Postpublished at 20:57 GMT 1 January
Humphries 1-1 Van Veen (1-0)
Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on Sky Sports
Luke Humphries looks really focused. He looks calm on that stage.
Summary
Evening results: Luke Littler 5-0 Krzysztof Ratajski, Luke Humphries 1-5 Gian van Veen
Defending champion Littler receives positive response from crowd in straight-set win
Van Veen averages more than 105 to knock out 2024 world champion Humphries
Afternoon results: Ryan Searle 5-2 Jonny Clayton, Gary Anderson 5-2 Justin Hood
England's Searle into his first World Championship semi-final and will play Littler next
Scotland's two-time champion Anderson into last four for first time since 2022
Semi-finals to be played on Friday, with final scheduled for Saturday
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Postpublished at 20:57 GMT 1 January
Postpublished at 20:56 GMT 1 January
Humphries 1-1 Van Veen (1-0)
The crowd wanted a 170 from Gian van Veen there.
He can't find it, hitting 105 instead, and Luke Humphries responds by checking out an awkward 31, needing the single 15 before double eight.
Postpublished at 20:54 GMT 1 January
Are you not a fan of the Toure brothers, Danny?
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 20:54 GMT 1 January
Use the 'Send us your darts views' button on this page
Really enjoying the quality of the darts so far this evening. But can somebody teach the crowd some new songs?
Danny, Bath
Postpublished at 20:54 GMT 1 January
Humphries 1-1 Van Veen
Wayne Mardle
Former World Matchplay finalist on Sky SportsGian van Veen's had an up-and-down set here.
He's struggling right now and Luke Humphries will know that.
Right now, Luke Humphries is playing the better of the two.
Humphries wins set twopublished at 20:50 GMT 1 January
Humphries 1-1 Van Veen
Well, that wasn't as strong of a leg from either player, but Luke Humphries gets it over the line.
A few let-offs near the end but two visits without a treble makes it difficult for Gian van Veen to cause any trouble.
Postpublished at 20:48 GMT 1 January
Humphries 0-1 Van Veen (2-1)
Not over yet for Luke Humphries as he looks to level the set score.
Gian van Veen holds his throw this time, finishing on 54.
Postpublished at 20:46 GMT 1 January
Humphries 0-1 Van Veen (2-0)
Two maximums for Luke Humphries as he wins the second leg. Another 13-darter.
He pins double four with Gian van Veen back on 149 and yet to have a dart at double in this set.
Postpublished at 20:45 GMT 1 January
Humphries 0-1 Van Veen (1-0)
Wayne Mardle
Former World Matchplay finalist on Sky SportsWhen you've lost the opening set, that's ideal for Luke Humphries to come back and break.
Postpublished at 20:45 GMT 1 January
Humphries 0-1 Van Veen (1-0)
Luke Humphries gets off to a good start in the second set, breaking Gian van Veen's throw.
100, 140, 117, 128, then double eight to finish in just 13 darts.
Postpublished at 20:40 GMT 1 January
Humphries 0-1 Van Veen
Image source, PA MediaLuke Humphries averaged 103.43 in that set, Gian van Veen 103.71.
Both threw two 180s.
Think we might be in for a good game here...
Van Veen wins opening setpublished at 20:38 GMT 1 January
Humphries 0-1 Van Veen
It takes until the fifth leg but a throw is finally broken.
Gian van Veen needs 161 and leaves 24. Luke Humphries nearly responds with a 167, but hits the 25 and misses the bullseye.
Van Veen then strays inside on double 12 before pinning the double six.
A fantastic start to this one.
Postpublished at 20:37 GMT 1 January
Humphries 0-0 Van Veen (2-2)
Luke Humphries finds a maximum to bring it down to 84 and keep up the pressure.
Gian van Veen deals with the pressure, expertly checking out 124 on the bullseye.
Last leg decider for the first set, then.
Postpublished at 20:37 GMT 1 January
Humphries 0-0 Van Veen (2-1)
Wayne Mardle
Former World Matchplay finalist on Sky SportsThe finishing has been very good so far, and with their scoring prowess this could be a pearler.
Postpublished at 20:36 GMT 1 January
Humphries 0-0 Van Veen (2-1)
Image source, PA MediaThis is quickfire darts.
Now Luke Humphries holds his throw, checking out 80 to find a 14-darter, with Gian van Veen back on 206.
Postpublished at 20:35 GMT 1 January
Humphries 0-0 Van Veen (1-1)
Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on Sky SportsBrilliant response from Gian van Veen.
Postpublished at 20:34 GMT 1 January
Humphries 0-0 Van Veen (1-1)
A Shanghai in the second leg of the game. Why not?
Gian van Veen holds his throw and it also takes him 15 darts to do so, checking out 120.
Postpublished at 20:33 GMT 1 January
Humphries 0-0 Van Veen (1-0)
The game gets off to a good start. 180s from both, Luke Humphries wins in the end and holds his throw with a 15-darter.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 20:30 GMT 1 January
Use the 'Send us your darts views' button on this page
A very predictable semi-final before hopefully a very unpredictable semi-final. Really excited for this game between Humphries and Van Veen.
Nathan, Falkirk
'I didn't feel comfortable'published at 20:29 GMT 1 January
Result: Littler 5-0 Ratajski
Image source, PA MediaLuke Littler, speaking to Sky Sports after his 5-0 victory over Krzysztof Ratajski:
"A win's a win, but when I went 2-0 up I asked the guys in the back what I'm averaging and they said 101, I was like 'what?' I didn't feel comfortable, hopefully I play better tomorrow."
On the 170 finish: "The first set is always crucial. I don't think I've gone 1-0 down yet, the 170 was my first of the tournament, it's always good to go 1-0 up."
On chasing a nine-darter: "Everyone wants to hit a nine, they want £60k. Throughout the match I was saying myself I want to be better, but still throughout it didn't feel like anything.
"When I was 2-0 up it didn't feel good, I was changing my throw and I had to ask what I was averaging.
"I've not played for two nights, but I'll be back tomorrow and playing in the semis."
On the crowd's reaction to him: "The crowd were very good tonight - it's a new year so obviously there must be some new fans! The fans were great, I was good and we move on to tomorrow."
On semi-final opponent Ryan Searle: "I've been watching the darts throughout and Ryan is the next man in the way and hopefully we can have a good game tomorrow night."
On dominating matches: "The quicker the better, I get to spend more time at home relaxing. I had a test last round, and this round I wanted it straightforward and it was. Fair play to Krzysztof for reaching the quarter-finals."