World Darts Championship LIVE: Latest updates as Luke Littler demolishes Raymond van Barneveld in last-16

Teenage sensation Luke Littler continued his historic World Darts Championship journey by downing hero Raymond van Barneveld to reach the quarter-finals.

The 16-year-old has set the Alexandra Palace tournament alight on debut and is the youngest player ever to reach the last eight after a stunning 4-1 win. He showed maturity and talent way beyond his tender years to get past the five-time world champion, who he used to imitate in front of the television as a three-year-old.

Luke Humphries then clinched a classic that came down to a sudden death leg against Joe Cullen. Both men had darts at winning the match but it has the world number three who managed to get through to the quarter-finals.

Brendan Dolan also beat his second former world champion in three days when he ousted Gary Anderson 4-3. The Northern Irishman, who dumped out Gerwyn Price in the third round, was heading out as Anderson rallied from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 but he fought back to claim the final two sets and reach the last eight.

Relive all the action from the World Darts Championship below:

World Darts Championship LIVE: Raymond van Barneveld in action against Luke Littler

• Saturday’s evening session sees Raymond van Barneveld take on Luke Littler with Luke Humphries also in action

• Brendan Dolan clinches thriller against Gary Anderson 4-3

• Raymond van Barneveld hammered 4-1 by superb Luke Littler

• Luke Humphries edges classic 4-3 in sudden death leg against Joe Cullen

16-year-old Luke Littler makes history as Luke Humphries clinches Ally Pally classic

00:09 , Mike Jones

Teenage sensation Luke Littler continued his historic World Darts Championship journey by downing hero Raymond van Barneveld to reach the quarter-finals.

The 16-year-old has set the Alexandra Palace tournament alight on debut and is the youngest player ever to reach the last eight after a stunning 4-1 win.

He showed maturity and talent way beyond his tender years to get past the five-time world champion, who he used to imitate in front of the television as a three-year-old.

He peppered the treble 20 nine times and finished with an emphatic average of 105.01.

16-year-old Luke Littler makes history as Luke Humphries clinches Ally Pally classic

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:49 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 4-3 Joe Cullen

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:47 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 4-3 (6-5) Joe Cullen

Cullen starts with a 100 but Humphries responds with a 180. Both players nail 140s next up. Cullen leaves 121 and will have a shot at the match.

Humphries leaves 100. Cullen can’t finish.

Humphries hits treble 20, he hits 20, he hits double 10. That’s the match. The closest of knockout games goes the way of Luke Humphries!

It’s an Ally Pally classic and Joe Cullen is heartbroken. He was immense and just couldn’t get over the line. Humphries has nerves of steel.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:44 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 3-3 (5-5) Joe Cullen

Humphries, with a maximum, leaves himself 89 to win the match and he needs to take it. He doesn’t he misses double 5.

Cullen hits two bullseyes but misses out on double 16.

Humphries busts going for double 5.

Cullen hits 16, he hits 8, he misses double 4.

Humphries misses three darts at double 5!

Cullen busts.

Humphries hits 5.

Cullen needs 8, he hits double 4! It’s a sudden death leg. Oh my days!

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:42 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 3-3 (5-4) Joe Cullen

Humphries nudges ahead leaves 121. He hits treble 20, hits treble 11 but undershoots double 14. Cullen doesn’t hit his own three figure checkout and Humphries gets it.

He tidies up double 2 to break the throw and will throw himself for the match!

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:40 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 3-3 (4-4) Joe Cullen

Oh my days. Luke Humphries will not go down. He cleans out 86 in two darts with Cullen left with 56. The match is level again and it’s now a three leg shootout.

Who will win it?

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:38 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 3-3 (3-4) Joe Cullen

A 140 from Cullen leaves him with six darts to take out 87. He sets up by leaving 32 and takes two darts, one into 16 and the next into double 8 to move ahead again.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:37 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 3-3 (3-3) Joe Cullen

Joe Cullen moves ahead with a 140 and a 143. This is the opportunity. A 60 sees the chance slip away and Humphries leaves himself 100 for the first checkout.

He needs it.

He takes it!

In doing so he saves the match.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:36 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 3-3 (2-3) Joe Cullen

Cullen is throwing first and every hold will give him the chance to win the match. Boom!

Cullen hits 19, then the treble and leaves double 20 to take out 116 and nails it!

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:34 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 3-3 (2-2) Joe Cullen

180! From 344 Humphries hits the maximum and leaves a finish as Joe Cullen continues to struggle. Is the match slipping away from him here?

On 72, Humphries has a dart at tops but misses. A 180 from Cullen puts him on a finish. He has two shots at double 18 but misses both of them!

You can not believe it.

Humphries drills double 20 and forces the match to continue.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:32 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 3-3 (1-2) Joe Cullen

Joe Cullen needs to hold serve but Humphries is putting him under immense pressure. Cullen repeatedly misses the trebles and Humphries gets down to 122.

He leaves 56 with Cullen nowhere close.

Humphries cleans out and brings himself back into the match.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:30 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 3-3 (0-2) Joe Cullen

Cullen is on the charge! A 180 puts him ahead in the scoring but Humphries gets to a finish first. It’s 147 but he only score 59.

Cullen is left with 91 and leaves one dart at double 10. He misses it though!

Humphries can’t hold throw with his visit and Cullen goes lands the double to break and move within one of victory.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:28 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 3-3 (0-1) Joe Cullen

In deciding sets the winner must go clear by two legs. Luke Humphries just slides wide of the bullseye to take out 164 and Cullen tidies up 40 to win the first leg.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:27 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 3-3 (0-0) Joe Cullen

Bang, bang! Joe Cullen has the chance to take out Luke Humphries but misses it and the world number three hits treble 18 and double 20 to take the set in a straight sweep.

There’s going to be a deciding set.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:25 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 2-3 (2-0) Joe Cullen

Cullen misses a shot at the bull from 107 and leaves 47. Humphries doesn’t take out 90 but Cullen’s next visit isn’t good and Humphries takes the leg to move comfortably ahead in the set.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:24 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 2-3 (1-0) Joe Cullen

Onto a sixth set then. Can Humphries respond and hold his throw? He needs to.

He leaves 40 but Cullen hits a 180 to increase the pressure. Humphries doesn’t feel it and lands tops to start the set off in beautiful fashion.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:22 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 2-3 (0-0) Joe Cullen

Whose going to take the initiative?

Joe Cullen throws the better start and leaves 140. He’ll have six darts at it and leaves himself 40 to win the leg. There’s no pressure from Humphries and Cullen hits the double to win the set.

He needs one more to win this match.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:21 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 2-2 (2-2) Joe Cullen

180! Humphries is ticking now. A maximum puts him in control and a last dart treble 20 keeps him going with an 80. He scores 140 and leaves 16.

He hits 8, he hits 4, he misses double 2!

Cullen fails to take out 131 and leaves Humphries three more darts for the set. He misses them all. Cullen doesn’t miss. He takes out double 5 and forces a fifth leg in the set.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:19 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 2-2 (2-1) Joe Cullen

All Cullen needs to do at the minute is score well and hold his throw. Humphries is starting to find a bit of mojo and sets up a finish of 70.

Cullen needs 145 but misses his second needed double.

Humphries takes it out in two darts and will throw to break for the set.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:17 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 2-2 (1-1) Joe Cullen

Should Cullen hope to win this match he needs to put more pressure on Humphries’ throw. He was doing that in the opening two sets but has slipped off the boil slighty.

Humphries takes out 78 in two darts to draw level again.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:16 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 2-2 (0-1) Joe Cullen

Joe Cullen will try to unsettle the world number three as he starts off the fifth set. He cleans up 61, after hitting his seventh 180 of the match, and holds throw with a dominant display.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:12 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 2-2 (0-0) Joe Cullen

A maximum of three sets left to play in this match. Luke Humphries has fought back from two sets down and now must break Joe Cullen’s throw to give himself a chance of winning the match.

Can he do it in the fifth?

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:10 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 2-2 (0-0) Joe Cullen

Cullen may be reeling a bit after messing up the last leg. Humphries starts with two 140s and a 180 to leave 41 to win the set. He hits 9 then misses double 16 twice!

Cullen leaves himself on 24 and Humphries can’t misses double 8. He doesn’t!

The match is level again.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:08 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 1-2 (2-2) Joe Cullen

That is good. Luke Humphries needs a maximum from 301 and hits it. Cullen flinches and only leaves a finish of 138. He doesn’t take it and Humphries punishes him by hitting double 14 to force a deciding leg.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:06 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 1-2 (1-2) Joe Cullen

A big 140 from Humphries leaves a finish of 109 but Cullen’s response is a maximum 180 to leave 49. Humphries misses out on the three figure finish and Cullen nails double 16 to break throw and move within one of taking the set.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:04 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 1-2 (1-1) Joe Cullen

Two darts are a finish for Cullen go begging as he misses double 12 and then double 6. Humphries can’t punish him from 120 and Cullen’s next visit sees him take out double 6 to level the set.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:03 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 1-2 (1-0) Joe Cullen

Humphries is short of double 20 but Cullen misses his shot at double 16 and he’s made to pay. Humphries holds throw and edges ahead.

This is a good battle as mistakes are being made from both sides.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:02 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 1-2 (0-0) Joe Cullen

There it is! Some superb scoring leaves Humphries with 88 and he takes it out without too much trouble. He’s now got the darts for this fourth leg and a win here may destabilise Cullen.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 23:00 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 0-2 (2-1) Joe Cullen

Humphries is lining things up brilliantly now. He forces his way in front and must hit 78 with Cullen left on 44. He his 18, then 20 and leaves one shot at double tops.

It lands!

Humphries is throwing for the set.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:58 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 0-2 (1-1) Joe Cullen

Another 180 for Cullen gives him control of the next leg and he leaves 54 after nine darts. He gets it this time and brings the third set back on level terms.

Perfect response.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:57 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 0-2 (1-0) Joe Cullen

Joe Cullen has the darts in the third set and if he wins this one too then Luke Humphries is facing a last-16 exit from the World Championship.

Cullen lands a maximum before following it up woth a 100 to leave 121 after nine darts. He doesn’t take it but leaves 78. A score of 38 sees him leave one dart at 40 but he misses.

Humphries breaks throw in response.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:51 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 0-2 (0-0) Joe Cullen

The nine darter was on for Luke Humphries who gets seven darts into a perfect leg but misses the treble 19 and has to lay up. Cullen scores well too and has the chance to take out 100 but it goes begging.

Humphries misses out on 32 leaving Cullen to hit 40.

He hits 20, misses double 10 and then hits it! He takes the second set in a sweep.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:49 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 0-1 (0-2) Joe Cullen

Humphries is struggling at the start of this set. Cullen isn’t scoring particularly well but it’s enough to keep him in front. He’s got 140 to win the leg and hits treble 20 twice before slipping inside the double 10.

Humphries goes for back-to-back double 19s to win the leg but the second dart slips out and Cullen secures the leg.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:46 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 0-1 (0-1) Joe Cullen

Humphries needs to get off to a good start in this set after letting a chance to break slip away. After such a tasking match last time out he needs to keep focused and keep Cullen at bay.

Cullen is first to a finish though and leaves 78. One dart at double 20 doesn’t land but Humphries can’t clean out 170 and Cullen hits double 10 to take control of the set.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:40 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 0-1 (0-0) Joe Cullen

Cullen’s 140 is met with a 180 before Humprhires follows up with a 140. He sets up to leave 58 with Cullen on 170. He doesn’t get the checkout.

Humphries misses his attempt at double 20 leaving Cullen the chance to clean up double 18 which he takes!

Wonderful back and forth in that set.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:38 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 0-0 (2-2) Joe Cullen

Joe Cullen is one a nine darter! He hits seven of them and then just slips under the treble 20. He leaves 16 to break back immediately and takes it without too much trouble.

Can Cullen win the set now?

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:37 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 0-0 (2-1) Joe Cullen

Can Humphries upset things with a 146 finish?

No. He leaves 51 and could break after Cullen doesn’t take out 120. He takes out double 16 and moves ahead against the throw.

Just the start he needed.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:35 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 0-0 (1-1) Joe Cullen

Humphries leaves himself 97 and has a decent chance to hold throw but only scores 41. Cullen almost takes out a three figures finish but leaves 50.

Humphries then messes 56 but Cullen fails to punish him and leg goes to the number three seed.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:33 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries 0-0 (0-1) Joe Cullen

Joe Cullen starts off the match. Both these players are quick throwers and should be able to test each other throughout. Luke Humphries came through a tricky match last time out but hits a maximum in this opening leg to kick things off nicely.

Cullen has the chance to hold but taking out 78. He does.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:19 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 1-4 Luke Littler

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:17 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 1-4 Luke Littler

“Unbelievable. I don’t know what to say.” said Littler after the match, “I went 2-0 up, then 3-0 and said to my family I’m three legs away.

“[Barney] said ‘you can go all the way, and I hope you go all the way’. I fancy myself but lets just focus on Brendan [Dolan who he faces in the next round].

“After I do the media, I’ll go see my family and just chill out now.”

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:14 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 1-4 Luke Littler

134, 134, 63 leaves Littler with 170 to beat Van Barneveld. He then nails treble 20, hits it again and then hits double 10.

There’s 30 left for the teenager with Van Barneveld nowhere near. Littler has three darts but needs one to take out double 15!

Raymond van Barneveld has been blown away by Luke Littler. That is a spectacular display of darts from the 16-year-old who progresses into the quarter-finals.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:11 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 1-3 (2-2) Luke Littler

Barney seems to have honed in on the treble 20s now and leaves 81 after nine darts. He takes 56 and leaves 25 though Littler isn’t on a finish.

Barney hits 9 then double 8 to force Littler to throw for the win.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:10 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 1-3 (1-2) Luke Littler

140, 180, 140 for Littler leaves him with 47 to hold throw for a second time. He does and takes another 11 dart leg to move within one of the match.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:09 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 1-3 (1-1) Luke Littler

Van Barneveld isn’t going away though. His main focus is to hold his throw here and he absolutely does with a double 6 hit on his last throw.

Littler needs to be patient.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:07 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 1-3 (0-1) Luke Littler

The action continues and Littler needs to be careful. The advantage is with him in this set but he needs to make sure he can hold his throw.

Another 180 will help!

Littler leaves 124, and scores 84 for the set up on double 20. He misses it but comes down to nail double 10.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:02 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 1-3 (0-0) Luke Littler

Boom! Raymond van Barneveld takes the set with some fantastic scoring but Littler had the chance to close out 128 which he didn’t take.

Barney is on the board but he’s right up against it as Littler has the darts in the fifth set.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 22:00 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-3 (2-2) Luke Littler

Littler has six darts from 148 to win the leg but only manages to score 56 leaving 92. Littler slips into the 5 but responds with a treble 17.

He goes wide of double 18 and Barney can’t respond. Littler forces a deciding leg on his next visit. Can he break Barney to win the match?

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:58 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-3 (2-1) Luke Littler

Littler leaves 170 and almost takes it out. He hits both treble 20s but just misses the bullseye. With 25 left, Littler fails to take it out and Barney fights back to hold onto his throw.

It took him 18 darts to win the leg and Littler missed three to win it.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:56 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-3 (1-1) Luke Littler

Littler’s response to Barney winning the first leg is to leave himself 90 for the finish. He hits treble 20 and then double 15 with two darts to draw back level.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:54 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-3 (1-0) Luke Littler

Barney averaged 103 in the third set but was out scored by Littler who averaged 110. That is insane.

Van Barneveld does what he needs to in the opening leg of the fourth set and closes out 24 with one dart.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:53 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-3 (0-0) Luke Littler

180! A fifth maximum of the match for Luke Littler puts him onto the front foot and leaves 94 after nine darts. Barney doesn’t get to a finish and Littler has three darts to take out 40 for a three set lead.

He needs one!

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:51 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-2 (2-2) Luke Littler

Littler has made one mistake all match and now may lose the third set. He needs to break Van Barneveld here to keep this one alive and the 180 start is perfect.

Barney has the chance to secure the set but misses two darts at double 16.

Littler needs 65, he hits the green ring around the bullseye then lands double 20! The set is back on.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:50 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-2 (2-1) Luke Littler

Littler leaves 85 after nine darts and hits 15, treble 10 to leave double 20. He goes wide but will have another shot to win the leg. He doesn’t take it though as he hits 20 and then 10.

Barney makes him pay by closing out the leg and moving ahead in the set. Can he nick it away from the teenager?

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:48 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-2 (1-1) Luke Littler

Bang! Just when he needed it Raymond van Barneveld steps up to the plate. Under huge pressure from Littler, Barney closes out a 127 with a bullseye finish to clinch the leg.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:46 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-2 (0-1) Luke Littler

If Luke Littler wins this set, with the darts, Raymond van Barneveld would need to overturn a three set deficit. He starts with a 134, 140, and a 127.

Leaving 100, Littler hits 20, then double tops twice! The leg is his.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:41 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-2 (0-0) Luke Littler

Oh my word.

140, 140, 180 from Littler leaves him with 48 to checkout. He goes 8, misses double 20 and then hits it!

Raymond van Barneveld is two sets down. Incredible scenes.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:39 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-1 (1-2) Luke Littler

Here’s a fight back. A big score from Barney leaves him with 24 and a double 12 finish which he puts away easily enough. Littler now needs to hold throw to take the set.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:38 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-1 (0-2) Luke Littler

A 140 from Littler leaves a tough 144 finish for the teenager to hold throw. He hits treble 20, hits it again and then slips under the double 12.

The crowd got very excited.

12 left, Littler hits 6. He hits double 3 and moves to within one leg of winning the second set too!

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:36 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-1 (0-1) Luke Littler

Luke Littler averaged 103 and hit three of his four attempts at doubles in the first set. If he keeps that up Van Barneveld will need to improve massively.

Barney opens up the second set with some solid darts to leave himself 161. He takes 90 and is forced to take out 71 but doesn’t.

Littler has 45 left. He hits 5 and then double 20 to steal the leg!

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:30 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-1 (0-0) Luke Littler

Littler takes advantage with two 140s and a high 130 to leave 82 for the set. Littler sets up a throw at double 20 and lands it!

The first set goes to the teenager in a hold of throw. Fantastic start to this match.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:29 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-0 (1-2) Luke Littler

Littler keeps control of the leg to require 78. He hits 18 and double 20 to leave double 10 for the leg. He misses his first attempt but comes back and nails it.

The teenager is one leg away from winning the opening set.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:27 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-0 (1-1) Luke Littler

Van Barneveld fights back and works his way quickly down to 80 with Littler still not on a finish. Barney leaves one dart at double 7 but misses it.

He has another trip to the oche though and takes just one throw to level the match.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:25 , Mike Jones

Raymond van Barneveld 0-0 (0-1) Luke Littler

Can Luke Littler put aside his feelings of meeting his idol at the Ally Pally and focus on the darts? A spot in the quarter-finals is on the line and the 16-year-old has the first throw.

180! There’s no nerves from the teenager but Barney responds with a maximum of his own.

Littler leaves 129 and scores 79 to leave 50 to win the opening leg. He goes 10, double 20 and takes it!

Raymond van Barneveld vs Luke Littler

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:22 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler has a wide grin on his face as he makes his way to the stage for this last-16 tie. He gives him mum a big hug and seems determined to enjoy the occasion.

Raymond van Barneveld was his hero as a child but things are different now. Especially when the lights go out and the five-time world champion makes his way out to face you.

Raymond van Barneveld vs Luke Littler

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:17 , Mike Jones

Up next is the match everyone has been hyping up. The five-time world champion, Raymond van Barneveld, takes on teenager Luke Littler.

Littler has been a delight in the tournament so far but faces his trickiest task tonight. How will it go?

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:14 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan gave his reaction to winning the match saying: “When you’re on double 3 you wonder what to do and I thought just go for it. I went for it and hit it. Wow, that was some game.

“It was so tough, I mentally collapsed at two sets up and I fell into the trap that he wasn’t at it. Next thing he’s ahead of me. I got it back to three-all and thought it’s in the lap of the gods.

“The crowd wasn’t with me tonight and I expect them not to be with me in the next one [when he faces either Raymond van Barneveld or Luke Littler].”

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:08 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 4-3 Gary Anderson

What a fantastic match. It went right down to the wire after Dolan’s rapid start. Anderson fought back to take the lead but Dolan clinched the final two sets to make it into the quarter-finals.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:05 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 4-3 Gary Anderson

What drama!

Brendan Dolan has two darts at winning the match but misses double 12 and then double 6. Anderson should tidy up with three darts at double 5.

He misses them all!

Dolan, with double 3 left, comes back to the oche. He hits with his first effort and he takes out Gary Anderson!

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:02 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 3-3 (2-1) Gary Anderson

Anderson has the chance to steal the darts off Dolan who must finish off 144 to take the leg. He nails treble 20 twice but slides wide of double 12!

Anderson makes a mess of 11 and Dolan spanks double 12 to go back ahead.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 21:00 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 3-3 (1-1) Gary Anderson

No he can’t.

But, it’s because Gary Anderson plays a blinder and leaves himself a bullseye to take the leg. He’s got one dart to hit it with and nails it right in the centre.

Two holds of throw.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:58 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 3-3 (1-0) Gary Anderson

Dolan has the darts in this sets but needs to win by two clear legs. Setting up 64 to hold throw he misses a first dart at double tops but manages to clinch it with his third dart.

Can he break the throw now?

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:56 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 3-3 (0-0) Gary Anderson

Anderson holds throw for the next leg but there’s no stopping the Dolan train. He nervously takes out 32, finishing on double 4, but the set goes his way and this match is coming down to a decider.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:54 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-3 (2-0) Gary Anderson

Brendan Dolan comes again to set up a 170 finish but misses the bullseye on the wrong side and leave himself 25. He cleans that up and moves within one leg to level the match.

Wonderful response this.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:53 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-3 (1-0) Gary Anderson

Dolan starts to celebrate as he scores a maximum, but Anderson responds with a 140. The Northern Irishman gets ahead in the leg and requires 25.

He stays cool to take it out in two darts and breaks the throw.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:48 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-3 (0-0) Gary Anderson

What a turn around!

Gary Anderson averaged 107 in the fifth set and wins two legs on the bounce - the first to break the throw, the second to take the win.

He now leads in sets and has the throw to tidy up the match.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:44 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-2 (1-1) Gary Anderson

Perfect response from Anderson. Scores of 134, 140 and 132 set up a winning 14-dart leg as he cleans up double 10. This is much more like it from the Scot.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:42 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-2 (1-0) Gary Anderson

Can Brendan Dolan reset after Gary Anderson’s resurgence?

Both men require 161 with Dolan up first to try and take it out. He doesn’t but neither does Anderson. Dolan leaves 102 which is difficult.

Dolan goes for the bull to leave double 16, can he hit? Yes! The leg goes to the Northern Irishman.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:35 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-2 (0-0) Gary Anderson

180! Another maximum from Anderson puts him on the front foot and he follows up with a 100 and a 140 to leaves just 81 for the finish.

Anderson hits treble 19 then double 12 to draw level again in the match! Incredible darts.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:33 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-1 (1-2) Gary Anderson

180! From 204 left Gary Anderson plays up to the crowd with a maximum and leaves himself with 24 to take the leg. He messes it up though and scores 18.

Dolan needs 87 but can’t hit a treble and misses the bullseye.

Anderson tidies up the situation and moves back in front in the set.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:31 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-1 (1-1) Gary Anderson

Things are starting to calm down for Brendan Dolan who has time to set up and leave 32 to win the leg. After four legs lost without reply Dolan lands his double to halt the momentum of the two-time world champion.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:29 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-1 (0-1) Gary Anderson

Anderson is the man on fire now and once again leaves himself 40 to take the first leg of the fourth set. He lands it on the second try after Dolan can’t clean up a three figure finish.

Plan B is working perfectly for the Scotsman.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:27 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-1 (0-0) Gary Anderson

The crowd is cheering every treble 20 that Anderson hits. He’s the first to set up a finish and leaves 40 after 12 darts. Dolan only leaves 130.

Anderson has the chance to steal the set... he takes it!

One dart at double 20 and it lands.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:25 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-0 (2-2) Gary Anderson

Is Anderson beginning to click now? He’s starting to outscore Dolan which in itself will create opportunities to win legs. A 140 from Anderson gives him a shot at finishing off 101.

He hits the treble 20, hits the 1, then slides under double 20.

In reply Dolan has a shot at 106. He hits the treble to leave one dart at double 16 but can’t get it. Anderson tidies up double 10 and draws level in the set.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:23 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-0 (2-1) Gary Anderson

There’s a half chance for Anderson here. A 41 from Dolan opens the door but he rescues it slightly with a 97. Anderson can’t set up a good finish but neither can Dolan who leaves 188.

A 138 from Anderson leaves him with a shot a 68. He’s got one dart at double 20... and hits!

The set is alive.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:21 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-0 (2-0) Gary Anderson

Anderson is just not at the races. He’s clinging on to in this match but misses two attempts at hitting double 16 to leave Dolan with another chance to break.

It’s a tough one though as he needs to take out 104. Dolan leaves himself one shot at double 16 but goes wide!

Surely now Anderson takes out 32... nope. Three more misses from the Scot and Dolan makes him pay but hitting double 8 to win the leg.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:18 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-0 (1-0) Gary Anderson

Dolan came out from the break in high spirits and again moves down to a finish, this time 164, in double quick time. He sets up with a treble 20 followed by a treble 18.

A single 18 gives him another visit but he wastes no time in nailing the double 16 to win the leg.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:15 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-0 (0-0) Gary Anderson

Gary Anderson has missed seven of his eight attempts to hit a double over these two sets. Brendan Dolan has taken advantage thus far but can he continue his strong showing and take the third set too.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:10 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 2-0 (0-0) Gary Anderson

Just when he needed it Gary Anderson turns it on. He’s the first down to a finish and leaves 121 but he falters massively and scores just 5.

A treble 19 and a single 19 leaves double 20 for the Scotsman but he misses it!

Dolan needs 100 to win the set. He nails the treble 20, settles himself and launches a dart into double tops to win the second set! The History Maker is flying here.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:08 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 1-0 (2-1) Gary Anderson

Chance to steal.

With 130 left, Dolan has the opportunity to hit bull and win the leg but smartly decides to set up an easier checkout by landing 18. Anderson, with the throw, isn’t on a finish so Dolan has another chance to win the leg.

Double 16 needed, he hits and goes in front! A hold of throw to win the set needed for him now.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:07 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 1-0 (1-1) Gary Anderson

Dolan responds to Anderson taking a leg with a quickfire win of his own. Just one dart needed at double 10 to earn him a shot at upsetting Anderson’s rhythm in the second set.

The Northern Irishman looks the more settled player at present.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 20:05 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 1-0 (0-1) Gary Anderson

Chance! Gary Anderson comes out after the break with some incredibly strong scoring but his finishing is poor. He misses a few darts at double 16 to leave Brendan Dolan a chance to steal the leg.

He leaves one shot at double 4 but sends it too high.

Anderson needs 16, hits 8 then goes wide of double 4. The crowd starts to cheer and the Scot nails his last dart in the double to win the leg - his first of the match.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 19:58 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 1-0 (0-0) Gary Anderson

Oh close! Dolan almost takes out 106 but slips under double 16 to leave double 8 for the set. In replay Anderson has a chance at 120 but misses the single after landing a treble with his first throw.

Dolan steps back to the oche, hits the red of double 8 and strides off stage with the opening set secured in straight legs.

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 19:56 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 0-0 (2-0) Gary Anderson

Gary Anderson keeps control of his leg and sets upt a finish of 61 though a 140 from Dolan keeps the pressure on. Anderson misses a dart at double 16 which opens the door for the Northern Irishman.

Dolan needs 83 and works his way down to 32. One shot at hitting double 16 to steal a leg and the History Maker takes it!

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 19:52 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 0-0 (1-0) Gary Anderson

Brendan Dolan kicks off the match with a steady ton and will be hoping to get into the match early on. The head-to-head stats between these two are fairly even but Gary Anderson has a strong record at the Ally Pally.

Dolan gets down to 76 in rapid time and finishes off with a treble 20, double 8 finish for a 14 dart opening leg.

Brendan Dolan vs Gary Anderson

Saturday 30 December 2023 19:48 , Mike Jones

Here comes Brendan Dolan.

He knocked out Gerwyn Price in the previous round, in what was a shock result, after making it through a slug fest against Mickey Mansell.

Can he add Gary Anderson to his list of defeated opponents?

The Flying Scotsman strides to the stage with a cheeky grin and looking very composed.

Raymond van Barneveld vs Luke Littler

Saturday 30 December 2023 19:46 , Mike Jones

The hype train is rolling.

Brendan Dolan vs Gary Anderson

Saturday 30 December 2023 19:44 , Mike Jones

Gary Anderson says that he’s feeling good on the Ally Pally stage but is just taking it one match at a time. He says that Brendan Dolan is not a darkhorse and is a very strong player in his own right.

Chisnall on reaching quarter-finals

Saturday 30 December 2023 19:39 , Mike Jones

“I’m planning on chilling out all day tomorrow [New Year’s Eve]. There will be fireworks between Luke Humphries and Joe Cullen but I’m not bothered who I play. I can up my average from 99 to 109,” said Dave Chisnall after his victory this afternoon.

“The scoring is there but I have silly legs and silly legs - but that’s Dave Chisnall. The confidence is there in every TV game but I’ve not performed.

“It will mean everything to me and the family if I win the title. Hopefully I can do a Mike Smith and just win the World Championship. There’s a lot of shocks at this year’s Worlds but you can’t take away from Brendan Dolan and Chris Dobey.”

World Darts Championship LIVE

Saturday 30 December 2023 19:32 , Mike Jones

Here we go. Who’s ready for an incredible night of darts action?

A reminder of the schedule:

Brendan Dolan vs Gary Anderson (last 16)

Raymond van Barneveld vs Luke Littler (last 16)

Luke Humphries vs Joe Cullen (last 16)

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website