Luke Littler sets up Rob Cross blockbuster semi-final as dream World Darts Championship run continues

Luke Littler sets up Rob Cross blockbuster semi-final as dream World Darts Championship run continues

Watch now: Luke Littler talks after his win

Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 01/01/2024

- 16:16

Updated: 01/01/2024

- 17:15

16-year-old Luke Littler is just two wins away from becoming the world champion.

Luke Littler has set up a mouthwatering semi-final against Rob Cross at the World Darts Championship after comfortably dispatching of Brendan Dolan.

The 16-year-old has taken Alexandra Palace by storm this year and reached the quarter-final with a sensational win over former world champion Raymond van Barneveld.


A different test stood in his way at the quarter-final stage against Dolan, who became the tournament's giant-killer with wins over Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson.

But Littler proved too tough for Dolan with another ton-plus average to make it through to the semi-finals.

Luke Littler comfortably beat Brendan Dolan

Luke Littler comfortably beat Brendan Dolan

GETTY

The teenage sensation got off to a shaky start in the first two legs, but soon regained focus to win seven straight legs and take control of the match.

Dolan had no answers to Littler, who averaged over 120 in the second set and was at risk of a whitewash.

The darts veteran managed to get one set on the board in the fifth, but that only delayed the inevitable as Littler got the job done in the sixth.

He ended the match with an incredible 101.9 average - the third time he's averaged more than 100 in a match this tournament.

Chris Dobey, who lost his quarter-final earlier in the day, is the only other player in the tournament to average more than 100 in a match on three occasions or more.

Speaking after his latest win, Littler admitted that he's now dreaming of going all the way and winning the whole tournament.

He told Sky Sports: "Wow. I'm in the semi-final on my debut.

"I'm glad to get here. I've earned it and my performances have been well.

Brendan Dolan had no answers for Luke Littler

Brendan Dolan had no answers for Luke Littler

GETTY

"I've threw another 100+ average and my doubles are on 47 per cent, so it's gone well today as well."

He added: "If I keep it up, I've got a good chance. Now I am dreaming!

"I'm two games away. I'm definitely thinking about lifting the title."

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The two players embraced after the match

The two players embraced after the match

SKYSPORTS

Littler now faces No 8 seed Cross in his toughest test yet, who came back from 4-0 down to Dobey to win 5-4 earlier in the day.

Littler said on facing Cross: "He was unbelievable on debut as well and so am I. I'm looking forward to playing Rob tomorrow night."

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