Luke Littler storms into World Darts Championship final with sensational win over Rob Cross

Luke Littler storms into World Darts Championship final with sensational win over Rob Cross

Watch now: Luke Littler at the Ally Pally

Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 02/01/2024

- 21:31

Updated: 02/01/2024

- 22:39

Luke Littler beat Rob Cross 6-2 in their semi-final to make it through to the World Darts Championship.

Luke Littler is through to the final of the World Darts Championship after comfortably dispatching Rob Cross.

Cross represented Littler's toughest test as the No 8 seed and the former world champion got off to a strong start in the opening set.


But Littler soon settled back into the kind rhythm he's shown all tournament to take control of the match with his deadly accuracy.

Cross was putting up a strong fight and making Littler sweat, who let his frustration get the better of him at times.

Luke Littler is through to the World Darts Championship final

Luke Littler is through to the World Darts Championship final

PA

Littler opened up a 3-1 lead, but Cross fought back to win the all-important fifth set to keep himself in it.

However, Cross failed to build on that crucial victory as Littler regained his two-set lead.

That gave Littler the breathing room he needed to relax at the oche once again and he soon found top gear with Cross unable to respond.

After going 5-2 up, the 16-year-old immediately checked out with a 132 finish to put him two legs away.

The teenage sensation then wrapped up the semi-final on his favoured double-10 finish as Alexandra Palace erupted.

Littler appeared overwhelmed as the final dart landed with Cross showing his class by congratulating his opponent.

He ended up averaging an incredible 106 - the fourth time this tournament he's averaged over 100 in a match.

Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle was taken aback by Littler's display on the biggest stage of his young life.

Luke Littler was congratulated by Rob Cross

Luke Littler was congratulated by Rob Cross

PA

Mardle said: "He continues to perform beyond the highest level. It's magnificent.

"He averages 106.05 in the biggest match of his life. The kid just takes it all in his stride. Absolutely magnificent.

"If you're sat at home and witnessed that or are here, you've witnessed something utterly mind-boggling. A 16-year-old is in the final of the World Championship."

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Luke Littler embraced his mother after his win

Luke Littler embraced his mother after his win

PA

Littler can now kick back and relax while the other semi-final takes place this evening between Luke Humphries and Scott Williams.

Humphries is seen as the favourite and put in his best display of the tournament after Dave Chisnall in their quarter-final clash as he averaged 103.

But Williams will be riding high after picking off Michael van Gerwen in one of the biggest upsets of World Championship.

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