"The louder the better" - Scott Williams urges Ally Pally crowd to bring the noise for his World Championship QF with Michael van Gerwen

Scott Williams is into the quarterfinals of the World Darts Championship for the first time in his career. 'Shaggy' defeated Damon Heta 4-1 on Saturday afternoon in the last sixteen.

"I can't say too much because I'll get myself in trouble," Williams laughs in his post-match press conference, referencing his controversial interview after beating Martin Schindler in the previous round. "My finishing was better, it was miles better than his and that's what wins you games isn't it, so happy days!"

Starting the tournament as world number 52, Williams is the only unseeded player left at the Alexandra Palace and ever the showman, 'Shaggy' is keen to enjoy every second of his run. "There's no point being scared. I'm really good at blocking stuff out but when it comes to the crowd, the louder they are the better for me," he says. "Whether it be boos, cheers, chanting or whatever, the louder the better."

In the quarterfinals, Williams will take on his toughest test yet, Michael van Gerwen. "I'm really looking forward to it. He's completely different gravy to everyone else in the competition," says Williams, full of praise for 'Mighty Mike' who is yet to drop a set. "I'd expect myself to at least get something out of it but you don't know until the day."

Circling back to his controversial interview following his victory over the German, Martin Schindler, in which Williams referenced the World Wars, 'Shaggy' has since deleted his X (Twitter) account and is keen to express his apologies once again.

"I was advised to come off social media. Just X, I'm still on Instagram but obviously, what I said in the last interview on stage was stupid, genuinely stupid. The guys from Germany know I love Germany and my deepest apologies to all of them if anyone took offence. I've had a lot of messages from people who haven't took offence but that's gone now and I'm looking forward to Monday."