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Luke Littler is world youth champion and qualifier for the World Championships via the PDC Development Tour
Teenager Luke Littler stormed through to the PDC World Darts Championship semi-finals with a 5-1 victory over Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan.
The 16-year-old followed up his 4-1 win over Raymond van Barneveld with another dazzling display at Alexandra Palace.
Littler, the youngest player to win a match at the World Championship, has dropped only four sets all tournament.
He will play fellow Englishman Rob Cross next after the 2018 champion came from 4-0 down to beat Chris Dobey 5-4.
“Now I am dreaming. I’m two games away. I’m definitely thinking about lifting the title,” Littler told Sky Sports.
“If I keep it up I’ve got a good chance.”
In another dominant performance, the Warrington-born youngster hit five 180s, had three 100+ finishes and averaged just under 102 – the third time he has averaged 100 or more in the tournament. He has not dropped more than one set in any of his five matches so far.
After wrapping up the victory Littler, who has now earned £100,000 in prize money, knelt down and took selfies with fans who had gathered at the front of the stage.
He will now face Cross for a place in the final on Tuesday from 19:30 GMT.
“My board management is probably one of the best,” Littler added. “I know what I’m going for and I know what to set up.
“Rob Cross won it on debut as well. I am looking forward to playing him in the semis. Tomorrow it will be nice to chill in the morning and then come back in the evening.”
In Monday’s first game, Cross made history by becoming the first player to fight back from 4-0 to win a World Championship quarter-final in a classic encounter with Dobey.
The 33-year-old looked to be facing certain defeat after falling 4-0 down in less than an hour, but appeared revitalised after a break before the fifth set.
The world number eight reeled off four straight sets to level the game, before a 130 checkout made it five in a row to seal a famous victory.
It is the second time Cross has fought back to beat Dobey at a major tournament, having recovered from 8-2 down to win 11-9 at the 2022 World Matchplay in Blackpool.
“I just thought it’s all about me and I still believe even when I’m 4-0 down. I had one of the greatest comebacks against Chris at the Matchplay, so I might as well make it at the Worlds,” Cross told Sky Sports.
On the prospect of facing Littler, Cross said: “He’s amazing. He’s 16. I’ve got a boy who’s four years younger and whatever he achieves, he’s going to have a bright future.”
The evening session features Dutch three-time champion Michael van Gerwen against England’s Scott Williams from 19:00. Another all-English match rounds off the evening as pre-tournament favourite Luke Humphries plays Dave Chisnall.
Monday 1 January – quarter-final results
Chris Dobey (Eng) 4-5 Rob Cross (Eng)
Luke Littler (Eng) 5-1 Brendan Dolan (NI)
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