Luke Littler celebrates during his win over Rob Cross at Alexandra Palace (Picture: PDC)

Darts results: Luke Littler hits back at fans who booed him during thrilling victory over Rob Cross at the PDC World Championship

By Chris Hammer

Darts

Tue December 30, 2025 · 17h ago

Luke Littler came through a titanic tussle with Rob Cross to reach the World Championship quarter-finals - and then hit back at fans who booed him in a stunning interview.

The defending champion was visibly rattled by the Ally Pally crowd, who sided with Voltage for long periods, but still managed to average 107 and throw 17 180s in a pulsating 4-2 triumph, which was his first proper test of the tournament so far having previously not dropped a set.

Afterwards he turned to the fans on stage and said: "I'm not bothered, really not bothered. You guys pay for tickets that pay for my prize money so thank you. Thank you for my money, thanks for booing me!"

"I'm not bothered, really not bothered. You guys pay for tickets that pay for my prize money so thank you. Thank you for my money, thanks for booing me!"

Luke Littler's post-match reaction! pic.twitter.com/rvRRYIbtTU
— Chris Hammer (@ChrisHammer180) December 29, 2025

Luke Littler's celebration tells you how much the crowd got to him tonight, but still averaged 106 and hit 17 180s in an epic with Rob Cross!pic.twitter.com/P8FcAnPFD5
— Chris Hammer (@ChrisHammer180) December 29, 2025

"I think I lost my head, it's still on the stage!"

Luke Littler responds to questions on his 'heel turn' and why the crowd got to him so much... pic.twitter.com/Ikqq2hQhsw
— Chris Hammer (@ChrisHammer180) December 29, 2025

In his post-match press conference, Littler was asked about his apparent "heel turn" and why the crowd got to him so much.

The 18-year-old, who plays either Luke Woodhouse or Krzysztof Ratajski next, said: "It is what it is. Mostly, they want the underdog to when they want the they want their favorites to go out. I just had to get out of the way and get my job done.

"I think I lost my head, it's still on the stage! I think two years ago, I think it would have started to throw my darts left handed to be honest. But that's how much I've grown and how much I've matured. People might not say mature, but try and be in my position.

I think that's the first time I've been at the World Championships and the crowd haven't wanted me to win. So, yeah, I expect the worst on New Year's Day whoever I do play."

Ryan Searle is now the only player yet to drop a set in this year’s World Championship, after thrashing James Hurrell 4-0 earlier in the night.

Heavy Metal, who averaged 102.29 to dispatch Martin Schindler in round three, averaged almost 101 in this encounter and said: "It didn’t quite happen for James tonight, and I’ve been in that position. All you hope for as a dart player is to get on the stage and produce the darts you know you’re capable of.

“If I can play my game, then I can go all the way, and if you don’t believe that, there’s no point being here."

Earlier in the day, round three drew to a close in the capital, as Josh Rock, Kevin Doets, Charlie Manby and Justin Hood completed the last 16 line-up.

Kevin Doets set up a clash with world number two Luke Humphries for a place in the quarter-finals, after an incredible late burst saw him defeat Nathan Aspinall 4-3.

The momentum looked to be with the Asp who fired in his second 170 checkout of the tournament to take a 3-2 lead but Doets stormed back by winning the next six legs in a row to complete a stunning win.

“I felt really, really comfortable and I kept my focus,” reflected Doets. “When you are able to do that, you play your best darts. bThis [tournament] is the one you look forward to the whole year, and I feel like I can shut my mind off.

“All I can say is, if I play like I did in the last two sets, Luke is going to have a tough time!”

🤯 Kevin Doets in the last six legs of that incredible win:

Legs won: 6
180s: 4
100+ outs: 164, 112, 100
Average: 115
Doubles: 6/9pic.twitter.com/TIERi0CEQX
— Chris Hammer (@ChrisHammer180) December 29, 2025

Rising star Charlie Manby continued his stunning debut with a 4-2 victory over Ricky Evans to set up a showdown against European Champion Gian van Veen.

The Huddersfield youngster said: “I showed in the first game that I can fight back from being behind, and I thought I did well to fight back today,” reflected the 20-year-old.

“It’s crazy to be in the last 16. Everything’s dropping into place for me at the minute and I can’t complain. I’m good mates with Gian, I practiced with him last time we played. I think it will be a good pace and just a good game overall really.”

"It was heartbreaking not having my girlfriend here but my grandad was the next best thing and he's had a great day!"

Charlie Manby on the importance of his family and friends supporting him on his Ally Pally debut... pic.twitter.com/xj8ti4z3RL
— Chris Hammer (@ChrisHammer180) December 29, 2025

Josh Rock and Justin Hood will meet for a place in the quarter-finals, following 4-1 victories over Callan Rydz and Ryan Meikle respectively.

Rock was impressive against Callan Rydz with a 99 average but was keen to send his regards to his opponent, who recently lost his grandfather.

Classy from Josh Rock as he pays tribute to Callan Rydz for the performance he put on after losing his grandfather 👏 pic.twitter.com/uqQIubIGle
— Chris Hammer (@ChrisHammer180) December 29, 2025

Hood, meanwhile, is now just one win away from realising his dream of earning enough money to buy a Chinese restaurant and afterwards explained why he wanted one so much.

"I love the food! If I open I get free food, we'll be out of business in six months!"

Justin Hood with an update on his Chinese Restaurant dream and why he really wants one... pic.twitter.com/TZur59Ry9g
— Chris Hammer (@ChrisHammer180) December 29, 2025

The World Darts Championship continues with Day 17 on Tuesday, as round four draws to a close in the capital.

Humphries and Doets will go head-to-head in the evening’s finale, as darting icons Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson renew their rivalry.

Van Veen also continues his pursuit of the title against Manby, while fifth seed Jonny Clayton and Northern Irish star Rock headline Tuesday’s afternoon session on the last day of PDC action in 2025.