LUKE ‘The Nuke’ Littler and Stephen ‘The Bullet’ Bunting are gearing up to lock horns in tonight’s PDC World Darts Championship semi-finals.

A place in the final beckons against Chris Dobey or Michael van Gerwen, who face off in tonight’s first semi-final showdown at Alexandra Palace in London.

Form and history suggest nothing but a close affair is in store between ‘derby’ rivals Littler, from Warrington, and Bunting, from neighbouring St Helens.

They have played each other twice since teenager Littler’s breakthrough World Darts Championship runner-up performance last year.

The bragging rights from the two Players Championship meetings are shared, with Bunting winning 7-6 in their last battle on October 1 and Littler taking the honours 8-7 in their first square-up a few weeks earlier.

Favourite to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy, Littler reaffirmed his credentials with a dominant 5-2 victory over Nathan Aspinall in last night’s quarter-finals, posting his eighth ton-plus average on the Alexandra Palace stage in the process.

Littler averaged 111 to storm to the opening two sets, and although Aspinall halved the deficit with a spirited third set rearguard, the 17-year-old responded with another barrage to lead 4-1.

Two-time semi-finalist Aspinall refused to relent and doubled his tally to take the sixth set, only for Littler to close out victory with a 101 average and 15 maximums to his name.

“It’s an amazing feeling to reach another semi-final and start 2025 with a win,” said Littler.

Luke Littler, through to his second PDC World Darts Championship semi-final (Image: Simon O' Connor)

“Overall it was a good performance. We all know Nathan never gives up, but I pinged my doubles when it mattered.

“That was the best I’ve felt in this tournament, and now I want to go that step closer and hopefully get the win tonight.

“Me and Stephen are good friends, but all that’s in my head now is trying to make that second final.”

> READ: Confirmation of World Darts Championship semi-finals schedule, plus everything you need to know about the tournament so far

Bunting, a former BDO world champion, ran out a convincing 5-2 winner against two-time World Champion Peter Wright to book his spot in a second PDC World Darts Championship semi-final.

The Masters champion produced an exhibition of big finishing to establish a four-set buffer, converting 101, 130 and 143 checkouts in a blistering flurry to leave Wright staring down the barrel.

Wright showed signs of resistance – including a majestic double-double 133 finish – to reduce the arrears to 4-2, only for Bunting to reply with a clean sweep in set seven to wrap up proceedings.

“I want to win this title more than anyone in the world,” declared Bunting, who has surrendered just four sets in reaching the semi-finals.

“To come into this tournament last year as world number 25, and now I’m world number five, it’s a pinch-me moment to be honest.

“It is a massive achievement for me being back in the semi-finals, but I’m here to fight for the title, and I can’t wait for tomorrow night.

“I’m going to work hard and I’m going to make sure I am ready for this fight!”

Van Gerwen is the only former champion left standing at Ally Pally, after he celebrated an exhilarating win over Callan Rydz in a contest which featured 31 maximums.

Rydz won 18 legs to Van Gerwen’s 17 in a contest littered with quality, although the Dutchman delivered at the crucial moments to establish a 4-2 cushion.

Rydz won through a sensational seventh set to preserve his hopes, yet he was left to rue two missed set darts in a dramatic finale, as Van Gerwen nailed double eight to come through a thriller.

“Callan put me under a lot of pressure. It was probably one of the most difficult moments of my year,” conceded Van Gerwen, who averaged 103.1 to Rydz’ 103.88.

“I think Callan has been a credit to this tournament, so to produce these moments when I had to, it gives me a lot of energy.

“I think I am in a good place, otherwise you can’t produce what I did this afternoon. It gives me goosebumps.

“This is why you want to play darts, and as long as I keep my form like this, I definitely have a chance.”

Van Gerwen’s reward is a last four showdown against Dobey, who recorded a milestone 5-3 victory over Gerwyn Price in Wednesday’s opening tussle.

Dobey was featuring in his third consecutive World Championship quarter-final, having succumbed to Van Gerwen and Rob Cross in his previous last eight appearances.

The 34-year-old relinquished a four-set lead against Cross a year ago to the day, but he made amends with a valiant fightback against Price, winning five of the last six sets to break new ground.

“This is a massive achievement in my career,” reflected Dobey, who regained his composure after spurning five match darts in the penultimate set.

“It’s the most nervous I’ve ever felt throwing to try and win a match, but I’m delighted to be sat here now looking forward to the semi-final.

“All my focus is on the next game. I just need to keep performing the way I am, and start hitting the doubles. I really do believe that I can go all the way.”

Dobey and Van Gerwen will collide in Thursday’s opening semi-final at Alexandra Palace, before Bunting and Littler lock horns in the evening’s finale.