Luke Littler and Gian van Veen marched into the semi-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship on Thursday night with emphatic victories, setting up a potential clash of the sport's rising stars. Littler whitewashed Krzysztof Ratajski 5-0 in just 33 minutes at Alexandra Palace, while Van Veen swept aside 2024 champion Luke Humphries 5-1 to continue his ascent.
Van Veen, already European champion and now world number three, produced a dazzling performance to dispatch Humphries. The Dutchman, who was cheered on by a raucous crowd, sealed his win with a 170 checkout, cementing his status as a genuine contender. "I knew I could do it," said Van Veen after the match, smiling as he stepped away from the oche with the finish in sight.
Littler, the world champion, faced some boos on his entrance but quickly won over the crowd with a clinical display. He averaged over 100 and never gave Ratajski a chance, showing no hangover from his contentious win over Rob Cross earlier in the week.
In Friday's semi-finals, Littler will face Ryan Searle, who beat Jonny Clayton 5-2 in the afternoon session. Searle, known for his relaxed attitude, has impressed in this tournament. Gary Anderson, the 55-year-old veteran, awaits Van Veen after his 5-2 victory over Justin Hood.
The semi-finals promise a blend of youth and experience. Anderson, a two-time champion, admitted he thrives on the big stage despite his laid-back approach. "I don't practise much anymore, but I still love the game," he said. Searle, meanwhile, seems finally motivated to fulfil his potential.
With Van Veen and Littler both just two wins away from the title, the future of darts appears to be arriving ahead of schedule. A rivalry first forged in the junior ranks could be reignited in the final, but first they must overcome experienced opponents in the last four.
