Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen advanced to the last 16 of the PDC World Championship after securing hard-fought victories at Alexandra Palace. Littler, just 17 years old, overcame a challenging start to defeat Ian White 4-1. Despite struggling with his doubles, he managed to find his rhythm when it mattered most, averaging just under 98 for the match. Littler faced pressure in the first and fourth sets, with White missing crucial darts to claim those sets. Ultimately, Littler’s composure saw him through to the next round.
Reflecting on his performance, Littler acknowledged the difficulties he faced, particularly with his doubles. He expressed relief at securing the win despite not being at his best, emphasizing the importance of staying focused against a resilient opponent. Littler’s next challenge will be Ryan Joyce, who edged out Ryan Searle in a tense 4-3 victory earlier in the day. Joyce capitalized on a critical miss by Searle in the deciding set to secure his place in the fourth round for the first time in five years.
Meanwhile, three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen showcased moments of brilliance in his 4-2 victory over Brendan Dolan. Van Gerwen appeared to be in control after winning eight consecutive legs to take a 3-1 lead. However, he faltered in the fifth set, allowing Dolan to extend the match. Despite the lapse, Van Gerwen held his nerve to close out the win and advance. After the match, he acknowledged the challenges posed by Dolan’s persistence and admitted there is still room for improvement in his game. Van Gerwen remains focused on his goal of capturing his first world title since 2019.
Elsewhere, Chris Dobey demonstrated resilience in his match against Josh Rock, coming from behind twice to secure a 4-2 victory. Dobey’s win places him just one match away from reaching his third consecutive world quarter-final. In the afternoon session, Nathan Aspinall delivered a dominant performance, defeating Andrew Gilding 4-0. Although not at his peak, Aspinall’s improved finishing proved decisive. The two-time semi-finalist highlighted the importance of reigniting his competitive spirit and believes his recent form bodes well for the challenges ahead. Aspinall will face Ricardo Pietreczko in the next round after the German player defeated Scott Williams 4-1, finishing the match with an impressive 121 checkout.
The tournament continues to heat up as the remaining competitors prepare for the last 16. With experienced players and rising stars still in contention, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the championship.
