbell to throw first in this first leg, and he misses to darts at tops.

Punished! Little checks out with aplomb, 1-0 to the teenager.

Another celebratory kebab for Luke Littler tonight?

Wednesday 27 December 2023 19:13 , Jack Rathborn

The story of the championship so far: Luke Littler. And ‘The Nuke’ has celebrated both victories so far with a kebab. One more tonight?

The 9/1 shot to win it all, only three men are shorter: Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price.

Latest odds

• 3/1 Michael van Gerwen

• 10/3 Luke Humphries

• 11/2 Gerwyn Price

• 9/1 Luke Littler

• 10/1 Michael Smith

• 12/1 Gary Anderson

• 14/1 Rob Cross

• 16/1 Stephen Bunting

• 25/1 Dave Chisnall

• 40/1 Chris Dobey

Price is right? Gerwyn eyes another Ally Pally crown after warming to crowd

Wednesday 27 December 2023 19:09 , Jack Rathborn

Gerwyn Price must have been a tad wary about returning to Ally Pally after how his last visit ended. The Welshman lost in the quarter-finals after a particularly vociferous crowd made his life so difficult that he resorted to wearing ear defenders midway through the match. Price got a much more favourable reaction in his opening match before Christmas and he will be dreaming of getting the chance to reign supreme in front of fans at the Palace after his 2021 title was played behind closed doors.

Scott Williams sparks controversy with ‘two World Wars’ remark after beating German opponent

Wednesday 27 December 2023 19:04 , Jack Rathborn

Scott Williams courted controversy after joking about England winning “two World Wars and one World Cup” following his World Darts Championship third-round win over German Martin Schindler.

Williams won a final-set decider to advance 4-3 before making the heavy-handed remark in his post-match interview on Sky Sports.

The match was played in a raucous atmosphere at Alexandra Palace where Williams had most of the support from a partisan crowd, though there was also a German contingent.

Speaking to Sky Sports after his win, Williams said: “What a game! I’m so happy to get to the other side as the winner as well. Martin brought the fight and I wasn’t expecting to go all the way to sudden death as well. I’m knackered, I’m absolutely knackered.

Scott Williams sparks controversy with insensitive remarks after third-round win

Michael Van Gerwen aiming to end the drought

Wednesday 27 December 2023 19:00 , Jack Rathborn

When Michael van Gerwen won the World Championship for a third time in six years in 2019, it looked like he would dominate the sport for years to come. But that turned out to be the end of a golden period as he has not won it since as other contenders have come up on the rails. The Dutchman usually remains the man to beat, having lost in two finals since then, while Covid-19 ruined his 2022 campaign. The four-year drought hurts Van Gerwen, who still considers himself the best player and will be desperate to get his hands back on the Sid Waddell Trophy.

Barney’s silver anniversary: Raymond van Barneveld still going strong

Wednesday 27 December 2023 18:57 , Jack Rathborn

It is 25 years since Raymond van Barneveld claimed his first world title, winning the BDO crown in 1998. He won another three at Lakeside before switching to the PDC and winning another, while also kicking off an enduring rivalry with Phil Taylor which dominated the sport. The 56-year-old, who came out of retirement two years ago, has set his sights on marking the 25th anniversary of that first title with another at Alexandra Palace. A spectacular quarter-final with Littler looms in a potential match that would get the tastebuds tingling.

Will Bully Boy hit the double? Michael Smith eyes more Ally Pally history

Wednesday 27 December 2023 18:51 , Jack Rathborn

This time last year Michael Smith was gearing up to win his maiden world title, triumphing in that memorable final against Michael van Gerwen where he hit a nine-dart finish in the greatest leg in the history of the sport. Things have not gone so well since that magical night at Ally Pally, and he has failed to win any major tournaments in 2023, but Smith has all eyes on winning a second successive crown. He opened the tournament way back on December 15 and should have no problems getting past Madars Razma. Expect him to click through the gears as the business end of the tournament approaches.

Can Littler be the big man? Teenager Luke taking darting world by storm

Wednesday 27 December 2023 18:45 , Jack Rathborn

Outside the darting world, no one had heard of Luke Littler until last week when the teenager burst onto the scene by winning his first two matches at Alexandra Palace. Now, everyone is sitting up and taking notice as he dreams of World Championship glory. Matt Campbell stands between him and a spot in the last 16, but it will be no gimme for Littler on Wednesday night. Campbell beat James Wade in the second round, but has been home to Canada over Christmas, so his travelling may play a factor.

A night at the PDC World Championship: How the darts took over Christmas and New Year

Wednesday 27 December 2023 18:40 , Jack Rathborn

It’s 8pm on the opening night of the World Darts Championship and Michael van Gerwen is sinking a pint to raucous roars at Alexandra Palace. It’s not the Michael van Gerwen, admittedly, although from a distance there is the same pink bald head, the same iconic lime green shirt, and if you discount the slightly smaller, rather rounder frame it makes for a convincing double. Van Gerwen, the three-time world champion and last year’s beaten finalist, does not play here until Tuesday but as the man wearing his costume finishes his beer and the room erupts to chants of “Oooooh, Michael van Gerwen!”, the party at Ally Pally is underway. It is utter carnage already.

Later, Michael Smith, the world No 1 and conqueror of Van Gerwen in last year’s final, will take to the stage at the front of the packed hall and begin his title defence. Smith is returning to Ally Pally for the first time since his victory over Van Gerwen, a match that changed his life and produced the greatest leg of darts the sport has ever seen. Smith’s historic nine-darter in the World Championship final, which came just seconds after Van Gerwen had his own shot at immortality, became the leg that was heard around the world: Wayne Mardle’s iconic commentary – “I CAN’T SPAKE, I CAN’T SPAKE” – helped create the sport’s first genuinely global viral moment, racking up over 30m views on social media.

How the darts continues to produce magic after its greatest moment

Luke Littler reflects on ‘crazy’ praise from Phil Taylor

Wednesday 27 December 2023 18:32 , Jack Rathborn

Luke Littler reflected on how “crazy” it was for him to receive praise from his darts idols as he soared ahead in the PDC World Championship 2024.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast on Friday (22 December) after he defeated UK Open champion Andrew Gilding to reach the third round, the 16-year-old sensation described what it was like to hear icons such as Phil Taylor talking about him.

The sixteen-time World Championship winner previously called Littler “a one-off” and “another Michael van Gerwen.”

“It’s crazy seeing my idols comparing me to the top 96,” Littler said.

What is the World Darts Championship prize money?

Wednesday 27 December 2023 18:24 , Jack Rathborn

England’s Michael Smith is defending his title, with the World Darts Championship now underway. Smith won last year’s tournament, beating Michael van Gerwen 7-4 in the final to lift the trophy for the first time and he’ll be keen to repeat that success this year after sneaking through his opening match 3-2 against Kevin Doets on the first evening of action.

That won’t be an easy task as 96 players take part in the prestigious championship hoping for their shot at glory. As runner-up back in January, Van Gerwen is seeded second – behind Smith – for this competition with Luke Humphries third but two-time world champion Peter Wright is already out after being stunned in the second round pre-Christmas.

Other big names to compete are 2021 winner Gerwyn Price and World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall, while 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler has lit up the tournament with a level of play far beyond his years.

What is the World Darts Championship prize money?

Meet Luke Littler – the 16-year-old darts prodigy lighting up the World Championship

Wednesday 27 December 2023 18:16 , Jack Rathborn

Teenager Luke Littler will continue his dream World Darts Championship debut when he faces Canada’s Matt Campbell in the third round of the tournament on the first day of action after Christmas.

Before the Christmas break, 16-year-old Littler was the toast of Alexandra Palace after beating Christian Kist in the first round before taking the next step by defeating Andrew Gilding 24 hours later to reach the last 32.

Gilding, who is the reigning UK Open champion, was seeded 20th and is 37 years older than Littler, went down 3-1 as the teen prodigy showed the greater composure in the first two sets, with Gilding twice missing a pair of darts at double in the second.

Littler suffered a blip in the third but Gilding was unable to take his opportunities and the teenager clinched a spot in the last 32 against Campbell.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Littler said: “When I went 2-0 up, I lost all my energy. When Andrew got the set back I was just thinking, ‘Just try and win it’, because I don’t want to go 2-2 on this stage. I was nervous as it is. I don’t know how I got over the line but I’ve done it.”

Meet Luke Littler – the 16-year-old darts prodigy lighting up the World Championship

World Darts Championship schedule and order of play today

Wednesday 27 December 2023 18:08 , Jack Rathborn

The world’s biggest darts tournament has emerged from the Christmas break and is ready to resume as the best players on the planet go toe-to-toe at the Ally Pally to win the sport’s most prestigious title.

England’s Michael Smith triumphed in the 2023 edition of the World Darts Championship, winning the title 7-4 against Michael van Gerwen at the start of the year to lift the trophy for the first time. Smith is the No. 1 for this year’s tournament just ahead of last year’s beaten finalist Van Gerwen.

Luke Humphries is seeded third, after winning three televised ranking titles over the last seven weeks while two-time world champion Peter Wright began his campaign as the fourth seed but stunningly exited the tournament pre-Christmas.

2021 winner Gerwyn Price and World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall are seeded fifth and sixth respectively, while 16-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler has captured the imagination with his run to the third round.

Here’s everything you need to know, and get all the latest darts betting sites offers here.

World Darts Championship schedule and order of play today

World Darts Championship 2024 results: Rob Cross eases through

Wednesday 27 December 2023 17:40 , Jack Rathborn

It’s already been a great day of darts at Ally Pally, with former world champion Rob Cross advancing.

Cross beat Jeffrey de Graaf 4-2 and qualifies for the last 16, where he will meet Jonny Clayton or Krzysztof Ratajski.

Scott Williams beat Martin Schindler 4-3 and now meets Damon Heta or Berry van Peer. While Dave Chisnall took down Gabriel Clemens. The world No 11 will face Ricky Evans or Daryl Gurney next.

Rob Cross and Scott Williams through to last 16 at Alexandra Palace

World Darts Championship: Tonight’s order of play

Wednesday 27 December 2023 17:39 , Jack Rathborn

(provisional star times - all GMT)

19:10 Matt Campbell vs Luke Littler (R3)

20:15 Michael van Gerwen vs Richard Veenstra (R3)

21:30 Michael Smith vs Madars Razma (R3)

World Darts Championship LIVE: Littler, Smith and Van Gerwen in action

Wednesday 27 December 2023 17:37 , Jack Rathborn

The World Darts Championship returns from its Christmas break with a stellar evening session at Alexandra Palace, with defending champion Michael Smith, Michael van Gerwen and 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler all in action tonight.

Darts prodigy Littler has captured the imagination with his run to the third round and now faces a winnable last-32 tie against Canadian Matt Campbell. Littler has been talked up as a potential champion and it is perhaps fitting that he shares the stage tonight with Smith and Van Gerwen, last year’s finalists.

No 1 Smith has not played since his nervy opening win against Kevin Doets on December 17 now takes on Madars Razma, while three-time champion Van Gerwen also returns to third-round action against Dutch compatriot Richard Veenstra.

Follow live scores and updates from the World Darts Championship as Littler, Smith and Van Gerwen target a place in the fourth round