World Darts Championship: Luke Littler prepares to face Stephen Ponting in the semi-finals after a convincing victory over Nathan Aspinall | Arrows News

Luke Littler has advanced to the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship after a convincing 5-2 win over Nathan Aspinall at Alexandra Palace.

It is the 17-year-old's second semi-final in as many attempts, and he is now looking to lift the Sid Waddell Cup for the first time to cap off an impressive first year on the professional circuit and start 2025 in style.

In his first year on the PDC Tour, Littler claimed an incredible 10 titles including the Grand Slam and Premier League.

He will now face Letelier Stephen Buntingwho beat Peter Wright to set up a showdown between two fan favorites for a place in the final.

The previous quarter-final matches were witnessed Michael van Gerwen They beat Callan Reds 5-3 in a high-quality match to reach the semi-finals for the ninth time at Alexandra Palace.

Van Gerwen will play Chris DobieWho came back from two sets down to defeat Gerwyn Price 5-3.

Littler shows class to get past Aspinall

Littler got off to a strong start in the opening set of the competition, winning – with an average of 118.66 – all three games to set an early mark. The second set followed in similar fashion as he quickly established a two-set advantage.

Despite Littler's electric early scoring, Aspinall managed to get back into the contest and get a set on the board, and the two had fun on stage as the rain began to fall at its most intense.

Littler was quickly able to restore his two-set advantage in the fourth set decider with a combination of a dart toss to take out the tops and then a 12-dart toss to take out 101 that put him just a set back.

'The Asp' wasn't done as he battled to take the sixth set and take the score to 4-2, but that saw Littler go fast and finish the race as he had started, conquering the seventh set with a 101 grip on tops to seal his place in the semi-finals.

“I thought we played very well there. I'm very happy with the win,” Littler said. Sky Sports.

“The crowd was cheering for Nathan, and they wanted to come back, but I had to finish it.

“Ryan Mikel had a very tough game but since then it's been the same as last year. I'm playing with absolute confidence.

He added: “When they participate, I play freely, but now I am looking forward to the semi-finals.

“They (the crowd) were good to me tonight. They were also good to Steven.

“They can choose and support anyone they want tomorrow. I can see quite a few Nuke shirts here, so I think I've got the best!”

Bunting remains strong against Wright

Ponting reached the second World Championship semi-final of his career after defeating Wright to seal a 5–2 victory.

Bunting was all-out in the opening set, and with the crowd on his side after his 'titanium' walk, he averaged around 106 and found a break to take a quick 1-0 lead.

His determination didn't stop in the second set either as a 130 shot to the point brought another break on his way to closing out a 2-0 lead.

Wright was given almost no chances and continued to punish him as Ponting cruised to take four sets in a row, a 143 out for the break and a whitewashing fourth set that left him firmly in control and away from his first semi-final since 2021. .

However, Bunting was forced to wait two sets as Wright resurfaced and made the match 4-2, a stunning knockout of 133 with two D19s sending Ally Pally into a frenzy.

Despite the pressure, Ponting was able to take control in the seventh set and with a break, clutch checkout 90, and a dart in the fifth game, he finally wrapped up a massive win that also moved him up to fifth in the world.

“In the back room, I felt very nervous, on edge,” Ponting said. Sky Sports.

“Peter Wright is a fan favorite and my son's favorite player.

“I felt sorry for my son, but I knew the fans were going to pivot midway through the game.

“And listen (to the audience), in the first four sets you were unrealistic but you have to do better.

“I told myself just trying to refocus. Every game I focused on this opponent. The crowd, unbelievable again.

“Let's go mental bunting!”

What's next?

Three-time world champion Van Gerwen takes on Thursday's first action when he takes on Dobbie, who is looking to reach the final for the first time, before Littler, the pre-tournament favourite, takes on Ponting's side in the other semi-final.

The World Darts Championship kicks off 2025 with live darts on Sky Sports, including the Premier League, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts.

Littler is defending Premier League champion after beating world number one Luke Humphries in last year's final – but will he enter this year's events as world champion?

Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch the semi-finals and final matches live exclusively on the dedicated darts channel, Sky Sports. Stream darts and more of the best sports with NOW.