Fourth round begins at Alexandra Palace
Luke Littler continues title defence
RESULT: Luke Littler 4-2 Rob Cross in last 16
Ryan Searle beats James Hurrell 4-0 in opening fourth-round tie
Josh Rock beat Callan Rydz 4-1 to conclude third round
Afternoon session results (third round): Justin Hood 4-1 Ryan Meikle, Ricky Evans 2-4 Charlie Manby, Nathan Aspinall 3-4 Kevin Doets
20-year-old Manby sets up last-16 tie against 10th seed Gian van Veen
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Littler 1-0 Cross (3-1)
Image source, PA MediaLuke Littler seems to be throwing slower again. He's down on 70 with Rob Cross nowhere to be seen.
Littler points to his ears in front of the fans as he lands tops for the set.
Littler 0-0 Cross (2-1)
Wayne Mardle
Former World Matchplay finalist on Sky Sports
It is a real effort for Rob Cross right now. He is literally forcing every dart, he just can't reach.
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Searle has really emerged from the pack looking dangerous but it’s still Littlers to lose though. He hits a nine tonight, mark my words!
Matt
Littler 0-0 Cross (2-1)
Rob Cross and Luke Littler set up the big fish.
Cross can only leave 74 and Littler hits 90 so back comes Cross. He needs double 18 and he hits it.
Littler 0-0 Cross (2-0)
Image source, Getty ImagesPoor from Rob Cross. He can't do anything from 117. Luke Littler comes back and finds double five to make it 2-0.
Littler 0-0 Cross (1-0)
Luke Littler bangs in a max to leave 44 with Rob Cross out on 181. Littler misses darts at the double but Cross is too far away.
Now though, Littler misses three at double five and laughs at the crowd.
Littler 0-0 Cross (1-0)
Wayne Mardle
Former World Matchplay finalist on Sky Sports
Image source, Getty ImagesThat was not a great leg from Rob Cross.
Littler 0-0 Cross (1-0)
It's Rob Cross who leads after leaving 86. He can't find a dart at double and now Luke Littler has a go at 115. He needs tops but goes too high.
Cross comes back looking for double 18, misses all three and Littler nips in to take the opening leg on tops.
Cross cannot miss doubles like that against this man.
Littler 0-0 Cross (0-0)
It's Rob Cross with the darts. He knows he needs his top level tonight and nothing less.
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Interesting to note that Luke Humphries is not on the list of high averages but I sense he will only get better
Peter
Littler v Cross
Let's all manifest a nine-darter.
Littler v Cross
Here comes the defending world champion and world number one, Luke Littler.
He's got plenty of friends and family here to watch him try to book his spot in the last eight for the third year on the bounce.
Littler v Cross
Right then, time for the big one tonight.
Rob Cross gives his friends and family a kiss and a cuddle before taking to the stage.
The winner of this one will bank a guaranteed £100,000. Not bad.
Littler v Cross
Wayne Mardle
Former World Matchplay finalist on Sky Sports
Image source, Getty ImagesRob Cross has to improve massively or he will get beat. That's how I see it.
Littler v Cross
It's sometimes easy to forget that Rob Cross is a former world champion. He won it on his debut in 2018 but has been far from his best recently.
We all know the talent he possesses, and if he's on it, he could cause Luke Littler problems tonight.
Hurrell 0-4 Searle
Wayne Mardle
Former World Matchplay finalist on Sky Sports
Image source, PA MediaWe've seen this before from Ryan Searle where he looks a million dollars and then disappears but I don't see that happening. He is full of confidence and belief. I like the way he is talking too.
Littler v Cross
This is how good Luke Littler has been in this competition. He's on the highest average list twice.
Will he make it a third tonight?
Hurrell 0-4 Searle
Ryan Searle talking to Sky Sports: "I thought that was rubbish so to have a 100 average is massive. I wish James all the best in the future, he's a nice guy.
"I don't really know what happened. I just threw a few darts and managed to win. A couple of days off and it's my partners birthday tomorrow and I haven't got her a card or anything.
"If I feel like I'm throwing well I don't know what kind of average I'll hit. There is a lot more to come from me yet. I'm just grateful."