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Evening Standard
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Matt Verri

Luke Littler vs Stephen Bunting LIVE! World Darts Championship result and latest updates after Van Gerwen win

Luke Littler Van Gerwen Chris Dobey Michael Van Gerwen World Darts Championship Sky Sports Stephen Bunting Matt Verri Peter Wright Ally Pally

World Darts Championship - LIVE!

Luke Littler will face Michael van Gerwen in the World Darts Championship final. Three-time champion Ban Gerwen was in ruthless mood to book his place in the showpiece event, dropping just one set as he thrashed Chris Dobey, and Littler followed it with a 6-1 win of his own over Stephen Bunting.

It had been expected that tonight would bring a repeat of last year’s final between Littler and Luke Humphries, but the defending champion was beaten by Peter Wright in the fourth round, before Bunting then eased past Wright. That had raised the possibility of crowd favourite Bunting making a run at the title, but Littler brought an emphatic end to his tournament.

Van Gerwen came through an epic clash with Callan Rydz in the quarter-finals but was rarely tested against Dobey. The Dutchman at 24 is the youngest man to win this tournament, but there is every chance that Littler smashes that record tomorrow night. Follow all the action from Alexandra Palace with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!

World Darts Championship semi-finals latest news

  • Littler too good for Bunting
  • Van Gerwen thrashes Dobey in first semi-final

Thanks for following!

00:07 , Matt Verri

Luke Littler will face Michael van Gerwen in a heavyweight final encounter after the pair cruised to dominant wins in the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship.

Van Gerwen is through to the showpiece event at Alexandra Palace for the seventh time, beating Chris Dobey 6-1 to keep his hopes of a fourth world title, and a first since 2019, alive.

Littler, meanwhile, is in the final for the second successive year, looking to go one better than last year when he fell just short against Luke Humphries.

The 17-year-old, who would smash Van Gerwen’s record as the youngest winner should he lift the Sid Waddell trophy, was in typically ruthless form as he dispatched Stephen Bunting 6-1 in the second semi-final.

Littler averaged 105.48 and capped a sensational display with a 170 checkout in the final set, setting the stage for a blockbuster clash with Van Gerwen on Friday night.

Read our full report here!

(Getty Images)

Work to do!

23:14 , Matt Verri

A seventh final appearance for Michael van Gerwen... but that’s not what he’s here for.

“I’ve won f*** all yet” was his post-match message tonight.

Reaction from Luke Littler

23:04 , Matt Verri

"I've played a lot better and won plenty of titles leading up to this, but that's what we do, we lead up to the big one.

“There are majors all year round but I can't wait for tomorrow night.

"If we [Littler and Van Gerwen] both turn up like we did tonight, it [the final] is going to be really good. As soon as Luke Humphries went out, that's what everyone was looking at. I just had to focus on my quarter-final and semi-final, and now I've done that I can focus on Michael tomorrow.

"We all know he's hunting for that world title but I'm hunting for my first. The same as last night - go home, chill out and be back tomorrow."

Winning moment!

22:57 , Matt Verri

An average of close to 106, 13 180s, a 170 checkout...

That’ll do for Luke Littler.

Bunting 1-6 Littler

22:52 , Matt Verri

Littler one leg away from the final. Bunting looking to at least make the teenager do it on his own throw.

It’s Littler who is first to a finish, waiting on 126.

Couple of poor visits from Bunting and he’s back on 156, looks like this could be the end of his tournament.

Littler leaves tops - 156 has to go for Bunting.

First T20 is perfect, second dart just deflects out so it’s over to Littler.

Game, set and match! Littler will face Michael van Gerwen in the final.

Bunting 1-5 Littler (1-2)

22:49 , Matt Verri

Bunting with a visit of 170 to leave himself on 110.

Littler is looking for a 170 himself, his would be for the leg.

There’s one T20... there’s another... THERE’S THE BULL! Big fish from Littler.

Bunting can only laugh!

Bunting 1-5 Littler (1-1)

22:47 , Matt Verri

Energy just seems to have gone out of Bunting a bit now. Can’t blame him.

Littler has a chance to really hurt him with a 152 shot - doesn’t go.

Bunting back, 80 left. Bit awkward moving around the oche, but Bunting finds tops to level up this set.

Bunting 1-5 Littler (0-1)

22:45 , Matt Verri

This really should be 4-2, Bunting had three set darts. Now he needs to win five sets on the bounce.

This one will have to come against the throw, too.

Both of them leave 76 - Littler gets the first look but he misses D4.

Needs to go for Bunting... doesn’t go for Bunting. Two missed at D8.

Littler doesn’t give him another chance.

Bunting 1-5 Littler

22:42 , Matt Verri

Bunting has the darts in this deciding leg, but Littler has piled on the pressure with a 140.

Needs a response from Bunting - 140 of his own but not enough to leave a finish.

Littler down to 84, he will get a look at that. Just a question of how much pressure Bunting can put on.

Lots of it! He’s there on 40 if he gets a shot.

HE DOESN’T! Bullseye from Littler and a massive reaction as he wins the set.

Is that Bunting’s race run?

Bunting 1-4 Littler (2-2)

22:40 , Matt Verri

Bunting starts the set with a 180 - he’s on the charge.

Six darts from 204 and the set will be his. And it’s another 180 to leave himself D12!

Littler, just because he can, chucks in a 180 of his own... he’s waiting on D2.

And Bunting misses three for the set! How big a moment is that?

Could be huge - Littler misses two of his own but eventually finds D1.

Bunting 1-4 Littler (2-1)

22:38 , Matt Verri

Timely 180 from Bunting, he’s first to a finish but it’s a big ask - 164.

Too big of an ask, Littler will get a look at 105 to make it three straight breaks in this set.

Drops just low with the attempt at tops - Bunting back and he’ll fancy his chances of taking this 68 out.

And he does! Rock solid on D4.

Bunting 1-4 Littler (1-1)

22:36 , Matt Verri

Another 180 from Littler - losing that set has just woken him up again.

Bunting on 170 and there’s every chance he might need this for the leg. Falls at the first hurdle.

Littler has 97 left - T18 leaves D12 but he misses it. Doesn’t love that D12...

Bunting back for 70 and he takes it out! Gutsy stuff to break back.

Bunting 1-4 Littler (0-1)

22:33 , Matt Verri

That break of throw won’t count for much if Bunting doesn’t back it up with a hold now. 4-2 and it really is game on.

Littler, though, has come out firing. 140, 180 and he’s looking as relaxed as ever as he nods to the crowd.

25, 25... not quite tops! Shouldn’t matter, Bunting is all the way back on 160.

Littler back for 40 and takes it out with the second dart. There’s the break.

Not. Done. Yet.

22:30 , Matt Verri

Stephen Bunting still believes...

22:29 , Matt Verri

A quick look at the stats as the players go off stage for a minute or two.

Bunting averaging 99.34, Littler at 104.87 despite a quieter set. By his standards, anyway.

Bunting was 3/5 on the doubles in that set and it made all the difference.

Bunting 1-4 Littler

22:27 , Matt Verri

Littler has definitely dropped off in this set, and it means Bunting is about to get more set darts.

The 70 doesn’t go, but Bunting will be back with three at tops.

One will do! He’s on the board.

Bunting 0-4 Littler (2-1)

22:24 , Matt Verri

No rush for Littler on this 144 with Bunting a long way back, but a visit of 44 doesn’t take a particularly big chunk out of it.

Especially when Bunting comes flying out of nowhere to leave 140.

But that’s far too good - 20, D20, D20 from Littler.

Bunting 0-4 Littler (2-0)

22:22 , Matt Verri

Another 180 for Littler, he’s into double figures. Relentless pressure.

But Bunting hits back with one of his own, leaves him three darts at D10 to take a 2-0 lead in this set.

Only needs one - this is really impressive from Bunting.

Bunting 0-4 Littler (1-0)

22:20 , Matt Verri

Littler has the darts in this set for a 5-0 lead. Bunting averaging near enough 100 but he’s comfortably second-best.

He leaves 170, though. Will get a first look at a checkout.

But Littler responds with a timely 180, he’ll be waiting on 64.

Bunting doesn’t take out 170... but Littler with a rare slip-up and this is a chance for Bunting.

Which he takes! Much-needed break.

Bunting 0-4 Littler

22:14 , Matt Verri

Both on 261 - problem for Bunting is that Littler has the darts. He leaves 130.

Bunting does all he can, a 180 at least asks the question of Littler. And there isn’t an answer for once.

It’s 81 for Bunting to extend this set. Huuuuge moment. D13... just misses.

Over to Littler. Bang, bang, set. He’s two away from the final.

Bunting 0-3 Littler (1-2)

22:11 , Matt Verri

Another 180 from Littler to add to the collection. He needs 25 in the rest of this tournament to beat the record.

Not a great visit from Bunting, can only leave 114. Littler is waiting on 54 if that doesn’t go.

T18 leaves a shot at tops... pulled low. Littler will be back.

He does find T20 and Littler will throw for a 4-0 lead! He’s averaging 106.

Bunting 0-3 Littler (1-1)

22:09 , Matt Verri

Littler has time to just set up his checkout, he’ll have six darts from 40 with Bunting nowhere.

Unsurprisingly, six are not needed.

Level in this fourth set. Pressure building on Bunting...

Bunting 0-3 Littler (1-0)

22:07 , Matt Verri

Bunting kicks off the set with his fourth 180. Not a particularly expert opinion to suggest Bunting HAS to win this set with the darts.

He looks to be cruising after leaving 32, but Littler is right behind him now after a 180.

Doesn’t matter, 13-dart leg from Bunting to hold.

Bunting 0-3 Littler

22:05 , Matt Verri

Littler with the perfect start, 180 to take immediate control. Bunting very nearly responds, ‘only’ a 140 though.

And it’s ‘only’ four perfect darts from Littler, who continues to tease a nine-darter nearly every set.

A visit of 27 from Bunting! Dear me, that could be that in this set. Littler really rubs it in with a 174.

Littler wraps up the set with a 12-darter!

Bunting 0-2 Littler (2-2)

22:03 , Matt Verri

Bunting needs to hold throw just to stay in this set. He’s averaging more than 100 still but this is getting away from him.

Sitting in control of this set on 122 - but Littler on 142 and lurking.

Bunting with a shot at the bull, can only find the outer ring. Littler with a chance to pinch it.

T20, T20... an inch away! Third dart creeps inside the D11.

Bunting pins D8 and it’s a decider in this third third set.

Bunting 0-2 Littler (1-2)

22:01 , Matt Verri

Five perfect darts from Littler, but the sixth drops low. More boos.

“Rubbish” says Bunting after a... rubbish visit.

And Littler can cruise to the leg under no pressure at all, tops gets it done. One leg away from a 3-0 lead.

Bunting 0-2 Littler (1-1)

21:59 , Matt Verri

Littler has gone up a gear since they returned to the stage.

He’s eyeing a break here, down to 56 and there’s nothing Bunting can do to stop him coming back.

But Littler misses the single 20 and makes a complete mess of it!

Bunting will have two at D8 - needs one! Big, big hold.

Bunting 0-2 Littler (0-1)

21:57 , Matt Verri

Bunting on 160, Littler on 158. Can either find a big finish to start this set?

STUNNING from Littler!

He takes out 158 and that’s a sensational way to hold.

21:53 , Matt Verri

Both still averaging over 100, despite a quieter second set.

Doubles the problem for Bunting so far - he’s 3/13. Has to sort that out... and fast.

Bunting 0-2 Littler

21:51 , Matt Verri

Bunting needs a break to extend this set - 140 is a decent start but he follows it with a trebleless visit.

Littler down on 180, he’ll have at least six darts from here. And he’s pumped, 140 leaves him perfectly set up.

Tops for the set... only one needed! Littler has a two-set lead.

Bunting 0-1 Littler (1-2)

21:49 , Matt Verri

Scoring has dropped off a bit, almost inevitably. But there’s a 180 from Littler, number seven in this match.

He’s got six darts from 182 for another break in this set - visit of 90 still leaves him with work to do.

Can Bunting put the pressure on? He can, leaves himself 48.

Littler can’t take out 92, so Bunting will return. Needs to clean up this finishing - two more missed at double!

Littler punishes him, just about squeezes in D6.

Bunting 0-1 Littler (1-1)

21:46 , Matt Verri

Bunting on 164 - again he finds the two big trebles. Bull... no. He’s getting close to a huge finish.

Now Littler has a shot at the bull for a ton-plus finish - not to be.

Bunting busts his score, so big chance for Littler to take out 25 and move 2-0 up.

But it’s two missed at double, back to Bunting and he’s also on 25. D4 found and he takes that scrappy leg. 18-dart break.

Bunting 0-1 Littler (0-1)

21:43 , Matt Verri

Here we go again. Fingers crossed they haven’t cooled off.

Bunting will have a look at 170 - this would be a decent start to the set. There’s one T20... there’s another! Can’t find the bullseye.

He’s back for 31 to hold throw. Missed D8... and misses D4.

Littler can’t find tops but once again D10 rescues him and that’s a break.

Bunting 0-1 Littler

21:36 , Matt Verri

It’s on Littler’s throw and he finds a timely 180, we’ve already had six. Don’t really want a break at the end of this set.

Bunting down to 92, but it will be Littler on 87 first.

A shot at bull... missed! Bunting takes a few seconds to compose himself, this is a big chance for him now.

But it’s a bit of a wild visit, back to Littler. 46 for the set.

D10 does the job and Littler takes it! Fist pump between them after a brilliant first set.

Bunting 0-0 Littler (2-2)

21:34 , Matt Verri

And another 180 from Bunting - he’s averaging near enough 115! Just the 108 from Littler.

Backs it up with a 140, does Bunting. Leaves himself 41 and Littler is back on 170.

The teenager shouldn’t get a shot at it - and he doesn’t. Going to a deciding leg.

Bunting 0-0 Littler (1-2)

21:32 , Matt Verri

High quality start to this match. Could really do with 10 or 11 sets of this.

Very nearly back-to-back 180s from Bunting, he’s responding to the early Littler charge.

Probably needs to take out 103 to stay in this set. A dart at D20 drops low.

Over to Littler, 94 for the set. Not to be, went for the double-double finish on 18s.

And Bunting does get himself on the board.

Bunting 0-0 Littler (0-2)

21:30 , Matt Verri

First 180 of the night from Littler. Won’t be the last, I would suggest.

Told you - second one comes at his very next visit! He’s sensing a very early break.

Can’t find tops, but D10 does the job for a 12-darter.

Bunting 0-0 Littler (0-1)

21:29 , Matt Verri

Littler with the darts at the start of this opening set.

Boos as he chucks in a 140 to start things off - anything other than a nine-darter feels like a let down.

Confident start, leaves himself on 40. 180 from Bunting but that should be too little, too late.

And it is, Littler wraps up the leg at the second opportunity.

"I'M BULLET PROOOOOOOF"

21:25 , Matt Verri

Stephen Bunting loving life, along with everyone else inside Ally Pally.

21:24 , Matt Verri

Littler is fairly decent at darts, I think it’s fair to say.

But the walk-on needs work... going to need something better if we’ve got 30 years of him winning world titles.

Here we go!

21:22 , Matt Verri

One down, one to go. Fingers crossed this one is a bit more competitive.

Bunting’s walk-on is first up - expect this rendition of Titanium to be milked as much as physically possible.

Post-match thoughts from Van Gerwen

21:17 , Matt Verri

"I'm here with a mission and a target. You will have ups and downs but today I showed a good mentality.

“Even when things were not going my way, I was able to produce good stuff at the right moments. That gives me a lot of confidence.

"We're not even close yet, we're still so far away. Tomorrow will be another day and the title is still far away. That's what you have to keep telling yourself because I don't want to make mistakes. I want to keep battling with everything I've got in my body.

"I love what I do, I love performing on this stage. It's my passion, it's my life - after family. I really enjoyed it."

MVG too good!

21:10 , Matt Verri

It was ruthless from Michael van Gerwen.

Spells where his scoring dropped off, but he stepped it up when he needed to.

An average of just under 99 and near enough 43% on doubles is not too shabby.

Dobey 1-6 Van Gerwen

21:04 , Matt Verri

140 to start from MVG - it’s all gone very quiet.

That gets the crowd going, though. Dobey 180, he’s not quite out of this yet.

But this is so clinical from MVG. Another 180 and it’s 41 after nine darts. Ridiculously good.

Two match darts... come and go. Dobey still alive, but the 164 has to go.

Can’t do it, so MVG is back. There it is!

D16 wraps up victory and it’s a seventh world final for Van Gerwen!

Dobey 1-5 Van Gerwen (1-2)

21:02 , Matt Verri

Leg is right in the balance... until Dobey finds single five twice in a row. He now might have to take out 158 just to hold throw.

Can’t do it, so it’s 82 for MVG to break.

25, 17... tops! Big celebration from the Dutchman and he is one leg away from victory.

Dobey 1-5 Van Gerwen (1-1)

21:00 , Matt Verri

MVG has definitely stepped it up in this set.

He’s an inch away from taking out 134, can’t quite find D16 but there’s no real pressure from Dobey.

Two more missed darts at double... but MVG finally takes the leg on D8. 1-1.

Dobey 1-5 Van Gerwen (1-0)

20:59 , Matt Verri

MVG with a 180 to start the set - fancies racing to the finish line.

And another one! Six perfect darts again... can he take out the 141 for the nine-darter this time?

Nope, again the seventh dart lets him down. Boooooo.

MVG then misses a couple of darts at D12, gives Dobey a chance at the 120.

He’s got a dart at tops... takes it! Six perfect darts from MVG and still doesn’t win the leg.

Dobey 1-5 Van Gerwen

20:57 , Matt Verri

This is a massive leg. Dobey has to find a break - but a visit of 58 to start doesn’t help.

And MVG fires in a 180, perfect time for that. He’s picked his moments in this match.

He’s down to 95 after nine darts, suddenly raced through the gears again.

A 13-dart leg to win the set for MVG! He’s one away from the final - Dobey needs to win five on the bounce.

Dobey 1-4 Van Gerwen (2-2)

20:55 , Matt Verri

There are some much better signs for Dobey. Another 180, his scoring is so much better than MVG right now.

Dutchman has been really up and down, with the odd big finish thrown in.

There’s the up - 135 visit from MVG and that leaves him 36.

Dobey needs to take out 160 to stop him coming back for it, can’t do so.

MVG pins D18 and he levels this set... will throw for it.

Dobey 1-4 Van Gerwen (2-1)

20:53 , Matt Verri

Poor final dart from MVG leaves him back on 153 and Dobey really piles the pressure on, great set-up to leave 40.

But here comes MVG again... 153 nearly goes! Juuuust missed the D18.

Dobey back to wrap up the leg and there is the break he needed.

Dobey 1-4 Van Gerwen (1-1)

20:51 , Matt Verri

Signs that Dobey’s scoring is starting to step up. 180 followed by a 140 and this should be a routine hold.

41 left, Dobey opts for D16. Takes it out at the first time of asking, rock solid leg.

Dobey 1-4 Van Gerwen (0-1)

20:50 , Matt Verri

MVG with the darts at the start of this set - Dobey needs to find his best. Now.

Bit like that, a second 180 of the match and he’s in charge of this opening leg... at least until that visit of 44.

Dobey does though have six darts from 186 and he leaves himself 90. Not a huge amount of pressure on it either, with MVG back on 158.

D5 for Dobey... high.

And MVG STEALS the leg! Stunning checkout of 158 and that’s another body blow to Dobey.

MVG two away...

20:46 , Matt Verri

An absolute mess in the third leg of that set from both of them, but it doesn’t cost MVG in the end.

He’s two sets away from the final and it’s going to need something very, very special from Dobey now.

Dobey 1-4 Van Gerwen

20:43 , Matt Verri

MVG lost his focus there at the end of that leg - but he’s still a firm favourite to wrap this set up.

Very nearly takes out 140, just misses the D10.

Dobey on 146 to pinch this leg, T19 is good but can’t back it up.

MVG with D10 for the set... job done this time. He leads 4-1 in this semi-final.

Dobey 1-3 Van Gerwen (1-2)

20:41 , Matt Verri

MVG has effectively taken the darts, he’s eyeing a sixth straight leg.

First to a finish, 128. Dobey with a really poor visit and he’s all the way back on 210.

The standard has really dropped all of a sudden, neither can find a treble. And MVG then misses a couple at D8.

Dobey on 152, this would be miraculous the way he’s throwing.

No miracle - but he’ll be back for 52! Three more missed at D8 from MVG!

And Dobey takes advantage (eventually) to take the lead.

Dobey 1-3 Van Gerwen (0-2)

20:38 , Matt Verri

Scoring from Dobey just isn’t good enough at the moment. Only had only 180 in the match so far.

MVG looking for another ton-plus finish, tops for 108... just misses it.

Dobey on 124 and you feel it basically has to go - a single one ruins that early doors.

MVG cleans it up and he’s on the verge of a three-set lead.

Dobey 1-3 Van Gerwen (0-1)

20:36 , Matt Verri

Dobey averaged 82 in the last set - MVG at 107.36. Dominant stuff.

There is a chance for MVG on the Dobey throw to kick off this set, sat on 126.

Can’t find the T19, though, so Dobey will be back. 78 left - but he misses two darts at double.

MVG cleans up D14 at the first time of asking and it’s a break.

Dobey 1-3 Van Gerwen

20:30 , Matt Verri

Dobey hasn’t had a sniff in this leg, been a brilliant response to the third set from MVG.

He’s on 73 and he’ll almost certainly have six darts at it if he needs that.

Three will do! Tops from MVG and he wins the fourth set 3-0.

Dobey 1-2 Van Gerwen (0-2)

20:28 , Matt Verri

Bit of an MVG charge coming? 180 to start the leg, his third of the match.

Four perfect darts, five perfect darts, six perfect darts! Nobody move...

But it stays at six, can’t find the T20. Not all bad though, MVG on 32 after nine darts.

And it’s a ten-dart break of throw!

Dobey 1-2 Van Gerwen (0-1)

20:27 , Matt Verri

Three legs on the bounce for Dobey then, to get himself back in this match. Now he needs to get to work on the MVG throw.

Van Gerwen in charge of this opening leg, even with a bounce-out slowing his progress.

Both leave 100, MVG with the first shot at it. Needs only two darts to take this out, much more like it.

Dobey 1-2 Van Gerwen

20:25 , Matt Verri

Crowd support now firmly behind Dobey after that 170 - momentum is with him. He has the throw to wrap up this set.

MVG has left himself on 170 - can he immediately respond with one of his own? Can’t find the first treble.

Dobey only on 150, though. It doesn’t go so MVG back for 74.

Well he makes a mess of it. Just about gets a dart at tops, but that’s not particularly close.

Dobey for a 108 and he checks that out as well to take the set! Game on.

Dobey 0-2 Van Gerwen (2-0)

20:22 , Matt Verri

Scoring from MVG hasn’t been great since the opening set. Dobey still right in this if he can clean up the finishing.

Right then, both players on 170.

Dobey... TAKES IT OUT! The fourth 170 checkout of the tournament, huge roar from the Ally Pally crowd.

Dobey 0-2 Van Gerwen (1-0)

20:21 , Matt Verri

MVG averaged 91.40 in that second set, Dobey 102.08... still the Dutchman won it!

There’s already on the Dobey throw here, a 140 from MVG and he’s down to 48.

Can Dobey take out 160 - no. Big problems for him.

Couple of darts at D16 for MVG, can’t take either of them. Back to Dobey, needs to take out 80. But it’s more missed darts at a double.

Not to worry - MVG hits D16, only problem is he needs D8. Busts his score.

Dobey nearly busts his score, two poor attempts at a double but finally does find D10 to take the leg!

Dobey wasteful

20:16

Three chances for Dobey to level this match up... doubles let him down.

Already feels like the next set is close to must-win for Dobey, who will have the darts. Can’t go 3-0 down.

Dobey 0-2 Van Gerwen

20:13 , Matt Verri

Dobey needs something big with MVG having the darts - 140 is a decent start.

MVG follows that with 59, can Dobey punish it? He can, two-treble visit and the pressure is on Van Gerwen.

Dobey is down to 96 after nine darts, nothing MVG to stop him getting a shot at that. In fact, he can only leave himself 170.

Dobey has to settle for setting up 40 and hoping MVG doesn’t take out the biggest checkout of them all... which he doesn’t.

Wild first dart from Dobey, over to D10. And over to D5... misses that too! Huge moment.

MVG on 74. And he takes it out on D16 - huge roar! He leads 2-0, Dobey with the big missed opportunity.

Dobey 0-1 Van Gerwen (2-2)

20:11 , Matt Verri

MVG 5/7 on his doubles so far. Ruthless from the Dutchman.

Dobey with a great visit to leave himself 48 and he’ll be back for it, with MVG on 180.

16 leaves D16 - Dobey finds it. To a decider in this set...

Dobey 0-1 Van Gerwen (1-2)

20:09 , Matt Verri

Scoring has just dropped from both in this set from what we saw in the opener. Bit scrappy.

Could well have a third straight break of throw, Dobey has six darts from 182. Visit of 56 isn’t great, though.

MVG responds to leave 40 - Dobey has to take out this 126 you feel.

He’s got a shot at the bull - misses again!

Over to MVG and tops it is at the first time of asking.

Dobey 0-1 Van Gerwen (1-1)

20:07 , Matt Verri

Timely 140 from Dobey, gets him down to 70 with MVG not on a finish.

Single four doesn’t help... gives him only one dart at the bull. Can’t find it.

MVG takes out 84 to punish him and the Dutchman breaks straight back!

Dobey 0-1 Van Gerwen (1-0)

20:05 , Matt Verri

Good from Dobey at the start of this leg, down to 227 after six darts and he’s effectively got the throw.

Grimace from MVG after two more loose darts, Dobey really has to win this leg from here.

D16 for a 12-darter... misses. Van Gerwen gets himself to 100 to put a bit of pressure on Dobey.

But he pins D16 to take the leg.

20:02 , Matt Verri

Dobey averaged 99.61 in that set but he was never in it.

MVG 3/5 on the doubles and an average of almost 104. Really quick start.

He’ll have the darts now in this second set to back that up.

Dobey 0-1 Van Gerwen

19:59 , Matt Verri

174 from MVG to start the leg.

It’s four perfect darts as he follows it up with a T20... boos as the fifth drops low.

He’s left himself on 75, Dobey all the way back on 246 and it looks like the opening set could be wrapped up here.

And it is... tops for Van Gerwen and he lands the first blow in this semi-final.

Dobey 0-0 Van Gerwen (1-2)

19:57 , Matt Verri

Nice settler for Dobey, gets his first 180 of the night. Will be desperate to get a leg on the board, even if it’s not enough for the set.

Not quite so sharp from Van Gerwen, so Dobey will have at least six darts to take out 84.

Tidy enough from Dobey, D4 gets him up and running.

Dobey 0-0 Van Gerwen (0-2)

19:55 , Matt Verri

Another 180 for MVG, he has flown out of the blocks in this semi-final.

Down to 100 after only nine darts... and he needs only two more to wrap up the leg. An 11-darter from the Dutchman.

Dobey 0-0 Van Gerwen (0-1)

19:54 , Matt Verri

Van Gerwen kicks things off with a 180... ominous start!

Backs it up with a 140, the Dobey throw is already under real pressure in this opening leg.

MVG first to a finish, 88. Dobey waiting on 62 if the Dutchman doesn’t take it out.

Van Gerwen misses the bull, so Dobey does have a chance... misses D20.

Back to Van Gerwen and he takes out D8. Early break.

19:52 , Matt Verri

Big smile on Van Gerwen’s face as he waves to the crowd, chants continuing as the players warm-up.

He’s got the crowd on his side for now, if the walk-ons are anything to go by.

Right, time to get up and running. Reminder that it’s first to six sets.

Dobey with the darts in the first set.

19:50 , Matt Verri

Dobey the first to make his walk to the stage. Huge night for him, making his first appearance in a semi-final at the World Championship.

And now all eyes on Van Gerwen and his iconic walk-on.

‘Oh Michael van Gerwen’ chants at full volume...

Stand by!

19:45 , Matt Verri

Right then, we’re just a couple of minutes away from the first semi-final of the night.

Michael van Gerwen the favourite, but Chris Dobey has been superb in the floor events this season and has carried that form into Ally Pally.

Littler doing Littler things...

19:33 , Matt Verri

We’d be here all night if we wanted to list every remarkable thing Luke Littler has done over the past 12 months.

But here’s a quick look at just how incredible his performances at Alexandra Palace have been.

Eight times he has averaged more than 100 in a match - this is only his second year at the tournament!

Van Gerwen back on top?

19:25 , Matt Verri

It’s been six years since Michael van Gerwen was last crowned world champion.

Since then, he’s lost in two finals and two quarter-finals, while in 2022 he withdrew due to Covid.

He’s been close to that fourth world title on more than one occasion - could this be Van Gerwen’s year again?

(Zac Goodwin/PA Wire)

Bunting is ready!

19:15 , Matt Verri

Just over 15 minutes to go until we get underway at Ally Pally.

Stephen Bunting not on until a bit later, so he’s been using the time to remind everyone of the words to ‘Titanium’.

No excuse for not singing along now...

Bunting overcomes nerves to beat Wright

19:04 , Matt Verri

Stephen Bunting has been a crowd favourite for much of the tournament so far.

Walking out to ‘Titanium’, he has the Ally Pally fans right behind him from the off, though that will be tested tonight against Luke Littler.

Bunting joked he struggled to even get his son’s support for the win over Peter Wright yesterday.

"In the back room I felt really nervous, on edge," Bunting said.

"Peter Wright is a massive fans' favourite, a great mate of mine and he's my son's favourite player so I feel sorry for my son."

(Zac Goodwin/PA Wire)

Can anyone stop Littler?

18:50 , Matt Verri

Luke Littler was the favourite to win the tournament before a dart was thrown, and the early exits of a number of big names have only added to the expectation.

Luke Humphries falling in the fourth round has really boosted Littler’s chances, but he has two big obstacles still in the way.

Stephen Bunting has been in fine form himself, both this tournament and throughout the whole of 2024, while Michael van Gerwen has been showing more and more glimpses of his best and Chris Dobey is full of confidence too.

Van Gerwen pushed all the way

18:40 , Matt Verri

There have been questions for Michael van Gerwen to answer over his form heading into this tournament, but the Dutchman has stepped up when needed.

He was given a real test by Callan Rydz in an epic quarter-final clash yesterday, which Van Gerwen won 5-3. Just the 31 180s thrown.

Rydz won more legs, threw more 180s, had a better checkout percentage and a higher average... still lost!

Littler sends message to Man United

18:31 , Matt Verri

Luke Littler’s preparations for tonight’s semi-final showdown with Stephen Bunting have not been entirely darts related.

The teenager is a Manchester United fan and, with the club languishing in 14th in the table, Littler has called for action.

One particular link that appears to have caught his attention is that of Dani Olmo and his rather unique predicament at Barcelona.

The Spain forward’s future has been thrown into fresh doubt after La Liga giants saw attempts to re-register their summer signing denied by a court last week due to the club’s financial struggles.

This update was shared by journalist Fabrizio Romano on Instagram and Little responded by urging Man Utd to look into signing Olmo on loan for the remainder of the season.

“6 month loan, United” he posted on his Instagram Stories.

(Luke Littler/ Instagram)

Semi-final schedule

18:20 , Matt Verri

First up tonight it’s Michael van Gerwen vs Chris Dobey.

Van Gerwen a three-time world champion but the last of those came in 2019 - it’s been a frustrating wait for him since then. Dobey looking to reach his first final.

That first-to-six match is likely to get underway at around 7:40pm GMT.

Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting will follow after that, with the second semi-final pencilled in for approximately 9pm.

That is of course dependent on the length of Van Gerwen’s clash with Dobey.

How to watch World Darts Championship semi-finals

18:10 , Matt Verri

TV channel: The tournament is being covered live in full on Sky Sports. Tonight’s action is being shown on both Sky Sports Darts and Sky Sports Main Event.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will also be able to watch the semi-finals live online through the Sky Go app.

Live blog: Follow every leg and set right here with us!

Good evening!

18:00 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of the World Darts Championship semi-finals!

The busy end of the tournament at Ally Pally is well and truly here, with only four players still in the hunt to lift the Sid Waddell trophy.

Michael van Gerwen takes on Chris Dobey in the opening semi-final match tonight, before Luke Littler goes up against Stephen Bunting as he tries to reach the final for a second successive year.

We’ll have full coverage of both of those matches right here, with the action set to get underway at around 7:30pm GMT.

(Action Images via Reuters)
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