WARRINGTON’S Luke Littler withstood a stirring fightback from Rob Cross and defied boos as he continued his bid for back-to-back Paddy Power World Darts Championship titles last night, Monday.
After his 4-2 victory the 18-year-old enthused: “It was a brilliant game, and it was a test that I needed, and I proved once again that when someone tests me, I can get them out the way”
Littler fired SEVENTEEN 180s on his way to the Quarter-Finals as he had to endure boos which he says doesn’t bother him.
Littler delivered another impressive performance as he looks to become the first player since Gary Anderson to win back-to-back world titles, firing a 106.58 average and an incredible 17 maximums to reach the last eight for the third consecutive year.
The Nuke recovered from losing his first set of the tournament to win the next two and open a 3-1 advantage, only for Cross to fight back by winning the next set with a stunning 126 finish on the bullseye.
Cross missed a dart that would have taken an absorbing contest to a final-set decider, as Littler closed out victory – having received boos from the crowd – to set up a quarter-final against either Luke Woodhouse or Krzysztof Ratajski.
“Can I just say one thing – you guys pay for tickets and you pay for my prize money so thank you for my money, thank you for booing me!” Littler said on stage after his victory. “I’m not bothered! Really, I’m not bothered!”
“It was hostile, no one wanted me to win. Yet again, I’ve proved them wrong. It [title defence]is not in reach just yet, you have got to get to the final. I’ll enjoy two days off and I’ll be back on New Year’s Day.”
🗣️ "It was a brilliant game, and it was a test that I needed."
Luke Littler withstood a stirring fightback from Rob Cross to continue his bid for back-to-back Paddy Power World Darts Championship titles on Monday.
📝 https://t.co/IE8hH9HeQy pic.twitter.com/SbJ4OTyWjW
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 29, 2025
🗣️ "That was the test that I needed, and I proved once again that when someone tests me, I can get them out the way"
Luke Littler reflects after coming out on top of a spectacular battle with Rob Cross to reach the quarter-finals.#WCDarts pic.twitter.com/oxXxjfQsEw
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 29, 2025
