The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion at the 2026 World Darts Championship, with the semi-finals taking centre stage at London's iconic Alexandra Palace on Friday, 2 January. The reigning champion and world number one, Luke Littler, continues his quest for a historic third consecutive final appearance, but faces a formidable challenge from the in-form Ryan Searle.
Littler's March Meets Searle's Surge
Luke Littler stormed into the last four with a commanding 5-0 whitewash of Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski in the quarter-finals. However, the young champion revealed he was unable to practice before that match, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his campaign. Standing between him and another final is Ryan Searle, who at 38 years old has reached his first ever World Championship semi-final.
Searle's path has been impressive, defeating Jonny Clayton 5-2 in the quarters and, notably, not dropping a single set in the tournament prior to that match. Acknowledging the challenge, Littler said after his Thursday victory, "I've always been watching the darts throughout the tournament and I saw how he got on this afternoon. I'm the next man in his way and he's in the way for me." This clash promises to be a battle between Littler's proven championship pedigree and Searle's flawless form.
Anderson Aims to Turn Back the Clock Against Van Veen
The other semi-final offers a compelling generational showdown. The resurgent Gary Anderson, a three-time world champion, is bidding to turn back the clock and win his first title in a decade. His opponent is the rising Dutch star, Gian van Veen. The 23-year-old announced his arrival on the biggest stage by sweeping past former champion Luke Humphries with a stunning 5-1 victory in the quarter-finals.
This match pits Anderson's vast experience and legendary status against the fearless, explosive talent of Van Veen, making it a must-watch encounter for any darts fan.
A Night of High Stakes at Ally Pally
The penultimate night of the championship promises high drama and incredible arrows. All eyes will be on whether Luke Littler can maintain his dominance and secure a place in sporting history, or if Ryan Searle's dream run will continue. Simultaneously, the darts world will watch to see if Gary Anderson can roll back the years or if Gian van Veen's rapid ascent will culminate in a first World Championship final.
The action unfolds from Alexandra Palace, with the winner of each match earning a coveted spot in Saturday's final and a chance to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy.
