Luke Littler successfully negotiated a potentially tricky World Darts Championship last-16 tie against Ryan Joyce to book his spot in back-to-back quarter-finals.
The teenage sensation had watched last year’s champion Luke Humphries come unstuck against a rejuvenated Peter Wright the night before, but Littler made no mistake against a Joyce who threw everything he had at him.
Nathan Aspinall awaits Littler in the next round, whereas on the opposite side of the draw, former world champions Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price are on a semi-final collision course.
The pair are both through to the last-eight once again, with Van Gerwen paired against Callan Rydz, while Price will take on Chris Dobey for a spot in the semi-finals.
That’s to come at Alexandra Palace following the New Year festivities, but in the meantime, a war of words has started up between Van Gerwen and Wright.
The duo haven’t been afraid to fire shots at each other, as the 2025 World Darts Championship begins to heat up.
Express Sport delivers all the latest news, views and opinions from the World Darts Championship…
Luke Littler is through to his second consecutive World Darts Championship quarter-final (Image: Getty)
Ex-world champion puts Luke Littler on alert
Ex-world champion John Part believes Luke Littler isn’t unbeatable as the teenager eyes up a first-ever World Darts Championship title.
Speaking as part of Sky Sports’ coverage on Monday, the Canadian said: “He realises he can’t just joke around up there, he’ll be found out.
“He was serious at the right moments. That last nine-dart attempt he had, when it went wrong, there was no show of emotion, no playing to the crowd, there was nothing there at all…
“He’s not unbeatable, I promise you. I’m not going to say he’s going to lose. The right performance can beat anybody.”
Michael van Gerwen makes Peter Wright ‘c***’ claim
Michael van Gerwen has claimed Peter Wright talks ‘crap’ and nobody in darts ‘takes him seriously’.
Wright suggested three-time world champion Van Gerwen would be the underdog when he plays Callan Rydz in the World Darts Championship quarter-final.
But Van Gerwen was having none of it, responding with: “Do I think about what Peter Wright says? Yeah, Peter Wright.
“Every year at the Worlds he talks so much nonsense, Peter Wright, he’s always allowed to talk crap. Nobody takes him seriously on the Tour as well, because he’s not allowed an opinion at home.”
Michael van Gerwen (Image: PDC)
Good morning and welcome!
It was another explosive day of Ally Pally action on Monday, as the last-16 ties came to a close.
Luke Littler managed to avoid a shock exit, while Michael van Gerwen showed signs of his best to book a quarter-final spot.
Away from the board, a war of words has started between Peter Wright and Van Gerwen, as the 2025 World Darts Championship begins to heat up.
Stick around as we bring you all the latest World Darts Championship news, views and opinions.
(Image: Getty)