The line up for the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship semi finals is set, with four players still in the hunt for the Sid Waddell Trophy ahead of a blockbuster Friday evening at Alexandra Palace.
With the tournament now firmly at the business end, world number one Luke Littler remains on course to defend his world title.
The reigning champion has already produced one of the standout moments of the championship with a huge checkout in the quarter-finals, and attention now turns to whether he can deliver another piece of history on the sport’s biggest stage.
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Both semi finals will be played on the Ally Pally oche on Friday night, with fans and viewers expecting two high quality contests as the race to reach the final intensifies.
Luke Littler v Ryan Searle
All eyes will be on Littler as he bids to reach a third consecutive World Championship final. The 17 year old has looked supremely confident throughout the tournament and arrives in the last four fresh from a dominant 5-0 victory over Krzysztof Ratajski.
Standing in his way is Ryan Searle, who has taken his game to new levels during this championship. Searle produced one of the performances of the quarter Watfinals when he overcame world number five Jonny Clayton, underlining his ability to compete with the very best.
While Searle has the firepower to pose problems, Littler’s scoring depth and growing big match pedigree make him the clear favourite to progress. Confidence is high and the defending champion appears well placed to assert control if he finds his rhythm early.
Gian van Veen v Gary Anderson
The second semi-final pits one of the sport’s rising stars against a proven great. Gian van Veen arrives full of belief after a commanding 5-1 quarter-final win over former world champion Luke Humphries.
Van Veen was outstanding in that victory, averaging over 105 and converting more than half of his doubles. Performances of that standard give any player a chance of lifting the title, and another showing at a similar level would put him firmly on course for a first World Championship final.
His opponent, two time world champion Gary Anderson, brings a wealth of experience to the stage. Anderson has enjoyed a resurgence at Ally Pally and remains capable of producing a devastating performance when it matters most.
While Van Veen’s momentum makes him a serious threat, Anderson’s pedigree and calm under pressure ensure this semi-final is far from a formality. If the Dutchman falters or the occasion weighs heavily, the Scot has the tools to capitalise.
With a place in the World Championship final at stake, Friday night at Alexandra Palace promises drama, quality and the potential for another unforgettable chapter in darts history.
