World Darts Championship live: Gary Anderson battles Gian van Veen after Luke Littler dismantles Ryan Searle in semi-finals

Littler beat Ryan Searle before Gian van Veen plays Gary Anderson in the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship

Luke Littler was unable to practice before his quarter-final match

Luke Littler has reached a third consecutive World Darts Championship final after thrashing Ryan Searle in the semi-finals of the 2026 tournament.

Littler blazed into the the final with a dominant 6-1 victory after losing the first set, averaging 105.35 on his way to a comprehensive victory. Searle fought gamely but couldn’t take his chances, while Littler was ruthless on the outer ring, hitting 59% of his doubles and regularly taking out tops, with which he finished off the match.

“Tops, it’s not usually the one I go for, I’d usually come inside and go for double 10, but it’s been good to me tonight,” Littler said. “Big shout out to Ryan, he’s done amazing this tournament. He can be proud.”

In the other semi-final the resurgent Gary Anderson faces rising star Gian van Veen after the 23-year-old Dutchman swept past former champion Luke Humphries 5-1.

Follow all the latest action from Alexandra Palace with our live blog below:

World Darts Championship live

• Semi-finals underway live on Sky Sports
• Luke Littler beats Ryan Searle 6-1 to reach World Darts Championship final
• Littler, the world No 1, aiming to retain his title at Alexandra Palace
• Gian van Veen faces two-time champion Gary Anderson in second semi after beating Luke Humphries
• First player to six sets will book their place in Saturday night's final

[2 January 2026 21:43 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Van Veen (1) *2-2 (1) Anderson

Anderson hits a max and then almost takes out 140, but misses double 10 for the leg. No matter, as he takes out double five with his first dart at the next visit. Deciding leg coming up...

[2 January 2026 21:42 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Van Veen (1) 2-1* (1) Anderson

This is probably Van Veen’s worst leg of the match so far. Can Anderson capitalise? No, he’s struggling now too and can’t take out 126 or even get close. Van Veen hits double 14 to steal it!

[2 January 2026 21:40 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Van Veen (1) *1-1 (1) Anderson

Anderson kills off the second leg with two attempts at tops to deny Van Veen a shot at the big fish.

[2 January 2026 21:39 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Van Veen (1) 1-0* (1) Anderson

Van Veen with a quick hold of throw to begin the third set after a brief break.

[2 January 2026 21:33 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Gian van Veen wins the second set! Van Veen (1) 3-1 (1) Anderson

Excellent from the big Dutchman, who gets the job done while Anderson flounders with a couple of trebleless visits. All square after two sets.

[2 January 2026 21:30 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Van Veen (0) *2-1 (1) Anderson

Anderson hits tops with one dart to gives himself a foothold in this second set.

[2 January 2026 21:29 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Van Veen (0) 2-0* (1) Anderson

Brilliant Van Veen, who delivers a 14-dart hold of throw, hitting double 14.

[2 January 2026 21:28 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Van Veen (0) *1-0 (1) Anderson

A perfect start by Gian van Veen, throwing a max and a 149 to clinch a stunning 10-darter.

[2 January 2026 21:26 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Gary Anderson wins the first set! Van Veen (0) 1-3 (1) Anderson

That was very impressive from Gary Anderson, winning against the throw. Gian van Veen has work to do.

Gian van Veen in action during the first set (Adam Davy/PA Wire)

[2 January 2026 21:21 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Gary Anderson wins the first set! Van Veen (0) 1-3 (1) Anderson

Anderson misses two attempts at tops to win the leg, but Van Veen can’t take out 120 and the double world champion gets another chance – he hits double 10 with his third dart to win the first set!