Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest scores and updates as Luke Littler takes on Brendan Dolan in the World Darts Championship. 

The final stats from Rob Cross’s remarkable win

Fans react to Rob Cross’s epic comeback

Rob Cross is back in the semi-finals for the first time in six years

One of the great comebacks from Rob Cross and he is into the last four.

But who will he face? Luke Littler vs Brendan Dolan is up next.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Rob Cross of England celebrates during his quarter final match against Chris Dobey of England on day 14 of the 2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on January 01, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

One of the greatest… ever!

Rob Cross wins!

More brilliant darts as Cross leaves himself 170 but he can’t take it out.

Dobey has a go at 71, but his one dart at double top goes high.

Cross comes back for 70 and he nails it. The comeback is complete, Rob Cross wins!

The fans are loving the drama at the Palace!

Rob Cross (4) 4-3 (4) Chris Dobey

If Cross is feeling the pressure he isn’t showing it.

He hits a 10-darter to move within one leg of the match again.

Rob Cross (4) 3-3 (4) Chris Dobey

A 16th 180 from Dobey right when he needs it and he is dominating this leg.

He comes back for 46 but misses several darts at double. But Cross is way back and Dobey finally hits double 2. On we go.

Rob Cross (4) 3-2 (4) Chris Dobey

Both men hit 140s but then they both fail to find a treble. This is getting so tense now.

Dobey has a chance at 124, but his shot at bull is just too high. Cross comes back for 32 and hits it. Pressure back on Dobey.

Rob Cross (4) 2-2 (4) Chris Dobey

Dobey hits two trebles to leave himself 152, but then Cross leaves himself 93 with a great set-up.

Dobey hits two treble 20s but misses double 16. He gets another chance, though, and hits it.

It’s 2-2 in the deciding set. The match now needs to be won by clear legs unless we get to 5-5, then we will go to a sudden-death leg.

Rob Cross (4) 2-1 (4) Chris Dobey

Dobey’s head has dropped and Cross goes in for the kill.

But then Dobey hits a 180 and a 140 to leave himself 40.

Cross needs 110 to win the match but he fails to hit a treble. Dobey is back and he hits double 10 to break back!

Rob Cross (4) 2-0 (4) Chris Dobey

180 from Dobey followed by a 180 from Cross. This is stunning darts!

Cross gets a chance at 130 to break the throw. He leaves himself the bull and he hits it! Wow, what bottle from Rob Cross. He is one leg from the semi-finals!

Rob Cross (4) 1-0 (4) Chris Dobey

We are into a deciding set and the luck seems to be against Dobey as he had a bounce out when going for a 180.

Cross has been so consistent with his scoring in the last few sets and he gets down to a double first.

He takes out 117, and he is ahead for the first time in this match!

Rob Cross makes it 4-4!

Cross hits a 180, but Dobey says anything you can do so can I and hits his own 180!

Both men are playing very well in this set, and Cross gets the first dart at a checkout as he goes for the bull from a 127, but it’s just on the wire.

Dobey can’t take out 170, and Cross hits double 8. It’s 4-4!

Rob Cross (3) 2-1 (4) Chris Dobey

Dobey looks to be getting his scoring back but Cross then hits a 180 to get back into the leg.

Dobey hits two treble 20s but then misses double 5 for a 130 checkout.

He returns to take it out, and now the pressure is back on Cross to win the set in the next leg.

Rob Cross (3) 2-0 (4) Chris Dobey

Cross leaves himself 140, the same checkout he needed to win the world title six years ago.

He fails to take it out and Dobey is back for 76 to level the set. His dart at double top falls just short, and Cross returns for 56.

He takes his time and nails it. This is incredible from Cross.

Rob Cross (3) 1-0 (4) Chris Dobey

Another 180 from Cross as he leaves himself 87 to break the throw and Dobey is only on 150.

Cross declines the chance to go for the bull as he sets himself up on double 16.

And he never looked like missing, perfect start to the set for Cross.

One missed match dart for Chris Dobey

Dobey had a dart at the bull for the match and it was so close, but not close enough.

Set eight coming up, can Cross complete the comeback or will Dobey get the job done?

Chris Dobey in action against Rob Cross (not pictured) on day fourteen of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. Picture date: Monday January 1, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

180s galore at the Ally Pally and Rob Cross believes the comeback is on!

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: A general view on day 14 of the 2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on January 01, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
Rob Cross in action against Chris Dobey (not pictured) on day fourteen of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. Picture date: Monday January 1, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Rob Cross takes the set and now trails 4-3!

Dobey starts the leg with a 180 but Cross hits back straight away with one of his own. Great drama in this seventh set.

Dobey needs 124 to win the match and gets a shot at the bull but it’s on the wire!

Cross comes back for 50 and takes it out. It’s 4-3 and the crowd are going mad. Game on!

Rob Cross (2) 2-2 (4) Chris Dobey

Cross is putting the pressure on Dobey and he gets a shot at 90 as Dobey continues to stutter.

But he doesn’t even get a shot at a double and Dobey takes out 93 impressively to move within one leg of winning the match.

Rob Cross (2) 2-1 (4) Chris Dobey

Cross knows he can’t afford any mistakes now, but he hits 177 to leave himself 22.

He doesn’t facny double 11 so leaves himself double 8 and takes it out with one dart. The fightback continues.

Rob Cross (2) 1-1 (4) Chris Dobey

Cross is flowing now and hits five perfect darts, but the sixth just drifts into treble 5.

Dobey then hits a 180 of his own to leave 92, but he misses another two darts at double. Is the pressure getting to him?

Cross gets a dart at the bull for the leg, but it drops short, and Dobey comes back to take out double 4. All square in the seventh set.

Rob Cross (2) 1-0 (4) Chris Dobey

Dobey has gone off the boil but hits a 180 to get himself back on track.

He leaves himself 16 but misses three darts to take the leg. Cross returns for 68 and takes it out in two darts. The crowd are behind him and he clearly believes this game is not lost yet!

Fancy dress fun at the darts

Rob Cross wins another set

Cross hits three treble 18s and he is dominating this leg. Are doubts starting to creep in for Dobey.

Cross is back for double 10 and he nails it. We are back to 4-2. Is the comeback on?

Rob Cross (1) 2-1 (4) Chris Dobey

Well now, here comes Cross, and he leaves himself 36.

Dobey misses another dart at double 16, and Cross returns to take out double 18 to break the throw.

A full house at Ally Pally on quarter-finals day

A general view of fans on day fourteen of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. Picture date: Monday January 1, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: A general view on day 14 of the 2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on January 01, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Rob Cross (1) 1-1 (4) Chris Dobey

A quiet leg from Dobey and Cross is first down to a finish. He takes out 16 to level the set.

Rob Cross (1) 0-1 (4) Chris Dobey

Cross is having to hit two trebles per visit just to stay with Dobey and he can’t manage it in this leg as Dobey is down to a finish first.

He leaves himself double 20 but his dart goes high. Cross can’t take out 167, though, and Dobey nails tops to go ahead in the sixth set.

Luke Littler still to come…

Littler could be on stage shortly if Dobey can wrap this match up.

How does a 16-year-old prepare for a World Championship quarter-final? Find out from Littler himself…

Rob Cross avoids the whitewash

Three successive 140s puts Cross in control of the leg, but Dobey still gets a shot at 142. His dart at double 11 is on the wire, and Cross comes back to take out 32 to win his first set.

The crowd enjoyed that one, is there still a bit of hope for Cross?

Rob Cross (0) 2-1 (4) Chris Dobey

Dobey only hits 60 but then follows up with another 180 to bring himself back into the leg.

Cross gets a shot at 170 and hits both treble 20s but his dart at the bull misses.

He returns to take out 48 and is one leg from getting his first set on the board.

Rob Cross in action against Chris Dobey (not pictured) on day fourteen of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. Picture date: Monday January 1, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Rob Cross (0) 1-1 (4) Chris Dobey

Dobey looks like he’s just gone off the boil since the break, but then hits back-to-back 140s.

He leaves himself 110 but misses double 16 and Cross returns for 78. He gets one dart at double 20 but it’s miles off target. Dobey makes no mistake with double the second time around to level up the set.

Rob Cross (0) 1-0 (4) Chris Dobey

Better from Cross as he fires in a 174 with great use of treble 19.

A quieter leg from Dobey and Cross takes out 92 to win just his fourth leg of the match.

Chris Dobey closing in on his first semi-final

This has been brilliant from Dobey and Cross has had no answer so far.

Can Cross get a set on the board or will this be a clean sweep for Dobey?

We could be seeing Luke Littler a little sooner than expected!

epa11052220 Chris Dobey of the United Kingdom throws during the Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace in London, Britain, 01 January 2024. EPA/DAVID CLIFF EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos, 'live' services or NFTs. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

Chris Dobey moves within a set of victory

Dobey is absolutely flying and he has a go at 170 but just misses the bull.

Cross isn’t even down to a finish as Dobey takes out 25 to go 4-0 up. He is storming towards the semi-finals.

Rob Cross (0) 0-2 (3) Chris Dobey

Cross is hardly playing badly and he hits a 180 of his own to take control of this leg.

But with Cross on 32, Dobey takes out 161 to take the second leg of the fourth set. Phenomenal finish from Dobey.

Rob Cross (0) 0-1 (3) Chris Dobey

Dobey isn’t taking his foot off the gas as he hits yet another 180. He is now averaging over 100 as he fires in a 140.

Cross can’t keep up and Dobey takes out 84 for an 11-darter.

Chris Dobey moves 3-0 up

Better from Cross as he starts to find the treble with greater regularity.

But Dobey is right there with him as they get down to the double. Cross gets the first shot but misses darts at double 18 and double 9, and Dobey comes back to take out double 16 to move 3-0 up.

Rob Cross (0) 0-2 (2) Chris Dobey

Cross hits his second 180, but he is still behind Dobey in the leg, such is Dobey’s dominance in the scoring department.

Dobey keeps leaving himself double 16 but he misses it again. He finds double 8, though, to move within a leg of the third set.

Rob Cross (0) 0-1 (2) Chris Dobey

Cross starts with a 140, but Dobey follows up with a 180. Relentless scoring from the popular Geordie.

He gets down to a double first, but misses double 16 again. Cross fails to make him pay as he also misses double 16, and Dobey nails double four with his final dart to break the throw once more.

Chris Dobey in control

Cross had one dart to take that second set but couldn’t make the most of it, and he has now left himself an uphill task against the in-form Dobey.

Remember, it’s first to five sets at the quarter-final stage.

Chris Dobey wins deciding leg to move 2-0 up

Dobey hits his sixth 180 of the match, Cross is struggling to match his scoring.

He’s nowhere in this leg, and Dobey hits double 20 for a 12-darter to move two sets up.

Rob Cross (0) 2-2 (1) Chris Dobey

Back comes Dobey with a 180. Both players are finding their form now.

Make that another 180 as he leaves himself 41 after just nine darts. But he misses two darts at double 16 to give Cross a sniff at 167.

No doing for Cross, but then Dobey misses another three darts to take the leg. He gets another chance as Cross misses a dart at double 18 for the set.

No mistake from Dobey this time as he finally takes double four.

Rob Cross (0) 2-1 (1) Chris Dobey

Cross hits 180 and then 177 to leave himself on a nine-darter!

He then hits treble 18 but misses the follow-up. Seven perfect darts, so close!

Not to worry, he comes back to take out 67 and moves ahead in the third set.

Rob Cross (0) 1-1 (1) Chris Dobey

Dobey starts the leg with a 180 and has the crowd briefly excited when his fourth dart finds the treble 20 as well, but his next dart falls short.

He leaves himself on 128 after nine darts, but then has a sloppy visit and Cross has a chance at 90, but his own effort is poor as he fails to even get a dart at the bull.

Dobey returns but misses two darts at double 16, and Cross mops up 48 to level the set.

Rob Cross (0) 0-1 (1) Chris Dobey

Dobey just finding his rhythm now has he finds two trebles in each of his first three visits after the break.

Cross puts him under a little pressure, but for the third time Dobey nails double 10 to take the first leg of the second set.

Nervy start from both players

Neither player at their best in that first set, but Dobey just started to find his range by hitting 180s in the final two legs and that was enough to give him the set.

Chris Dobey wins the opening set

Dobey starts the leg on his own throw poorly again, but then hits his second 180 to get back into the leg.

Cross hits back-to-back 140s though to get a shot at 121. He fails to get the checkout, leaving Dobey a chance at 75, but his final dart at double 20 goes high.

Cross then misses double 16, and Dobey comes back to take out double 10 again with his second dart to take the opening set.

Rob Cross 1-2 Chris Dobey

Dobey hits the first 180 of the match to leave himself 100 as he senses another break of throw.

Dobey hits treble 20, but his dart at tops is just low. No matter, though, as he switches to double 10 to take the leg.

Rob Cross 1-1 Chris Dobey

A slack start to the leg from Dobey as he fails to hit a treble with his first 11 darts.

That allows Cross to get his nose in front as he gets down to a finish first by leaving himself 167. He nails treble 19 and treble 20 to leave the bullseye, but he misses his target by a distance.

Dobey is nowhere, though, and Cross comes back to hit double top and level the set.

Rob Cross 0-1 Chris Dobey

Cross starts with the darts but only hits 42 with his first three.

Dobey then nails a 140 to pile on the pressure but Cross replies in kind and then hits 125 to get down to a finish.

He needs 111, but misses a dart at double 20 to take the leg. Dobey punishes him by taking out 89 to break the throw.

Rob Cross takes to the stage

And here comes Rob Cross with ‘Feeling Hot’ blasting around the Palace.

It’s a red-hot atmosphere at the Ally Pally and the action will be getting underway in just a few moments…

Here comes Chris Dobey…

Dobey makes his way to the Ally Pally stage to the tune of ‘Let’s get ready to rumble’.

He’s ready to fight for his place in the semi-finals.

Dave Chisnall hoping to stun Luke Humphries

Chisnall had a more comfortable passage through to the last eight by beating Daryl Gurney 4-2 on Saturday afternoon.

Can he upset the odds to beat Humphries later tonight?

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Dave Chisnall of England celebrates winning his round four match against Daryl Gurney of Ireland on day 13 of the 2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on December 30, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Luke Humphries still alive at the World Championship

Luke Humphries has been the form player in the world in recent months, but needed a sudden-death leg to beat Joe Cullen on Saturday.

He will be back for his quarter-final this evening against Dave Chisnall.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Luke Humphries of England celebrates winning his round three match against Ricardo Pietreczko of Germany on day 11 of the 2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on December 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Grab your lunch and a drink, the darts will be starting very shortly!

We are around 10 minutes away from getting underway. This promises to be a great afternoon of action at Ally Pally.

Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross the only former champions still in this year’s tournament

Michael van Gerwen has won the World Championship three times, and Rob Cross has won it once, but none of the other six players have lifted the title.

Will we get a new name on the Sid Waddell Trophy this year, or will Van Gerwen or Cross rule the world again?

Michael van Gerwen in action against Stephen Bunting (not pictured) on day twelve of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. Picture date: Friday December 29, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Luke Littler apologises after causing social media stir

It has not all been plain sailing for Littler over the past fortnight as he issued an apology on social media on Friday after being pictured holding The Sun newspaper.

Littler hails from Warrington – a town between Liverpool and Manchester – and The Sun have received fierce criticism from the people of Liverpool over the years for their coverage of the Hillsborough Disaster in 1989.

Brendan Dolan cannot be taken lightly

Littler has breezed through the tournament so far but will have his work cut out today against the experienced Dolan.

The Northern Irishman has already beaten former world champions Gerwynn Price and Gary Anderson, and would love nothing more than to spoil the Littler party this afternoon.

Brendan Dolan in action against Gary Anderson (not pictured) on day thirteen of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. Picture date: Saturday December 30, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Luke Littler watches Tottenham with James Maddison

Littler has become an overnight star and it seems everyone wants to meet him.

He sat alongside huge darts fan James Maddison to watch Tottenham beat Bournemouth yesterday, as he continues to remain relaxed ahead of his quarter-final clash with Dolan.

Rob Cross is ‘ready to go’

Cross and Dobey should take to the stage at around about 12.45pm.

Having made the last eight for the first time since winning the tournament six years ago, Cross has declared himself ‘ready to go’ this afternoon in a post to fans on X.

Chris Dobey looking to build on Michael Smith whitewash

Chris Dobey thrashed defending champion Michael Smith 4-0 in the last 16 and will fancy his chances against Cross today.

Dobey is in arguably the form of his life, and has shown signs that he could go all the way after falling at the quarter-final hurdle last year.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Chris Dobey of England celebrates winning his round four match against Michael Smith of England on day 12 of the 2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on December 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Rob Cross aims for second world title

Littler will take centre stage later this afternoon, but first up we will see 2018 champion Rob Cross in action.

Cross popped into Mail Sport’s offices last month to raise awareness for Paddy Power’s pledge to donate £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK for every 180 hit at this year’s tournament, and he also answered your quickfire questions…

Luke Littler’s sensational rise to the top

Littler was an unknown quantity just over two weeks ago but has quickly become a houshold name.

He has been preparing for this moment for years, though, and Mail Sport has taken a look at his rise to the top.

Luke Littler dreaming of going all the way

Littler was a 150/1 underdog to win the World Championship before the tournament got underway but he is now just three games away from becoming the youngest ever champion.

Having seen off five-time champion Raymond van Barneveld on Saturday, Littler is starting to dream that this could be his year.

Today’s order of play

All four quarter-finals will be played today, with two in the afternoon session followed by two in the evening.

We will start with an all-English affair between Rob Cross and Chris Dobey, before Littler takes to the oche to face Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan.

Tonight’s action will begin with three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen against Scott Williams followed by Luke Humphries taking on Dave Chisnall.

Hello and welcome!

Happy New Year! It’s quarter-final day at the World Darts Championship and 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler is looking to book his place in the last four.

Can he do it? Stay tuned to find out!

Luke Littler in action against Raymond van Barneveld (not pictured) on day thirteen of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. Picture date: Saturday December 30, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story DARTS World. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Key Updates

  • Rob Cross makes it 4-4!
  • Chris Dobey wins deciding leg to move 2-0 up

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