The 2026 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace produced dramatic quarter-final action, with Gian van Veen and Luke Littler booking their places in the semi-finals. Luke Humphries was eliminated after a 5-1 defeat to Van Veen, while Littler powered past Krzysztof Ratajski in a 5-0 whitewash.
Van Veen delivered an outstanding performance against Humphries, averaging 105.41 and registering 11 maximum 180s, 22 scores of 140, and a 170 checkout. He also converted 55 per cent of his doubles. The Dutch player now moves to the semi-finals, where he will face Gary Anderson. Van Veen’s victory marks his fifth consecutive win over Humphries and sees him take over as the provisional world number three, surpassing Michael van Gerwen, who has held the Dutch number one ranking since 2013.
The match started with both players trading high-quality darts. Van Veen secured early advantages with a combination of 120 and 124 checkouts before Humphries responded with a 158 finish. Van Veen’s composure under pressure saw him take control in the later sets, finishing the match with an 11-dart leg to confirm his semi-final place.
“I felt really good today. The 105 average reflects how I played,” Van Veen said. “Humphries is a fantastic player, and I knew I needed to perform at my best to beat him. I am thrilled to reach my first semi-final.”
Meanwhile, Luke Littler maintained his impressive form, defeating Krzysztof Ratajski 5-0 to reach his third consecutive semi-final at the World Darts Championship. Littler overcame an early challenge in the first set and then produced a dominant display, including a 128 checkout and a 100 checkout, to secure victory. He will face Ryan Searle in the semi-finals.
“Obviously, a win is a win,” Littler said. “The crowd were fantastic, and I am looking forward to facing Ryan Searle tomorrow. I hope to continue playing well and put on a good performance for the fans.”
The semi-final match-ups are set for Friday, January 2, with Luke Littler taking on Ryan Searle and Gian van Veen facing Gary Anderson. Both matches promise high-quality darts and will decide the two players who will contest the final.
