Darts Live Scores: Littler, Humphries, and Anderson Shine as Van Gerwen Exits Early

The World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace has reached a fever pitch, delivering live scores and high drama that few could have predicted. The latest round saw the defending champion, Luke Littler, not only advance to the quarter-finals but also face the full force of a divided crowd. Littler’s journey, along with impressive performances from Luke Humphries and Gary Anderson, paints a vivid picture of a tournament where the unexpected is the norm and reputations are on the line.

Luke Littler, just 18 years old, continues to prove his mettle. After defeating Rob Cross 4-2, Littler faced boos from the audience, responding with a mix of bravado and honesty. “I’m not bothered. Really not bothered. You guys pay for tickets and you pay for my prize so thanks for booing me. No one wanted me to win but I proved them wrong yet again,” he quipped on stage, according to Express. Yet, in the post-match press conference, he dialed back the bravado, admitting, “I think I lost it (his temper). The fans have done what they done and I’ve reacted as any other player would.” Littler’s ability to channel pressure into performance has become a defining feature of his championship run.

The quarter-final lineup is now set, with Littler facing Krzysztof Ratajski, who earned his spot after defeating Luke Woodhouse. Ryan Searle takes on Jonny Clayton, while Luke Humphries, fresh off a 4-1 win over Kevin Doets, prepares for a clash with Gian van Veen. Gary Anderson, who sent Michael van Gerwen home in a stunning upset, will battle Justin Hood. At stake for all is a semi-final berth and a guaranteed £200,000—big stakes for big personalities.

Humphries, currently world No. 2, showcased his championship credentials against Doets. After dropping the first set, he rallied with clinical precision, increasing his average and landing crucial checkouts, including a 118 finish. Humphries reflected, “I felt really good, it was a game, after the first set, it was my best set and I thought, ‘oh my god.’ If you want to win the tournament, you need that because that won’t win you the championships. Next round against Gian is going to be great, he’s such a great player, I’m going to have to bring that and more to beat him.” His self-awareness and strategic approach underline why he’s a favorite for the title.

But perhaps the biggest shock of the night was Michael van Gerwen’s early exit. For the first time in ten years, Van Gerwen failed to reach the quarter-finals, falling 4-1 to Gary Anderson. Van Gerwen’s frustration was visible, missing crucial doubles and unable to recover momentum against the determined Scotsman. Anderson himself admitted to not feeling entirely comfortable on stage, yet managed to deliver when it counted. As Vincent van der Voort told the Darts Draait Door podcast, an Anderson championship could be a “nightmare” for the PDC, potentially excluding the world champion from key events.

Elsewhere, Gian van Veen powered past Charlie Manby, demonstrating both composure and flair. Van Veen’s scoring fluctuated, but his ability to capitalize on key opportunities—such as a superb 132 checkout—secured his quarter-final place. Manby, making his tournament debut, showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately couldn’t match Van Veen’s consistency. The Dutchman now looks ahead to a high-stakes match with Humphries, who he’s beaten four times before.

Justin Hood, an underdog who has quickly become a fan favorite, produced a 4-0 whitewash over Josh Rock, moving into the quarter-finals with remarkable confidence. “Just win the leg. Win every leg as it comes. There weren’t any nerves but I had some on the last one when I was throwing for it,” Hood told Sky Sports. His grounded approach and humor—joking about his guaranteed prize money—have endeared him to spectators and pundits alike.

Jonny Clayton also advanced after defeating Andreas Harrysson 4-2, overcoming a two-leg deficit in the fifth set. Clayton’s experience and resilience shone through in the closing stages, setting up a compelling encounter with Ryan Searle.

The tournament has not been without its emotional moments. Stephen Bunting revealed that his 13-year-old son was subjected to online abuse after Bunting’s own shock defeat, highlighting the intensity and, at times, toxicity surrounding high-profile sporting events. Josh Rock, meanwhile, displayed sportsmanship by expressing condolences to Callan Rydz after Rydz’s recent family loss, a gesture that resonated deeply with fans.

With the bracket now fully formed, anticipation builds for New Year’s Day, when the quarter-finals will bring together a mix of youth, experience, and unexpected heroes. Luke Littler remains the bookies’ favorite at 4/7 odds, with Humphries at 5/1 and Van Veen at 17/2. The drama at Ally Pally is far from over, with each leg and every dart loaded with possibility.

In a tournament defined by unpredictability, the World Darts Championship continues to deliver both sporting excellence and raw human emotion. From Littler’s crowd battles to Van Gerwen’s shock defeat, each live score is a chapter in a story where every player, established or new, is fighting not just for victory, but for respect and legacy. The next rounds promise even more drama as the stakes rise and the field narrows.

Sources: Express, Sky Sports, Paddy Power News, Sporting News.