Evening Quarter-Finals Spotlight at the World Darts Championship
The World Darts Championship delivered another night of high-stakes drama as the quarter-finals took centre stage. Reigning champions from 2024 and 2025 showed they’re still a force to be reckoned with, while emerging talents and seasoned aces battled for a place in the semi-finals. In the headline clash, Luke Littler faced Krzysztof Ratajski, and Luke Humphries prepared to duel Gian van Veen, with the other matches offering further fireworks for darts fans worldwide.
Luke Littler vs. Krzysztof Ratajski: A clash of generations
Luke Littler, the 2025 champion, continues to prove his consistency under pressure, taking on former world finalist Krzysztof Ratajski in a match that pitted youth against experience. Littler’s rhythm and precision have become a staple of his game, and he carried that momentum into the quarter-finals. Ratajski, never afraid of a tight finish or a big check-out, offered a stern test as he sought to dethrone the rising star and book a desired place in the semi-finals. The pair traded legs with compelling scoring bursts, and the level of accuracy from both players reflected why they’re considered among the best in the sport.
Luke Humphries on collision course with Gian van Veen
In the other main tie, Luke Humphries — a former world champ and consistent title contender — lined up a meeting with Gian van Veen. Humphries’ play has blended clinical finishing with aggressive scoring, a combination that keeps opponents under constant pressure. Van Veen, known for his steady doubles game and ability to weather storms, aimed to disrupt Humphries’ rhythm and force a moment of doubt in the reigning elite. The match promised a tactical duel as much as a scoring showcase, with each man eyeing a place in the coveted final four and a shot at the BDO-style glory that the World Championship represents for many darts fans.
Earlier results set the tone for the night
Earlier in the day, the event’s early match-ups swung in favor of players like Ryan Searle and Gary Anderson. Searle demonstrated veteran composure, while Anderson — always a crowd favourite — took on Justin ‘Happy Feet’ Hood in a contest that combined precision darts with the theatre of the Lakeside stage. Hood, famed for his rhythm and flair, pushed Anderson at key moments but ultimately could not overturn the more experienced opponent’s steady pressure. These results added to the growing excitement as the evening’s marquee matches approached, ensuring a packed arena and a late-night surge in global streaming figures.
What’s at stake for the final stretch
With destinations for the semi-finals, and a potential rematch of last year’s thrilling battles, every dart thrown matters more than ever. Littler’s path to defending his title will require him to maintain high scoring averages and clean finishes against top-tier opponents, while Humphries seeks to reaffirm his status as a world-class champion-in-waiting. For fans, the narrative is rich: fresh faces challenging established greats, the pressure of elite competition, and the intoxicating home of darts drama that the World Championship uniquely provides.
Looking ahead
As the night unfolds, audiences can expect a mix of explosive legs and nerve-wracking finishes. The quarter-finals are not just about wins, but about momentum, confidence, and the stories that unfold on the oche. Whether Littler can sustain his title bid against Ratajski or whether Humphries can outlast van Veen to etch his name deeper into the tournament’s history, the World Darts Championship continues to deliver unforgettable moments for darts enthusiasts around the world.
