In the charged atmosphere of Alexandra Palace on December 29, 2025, defending champion Luke Littler reminded the world why he’s the most electrifying talent in darts, battling through a tense 4-2 victory over 2018 winner Rob Cross to storm into the quarter-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship. Yet, it was the 18-year-old’s fiery post-match exchange with a hostile crowd that stole the headlines, revealing a human side to the prodigy often portrayed as an unflappable machine.
The match itself was a high-octane thriller, pitting two former champions against each other in a clash that ebbed and flowed with intensity. Littler, the world number one and reigning title holder, started strongly, taking the opening set 3-1. Cross, resilient and drawing energy from sections of the raucous crowd, fought back to level at 1-1, breaking Littler’s throw and keeping the pressure on. But the teenager responded with a breathtaking third set, averaging a staggering 125.25 – one of the highest set averages of the tournament – as he reeled off legs in 13, 11, and 12 darts, complete with clinical checkouts.
Cross refused to fade, clawing his way to 3-2 and even holding a dart to force a decider in the sixth set. The atmosphere turned increasingly febrile, with boos ringing out for Littler whenever he missed a double or faltered slightly. Cheers erupted for Cross’s successes, and chants for other favorites like Michael van Gerwen echoed through the venue. Undeterred, Littler dug deep, averaging over 106 for the match and sealing the win with composure under fire. “I just had to hold, Rob broke me and I had to break him back,” he later reflected, acknowledging the challenge posed by the veteran.
As Littler clinched the final dart, he spun toward the crowd and bellowed “NOW WHAT?” not once but twice, the boos intensifying. The jeers followed him to the stage for his interview, where the young star didn’t hold back. “I’m not bothered. Really, I’m not bothered. I’m really not bothered,” he began, before addressing the crowd directly: “Can I just say one thing? You guys pay for tickets that you’re paying for my prize money, so thank you: thank you for my money. Thank you for booing me. Thank you. COME ON!”
The outburst highlighted a shift in perception for Littler, once the beloved teenage underdog who captivated the nation as a 16-year-old finalist. Now, at 18 and dominant, he’s become the pantomime villain for some – a target for those craving upsets in the sport’s most unpredictable arena. The crowd’s behavior, more rowdy and tourist-driven than in previous years, included cheering missed doubles and vocal support for his opponent. Yet, far from crumbling, Littler thrived on the adversity, delivering scintillating darts that propelled him three wins from back-to-back titles.
This moment humanized the champion, showing that beneath the precision and power lies a passionate competitor who feels the weight of expectation. “No-one wanted me to win but I proved them wrong yet again,” he added, underscoring his defiance. With a quarter-final looming on New Year’s Day against either Luke Woodhouse or Krzysztof Ratajski, Littler remains the overwhelming favorite, his path to history clearer after navigating one of his toughest tests.
Elsewhere on a dramatic day, 20-year-old debutant Charlie Manby continued his fairy-tale run, advancing to the last 16 with a gritty 4-2 win over fan favorite “Rapid” Ricky Evans. The young Englishman, nicknamed “Champagne,” has turned heads with his composure and rapid throwing style, shocking higher-ranked opponents en route. After the match, Manby issued a bold statement to the darts world, warning that he’s a “dangerous” player capable of going even further. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet but I’m feeling it all now,” he said. “The doubles were frustrating me… but I recovered quite well. Ricky is a funny character, but you could see his demeanor changing. You learn a lot but I showed I got a lot of bottle.”
Manby’s journey has been one of the tournament’s breakout stories. Having stunned Cameron Menzies in his opener and breezed past Adam Sevada, he now faces European champion Gian van Veen in a mouthwatering tie. His warning resonates: at just 20, with a record-breaking Development Tour average under his belt, Manby embodies the fearless new generation challenging the established order.
As the championship hurtles toward its climax, these episodes capture the raw emotion and unpredictability that make darts unforgettable. Littler’s clash with the crowd adds fuel to his fire, proving he’s far from robotic – he’s a champion with heart, bite, and unmatched talent. Meanwhile, rising stars like Manby signal an exciting future. With shocks aplenty and more drama guaranteed, Alexandra Palace remains the epicenter of sporting theater.
Leave a Reply