OH THAT'S RIDICULOUS FROM LITTLER! A stunning 111 checkout from Littler to level the third set! 📺 bit.ly/24WCLive #WCDarts
Luke Littler lights up Ally Pally again, demolishing Brendan Dolan 5-1 to set up semi-final showdown with Rob Cross at the World Darts Championship
PDCMonday, 01 January 2024 at 17:14
16-year-old Luke Littler continues to light up the Alexandra Palace. In a commanding display, 'the Nuke' demolished Brendan Dolan 5-1, averaging a touch under 102 to set up a semi-final showdown with 2018 world champion Rob Cross.
Early doors, Luke Littler seemed most uncomfortable and nervy he's been on the Ally Pally stage and Brendan Dolan was able to capitalise, moving 2-0 up in the first set. However, legs of 13, 14 and 14 soon ensured normal service was resumed for the 16-year-old as he took the opening set.
Averaging over 20 points less than his opponent, it was a worrying time for Dolan despite the early stage of the match. The teenage sensation broke throw to open set 2 with an 11-dart leg. Holding with a 12 in the following leg, it was five straight legs now for Littler. Pinning 56 in two darts, it was 2-0 Littler in the blink of an eye.
The one-way traffic continued for Littler as he held throw in the opening leg of set 3 before an 88 finish on the bull finally stopped the rot for Dolan in leg 2 after Littler had missed two at double. Breaking throw in the subsequent leg, Dolan was beginning to show signs of life. After Dolan missed a dart for the set, Littler responded with a fabulous 111 to level and then held throw comfortably in the decider to move three sets to the good.
Despite Dolan still averaging in the mid-80s compared to Littler at around 102, it was the Northern Irishman who took the opening leg of set 4 via a brilliant 142 finish. The difference in standard was vast however and as Littler reeled off the next three legs relatively easily he was just a leg away from the semi-finals.
Showing his fighting spirit, Dolan started set 5 with six perfect darts. When he was unable to take it out, it looked fatal but six missed darts from Littler meant continued chances and eventually Dolan managed to get the leg and break the throw. After a couple more misses in the next leg from Littler, Dolan again was on hand to gleefully accept the gift. The teenager regained his composure on the outer ring in leg 3, pinning double 16 but the set would go to Dolan courtesy of a 118 checkout.
Littler was in no mood for a comeback however, breaking throw with a 140 checkout in the opening leg of set 6. A few moments later, the 16-year-old had reeled off the following two legs, sealing the victory on double 4 for a place in the final four.
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