The stage is set for a thrilling evening of tungsten action as defending champion Luke Littler continues his quest to retain the Sid Waddell Trophy at the World Darts Championship 2026. His journey towards the final four resumes tonight with a high-stakes quarter-final clash against Poland's seasoned competitor, Krzysztof Ratajski, at London's iconic Alexandra Palace.
Littler's Focus Amidst the Ally Pally Roar
Fresh from a victory over Rob Cross that was not without its drama, Littler has openly addressed the challenging atmosphere. The young champion admitted to momentarily 'losing it' on stage due to a chorus of boos from sections of the crowd. However, he has reaffirmed his determination to block out the noise and concentrate solely on his performance. Littler emphasised his desire to focus on the darts and let the spectators provide the backdrop for what promises to be a fascinating evening of sport.
Evening Session Showdowns
While Littler versus Ratajski is the headline act, it is merely the first chapter of a spectacular double-header. The winner will book a coveted spot in the semi-finals. Immediately following that match, former world champion Luke Humphries will step up to the oche to take on the challenge of rising Dutch star Gian van Veen in the tournament's final quarter-final.
Afternoon Session Results
The path to the last four began to take shape earlier on Thursday 1 January 2026. In the day's first matches, the 20th seed Ryan Searle produced a powerful display to defeat Jonny Clayton by a 5-2 margin. Meanwhile, veteran Gary Anderson brought Justin Hood's fairytale debut run to an end, also securing a 5-2 victory to advance.
All eyes now turn to the evening session, where the pressure intensifies and the arrows fly in pursuit of darting immortality. The atmosphere inside Ally Pally is sure to be electric as the remaining contenders battle for a place in sporting history.
