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22:00 GMT - That's a wrap from us, see you again tomorrow!
21:57 GMT - Luke Littler admitted he wasn't feeling 100 per cent tonight, despite his 5-0 victory.
"Obviously a win is a win," Littler told Sky Sports earlier.
"When I went 2-0 up, I asked the guys in the back what I am averaging, they said '101', and I was just like, ' What are you talking about?
"Maybe because I have had two days off, but I didn't feel comfortable.
"The way I was holding my dart I was spinning it, I was changing it.
"Now I am playing day after day, hopefully I play better tomorrow."
21:55 GMT - So tomorrow evening we'll have Luke Littler v Ryan Searle and Gary Anderson v Gian van Veen as our semi-finals.
They both seem like potential belters.
Read more: Littler storms into World Championship semis as Van Veen takes out Humphries
21:35 GMT - Van Veen moves up to third in the world rankings with that victory, his fifth on the trot against Humphries now.
The Dutchman's averages were astounding, averaging over 105 to Humphries' 101.
Both players hit over 10 maximums, by Van Veen's 55.17 per cent (16/29) was simply world-class.
21:32 GMT - RESULT: HUMPHRIES 1-5 VAN VEEN
Van Veen launches into the semi-finals!
Humphries starts the must-win set nervously. A trebleless opening visit immediately hands the initiative to Van Veen, who continues to dominate the middle of the board. Another 140 gives the Dutchman control of the leg and he closes calmly on double sixteen, taking an early grip on the set and tightening the pressure.
Humphries responds briefly. He raises his maximum count into double figures and engineers an 81 checkout chance, but the familiar problem returns. Misses at double ten and double five leave the door open. Van Veen threatens another Big Fish, misses the bull, and Humphries finally escapes to level the set, though it comes with a wry smile rather than momentum.
The balance does not last. Van Veen immediately reasserts control through weight of scoring, once again flooding the treble twenty bed with 140s. Humphries keeps pace for visits but cannot apply meaningful pressure at the finish. Van Veen drifts inside double sixteen, corrects on double eight, and moves within a leg of victory.
The final leg underlines the difference between the two. Humphries cannot generate sustained pressure, while Van Veen controls the tempo and the scoring. He sets up efficiently and pins double sixteen for an 11-darter, sealing a 5-1 win and a place in the semi-finals.
21:22 GMT - HUMPHRIES 1-4 VAN VEEN
Van Veen moves a set away from the semis!
Humphries opens the set with urgency. Van Veen posts a maximum and positions himself on double eight, but Humphries squeezes into tops to hold, a rare moment of precision under pressure. It proves only a temporary lift.
The second leg again exposes the pattern. Humphries engineers a chance to break but wastes three darts at double sixteen. Van Veen responds immediately, firing his eighth maximum of the match and tidying up 45 to hold. Every Humphries error continues to draw a response.
Van Veen strays into the wrong treble while building a ton-plus checkout, and Humphries capitalises, missing once at double sixteen before correcting on the next visit to level the set. It is one of the few times Van Veen fails to convert control into a finish.
The fourth leg belongs to Van Veen. He stacks heavy scoring with 140s either side of a maximum and dismantles the leg in 11 darts, closing cleanly on tops to force a decider.
In the deciding leg, Van Veen again goes close to something spectacular. He pauses, then narrowly misses the bullseye for a second Big Fish of the match. Humphries cannot punish. Van Veen returns, composes himself, and finishes 25 on double eight to take the set 3-2.
Van Veen now leads 4-1.
21:10 GMT - HUMPHRIES 1-3 VAN VEEN
Van Veen dismantles the leg with a 170 checkout, executing the Big Fish cleanly and without reaction. The finish does more than take the leg; it underlines his composure as Humphries begins to look unsettled.
Humphries presses in the second leg and very nearly answers back, shaving the bullseye wire when chasing 127. The opportunity slips further when he burns two darts at double eight. Van Veen steps in immediately and breaks on double ten, punishing hesitation rather than overpowering it.
The third leg swings violently. Van Veen again engineers a strong position, leaving 32, but squanders three set darts. Humphries takes full advantage, producing the biggest checkout of the match, reeling in 158 and pinning double nineteen to keep the set alive. It is a moment of quality that briefly halts the momentum.
Van Veen responds emphatically. He opens the next leg with six perfect darts, threatening another nine-darter before missing treble 20 with his seventh. He resets instantly, controls the remainder of the leg, and finishes clinically on double eighteen for a 10-darter to seal the set 3-1.
21:04 GMT - HUMPHRIES 1-2 VAN VEEN
Humphries opens solidly, holding with authority after another maximum and clean work on double eight. At that stage, his outer-ring reliability looks intact. The rhythm soon fractures.
Van Veen breaks in the third leg, capitalising when Humphries cannot engineer a dart at a finish. A composed visit leaves 85, and Van Veen converts immediately on double fourteen, taking advantage of passive pressure rather than forcing the issue.
The middle of the set turns chaotic. Humphries creates chances but fails to apply the final blow, shaking his head after missing bullseye for a 126 checkout. Van Veen stumbles as well, leaving no dart at a double, and Humphries retrieves the situation by pinning double eight to force a decider.
The deciding leg unravels for Humphries. With the darts, he produces successive trebleless visits at the worst possible time. Van Veen misses two set darts on double ten, but Humphries continues to scatter darts into the wrong beds, unable to reset.
Van Veen returns, steadies, and finally lands double ten to take the set 3-2.
20:50 GMT - HUMPHRIES 1-1 VAN VEEN
Humphries breaks immediately, producing a 13-dart leg against the throw and closing on double eight after Gian van Veen fails to convert a 156 attempt. The standard remains relentless. Every leg lands inside 15 darts, and Humphries controls the tempo from the outset.
Van Veen steadies briefly, holding with a clean two-dart finish on 54, but the pressure never eases. Humphries follows with back-to-back maximums in the third leg, missing narrowly inside double eight before correcting on double four. It is assertive, efficient darts, built on superior set-up play rather than theatrics.
The set closes with a moment of composure. Humphries dips low of double twelve when chasing 96, but Van Veen cannot summon a third ton-plus finish to punish. Humphries returns, pins double six, and levels the match at one set apiece.
20:39 GMT - HUMPHRIES 0-1 VAN VEEN
The opening set sets the tone immediately, with both players operating at speed and with intent.
Humphries strikes first, opening with a maximum and surviving a missed bull from 124 to pin double eight with his final dart for a 15-dart hold. It is an early reminder that nothing will come easily.
Van Veen holds next, dismantling a Shanghai route to finish 120 in 15 darts, then raises the standard again in leg four. Humphries hits a timely maximum to stay alive against the throw, but Van Veen ignores it, stepping in to take out 124 on the bullseye. Back-to-back ton-plus finishes give him control of the set.
Humphries steadies in leg five, closing 80 via double ten to force a decider, but the pressure never truly shifts. In the deciding leg, Humphries threatens a momentum swing, wiring the bull when chasing 167. That miss proves decisive.
Van Veen returns without hesitation and pins double six to break and steal the set 3–2.
It is an absorbing opener: both averaging around the ton, both scoring freely, but Van Veen proves sharper at the moments that matter.
20:27 GMT - Up next, it's Luke Humphries against Gian van Veen, world number two versus 10.
The players are on their way out.
20:15 GMT - A tremendous performance as Luke Littler reaches the World Championship semi-finals for the third year running.
He averaged 100, hit 55.56 per cent (15/27) of his doubles, and pinned 10 180s in that one.
20:15 GMT - RESULT: LITTLER 5-0 RATAJSKI
Littler advances to the semi-finals!
Littler misfires in patches and allows Ratajski a look at 161 to stay alive. The Polish Eagle cannot find more than 60, and the door creaks open again.
Littler steps in on 170 but misses the opening treble, offering another chance. Ratajski cannot capitalise, failing to find treble nineteen, and the moment is gone.
With 74 left for the match, Littler does not hesitate. He pins double ten cleanly and ends it.
It is not his cleanest leg, but it is decisive, and it typifies the performance. Littler absorbs Ratajski’s best spells, survives the one set where the Pole averages over 113, and closes without panic.
20:03 GMT - Littler is averaging 103 to Ratajski's 97.29, but he's already thrown 10 180s and is 50 per cent on the doubles.
20:00 GMT - LITTLER 4-0 RATAJSKI
Ratajski breaks first, pinning double sixteen to move 1-0 ahead, then keeps pace in leg two despite Littler snapping straight back with a clean tops finish. Littler threatens another statement leg next, wiring the bull for a 170 checkout before scrambling over the line to edge back in front.
Ratajski lands a superb 165 to leave 16 and calmly pins double four to force a deciding leg. The standard is high from both, and the tension is obvious.
In the decider, Ratajski produces his best work of the set. He opens with a 180 against the throw and puts himself in position for a 167 finish. The bull just refuses him. Littler stumbles on 130 and offers a lifeline, but Ratajski misses double eight by a fraction.
Littler steps in and closes on double 10.
Ratajski averages over 113 in the set and still loses it. Littler moves 4-0 clear.
19:42 GMT - LITTLER 3-0 RATAJSKI
Ratajski cannot find a treble in his first two visits, and Littler punishes it instantly with a 180. A loose follow-up leaves Littler a tough look at 140, but he tidies up on tops from 40 to break and take the initiative.
Ratajski briefly responds in leg two, matching Littler with a maximum, but the balance of power does not shift. Littler backs his own 180 with sustained heavy scoring, reduces to 121, strays into treble seven, and still closes calmly on tops. The margin stays narrow on the scoreboard, but the control never changes hands.
Littler opens the third leg with six straight treble twenties. Ally Pally reacts instantly. The seventh dart drops low, the rhythm breaks, and a loose visit of 41 follows. It is the only opening Ratajski gets. It does not matter. Littler returns on 100 and finishes on tops to seal the set.
That makes seven consecutive legs for Littler.
19:42 GMT - LITTLER 2-0 RATAJSKI
Littler opens the set on throw with a 180, controls the leg from the first visit, and closes cleanly on tops. No hesitation, no pressure.
The second leg is scrappier but more revealing. Krzysztof Ratajski finally matches Littler in the scoring phase, firing in a maximum and a 130 to put himself in position. He gets back to 16, then misses twice at double eight and once at double four. Littler briefly stumbles on 113, missing tops, double two and double one, but Ratajski cannot finish the job. Littler returns and breaks on double 10. It is a costly exchange for Ratajski and a decisive one for the set.
With the damage done, Littler finishes it clinically. Another 180 gives him immediate separation in the third leg, he reduces 178 to 100 without fuss, and checks out tops to seal a 3-0 set.
19:32 GMT - LITTLER 1-0 RATAJSKI
Ratajski opens, striking a 180 on throw and doing just enough to hold after missing his first look at double four.
Littler responds with a sharper second leg, mixing bullseyes with treble 20 to force the pace before closing on his favoured double 10.
The third leg swings the set. Ratajski stands up to the pressure but misses double 12 by a whisker with Littler waiting on 80, and the teenager pounces, pinning double 10 to steal the break and put himself in control.
It should end a leg later. Littler moves onto 115 for the set but falters on tops, then misses twice at double 10, inviting Ratajski back in. The Pole takes full advantage, tidies up on double nine, and suddenly has the darts to take the set himself.
A maximum gives Littler momentum but the leg grinds through trebleless visits until both players arrive at the finish line together. Littler on 170. Ratajski on 117.
Littler demolishes the Big Fish to rip the set away 3-2, a brutal finish, and Ally Pally erupts.
19:21 GMT - Ratajski has the darts first. Here we go!
19:18 GMT - The players are on their way.
Quite a few boos from the Ally Pally crowd for Littler, who famously dug them out a bit after his heated win over Rob Cross in the last round.
Will he play panto villain tonight? The crowd sings his song anyway, perhaps remembering he's actually still only an 18-year-old lad.
19:15 GMT - Littler is averaging 103.69 for this year's tournament, and he's pinning 53 per cent of his doubles.
He's also won all four of his previous meetings with Ratajski.
18:53 GMT - Luke Littler has averaged over 106 in each of his matches at this year's World Championship bar one, where he managed 97 against David Davies.
18:35 GMT - If you need to catch up, here's what happened earlier:
Gary Anderson delivered a reminder of his title credentials with a commanding 5-2 victory over Justin Hood to book his place in the PDC World Darts Championship semi-finals on Thursday, delivering a performance built on relentless scoring, big-stage finishing and championship experience at Alexandra Palace.
Ryan Searle produced a relentless, statement performance to dismantle Jonny Clayton 5-2 and storm into the World Championship semi-finals, overpowering the Welshman in the first match of the day.
Read more: Anderson halts Hood and Searle beats Clayton to reach World Championship semis
18:22 GMT - Welcome back to a bumper evening at Ally Pally, with Luke Littler vying with Krzysztof Ratajski, and Luke Humphries taking on Gian van Veen for a place in the semi-finals.
15:34 GMT - We will be back in a bit for the last two quarter-finals. See you soon!
15:31 GMT - Anderson is ready for anyone apparently!
"I felt under control at certain stages," Anderson told Sky Sports.
"But I would make a mess of it and he would come back, the next minute it's 2-2.
"I started to get into a rhythm at the end, so I'm over the moon to get through!"
"Luke Littler is the greatest on the planet right now, but what Luke Humphries has done over the last three years defending his money, he's there or thereabouts. He's a top class player."
15:21 GMT - Gary Anderson averaged just shy of a ton there, winning the match 18-7 in legs and scoring 46.15 per cent (18/39) on the doubles. The 23 140s were a big part of the Scot's game tonight, too.
Anderson will face the winner of Luke Humphries and Gian van Veen, who play tonight.
15:17 GMT - RESULT: ANDERSON 5-2 HOOD
Anderson is in the semi-finals!
He sets the tone immediately with a moment of sheer brilliance, taking out 161 - treble 20, treble 17, bullseye - to hold throw, even though Hood sits miles away. It is swaggering darts, and Hood can only smile in appreciation.
The Flying Scotsman keeps the pressure relentless. He reduces 160 to 60 and, despite Hood landing a maximum to leave 56, Anderson stays ice-cold, going 20, double 20 to break and move one leg from victory.
The finish is scrappier but no less decisive. Anderson misses four match darts at double 12, briefly giving Hood hope, but the underdog cannot apply pressure on 126. Anderson steps back in, switches calmly, and pins double six to seal it.
Anderson wins the set 3-0 and the match 5-2. He powers into the World Championship semi-finals for the eighth time.
15:12 GMT - ANDERSON 4-2 HOOD
Hood strikes first and shows he is not done yet. Anderson misses his chance on 104, and Hood steps in to clean up 48 with 16, 16 and double eight to hold and apply early pressure.
Hood fires in a seventh maximum and backs it up with heavy scoring to leave 100, but the doubles desert him at the worst moment. He misses at double 20 and double 10, and Anderson pounces immediately, taking out 72 with treble 16 and double 12 to level the set.
That miss proves costly. Hood puts himself in a strong position again with a 134 to leave 76, but he cannot convert, missing two darts at double eight. Anderson makes him pay in full, clinically dismantling 98 with treble 20 and double 19 to break throw and seize control.
Anderson steps up needing 121 and takes it out first time - treble 20, treble seven, double 20 - a moment of pure class that leaves no doubt.
Anderson claims the set 3-1, stretches his lead to 4-2, and moves to within one set of the semi-finals.
15:01 GMT - ANDERSON 3-2 HOOD
Anderson opens the set with a statement checkout, dismantling 127 in style with treble 20, treble 17 and double eight to claim the first leg.
Hood gets an opportunity to hit back when Anderson misses a chance to break from 86, but the Englishman cannot take advantage, missing two darts at double 16. Anderson pounces, switching cleanly to double four to break throw and surge further ahead.
With momentum firmly on his side, the Flying Scotsman turns the screw. A commanding 144 leaves him staring at tops, and this time there is no hesitation. Straight in. One dart, job done.
Anderson storms through the set 3-0 and moves 3-2 clear with a seriously impressive burst of darts.
14:54 GMT - ANDERSON 2-2 HOOD
Hood survives early pressure when Anderson misses a gilt-edged chance to break with a 132 attempt, then steadies himself to hold on tops after Anderson squanders three darts at double 15.
Anderson responds with control rather than force. He holds despite missing the treble needed for a Shanghai, eventually pinning double 10, before applying pressure again by reducing 140 to 40 and forcing Hood into a fruitless look at 158. With time on his side, Anderson converts double 20 to break and moves to within a leg of taking the set.
Hood digs deep. Anderson cannot land 106, and Hood pounces, crashing in a maximum to leave 45 before calmly breaking back on 13 and double 16. The set now turns on a deciding leg.
Under pressure, Hood delivers his best darts of the set. First to a finish on 120, he takes an audacious route, single 20, treble 20, then somehow threads double 20 through the traffic. It is a brilliant piece of finishing and it levels the match once more.
Hood takes the set 3-2, squaring the contest at 2-2 and ensuring this quarter-final remains very much alive.
14:43 GMT - ANDERSON 2-1 HOOD
Anderson responds immediately and reasserts control in ruthless fashion. He explodes out of the blocks, trading maximums with Hood in the opening leg before grinding his way over the line, missing chances at tops but refusing to blink, eventually pinning double 10 with his fifth dart at a double.
The pressure only intensifies. Anderson unloads his third maximum of the match to leave 124, goes treble 20 and 14, just missing the bull, but Hood cannot get close on 152. Anderson steps back in and clinically tidies up 25 on double eight to break again.
There is no let-up. With momentum firmly behind him, the Flying Scotsman races through the set, finishing matters with a composed 54 checkout, 14 and double 20, at the first time of asking.
It is a brutal, three-leg blitz. Anderson takes the set 3-0 in a matter of minutes and moves 2-1 ahead in sets.
14:34 GMT - ANDERSON 1-1 HOOD
Anderson carries his momentum into the second set and strikes first again. He breaks immediately, calmly reducing 146 to 56 and tidying up with single 16 and double 20 as Hood fails to apply pressure. It feels like the Scot is about to pull clear.
Hood responds when he needs to. He lands his first maximum of the match and earns a look at 88. The bullseye stays out, but Anderson cannot capitalise on a brief chance at the Big Fish. Hood returns, takes 25 and pins double eight at the first attempt to break straight back and swing the set.
Now confidence surges through the underdog. Hood fires in another maximum and races through the next leg, taking out 96 in just two darts, treble 20 and double 18, to hold with authority.
The set turns in the fourth leg. Anderson stumbles on 96, finding treble 20 but straying inside on double 18 and double nine. Hood smells blood. He steps in needing 100, drills treble 20, dips under double 20, but steadies himself and pins double 10.
Hood takes the set 3-1, snapping Anderson's early control and levelling the match at 1-1.
14:20 GMT - ANDERSON 1-0 HOOD
Anderson opens with strong scoring, racing to 121 after nine darts and calmly setting up tops to secure a routine hold. The intent is clear from the outset.
In the second leg, Anderson finds a first maximum of the match, backed up by heavy scoring, which gives him six darts at 104 with Hood stranded. Anderson navigates an awkward visit, adjusts smartly, and breaks when Hood cannot convert 95.
Hood finally gets a sight of the big fish in the third leg but cannot land the second treble. He returns on 72 with Anderson well back, yet the composure that defined his previous round deserts him. Two single 16s leave a dart at tops, and it drifts high.
Anderson takes out 80, switches inside double 10 and finishes on double five to close the set without reply.
Anderson wins the opening set 3-0.
14:10 GMT - Up next, two-time champions Gary Anderson faces new fan favourite Justin Hood for a place in the semis.
Can Hood spring another surprise on his way to opening that Chinese restaurant?
14:00 GMT - Relentless stuff from Searle there, who is now up to number seven in the rankings and pockets £200,000 in prize money for his troubles.
13:56 GMT - RESULT: SEARLE 5-2 CLAYTON
Heavy Metal powers into the World Championship semi-finals!
Searle wastes no time in tightening the screw, breaking Clayton at the first opportunity with a composed 14-dart leg, cleaning up 76 on double eight to seize control of the set.
Clayton keeps fighting, but a lapse in focus costs him dearly in the second leg. Searle punishes ruthlessly, switching smartly with his final dart to find treble 19 before closing out an 87 finish in two darts. Heavy Metal holds, moves 2-0 clear, and stands one leg from the semi-finals.
There is no hesitation from there. Searle pours in a third maximum of the set, keeps Clayton pinned back, and calmly mops up 38 on double eight to seal the deal.
Searle wins the set 3-0 and the match 5-2.
13:51 GMT - SEARLE 4-2 CLAYTON
Clayton refuses to let it end quietly. He opens the set with intent, smashing in a maximum on his own throw and tidying up on double 16 to strike first. The urgency is back, the belief visible.
Searle responds calmly. With no real pressure coming his way, he steadies the leg and checks out 65 on tops to level. Heavy Metal still looks composed, still in control of the bigger picture.
But Clayton finds another gear. Searle stutters with back-to-back 41s, and the Welshman pounces. A superb 134 sets up 16, and Clayton pins double eight to break. Suddenly, the set swings.
Now fully alive, Clayton presses again. He unloads two thunderous maximums and never lets Searle breathe, racing through the leg before sealing the set on double 16. An 11-darter. Emphatic. Defiant.
Clayton takes the set 3-1 and cuts the deficit to 4-2.
13:40 GMT - SEARLE 4-1 CLAYTON
Clayton opens by crashing in a maximum and tidying up double nine to claim a third straight leg. The body language shifts. The finger points return. The Welshman believes again.
Searle steadies himself. Clayton threatens a break but misses tops, and Heavy Metal steps in to pin tops himself and level the set. It is not vintage Searle, but it is controlled.
The pressure mounts in the third leg. Clayton lets another chance slip and Searle punishes ruthlessly, taking out 96 on tops to move ahead. The moment feels pivotal.
Clayton refuses to go away. He produces a huge response, taking out double 14 with his last dart in hand to drag the set back to 2-2. It is a roar of defiance, and suddenly the Ally Pally crowd senses drama.
Then comes the hammer blow. Both players score steadily, Clayton looks favourite, but Searle lines up 111. He does not blink. Treble 20, 11, double 20. Another ton-plus finish, his third of the match, and a crushing one.
Searle takes the set 3-2 and moves one away from victory. Clayton’s missed doubles climb to 28, and once again his finishing deserts him at the worst possible moment.
13:26 GMT - SEARLE 3-1 CLAYTON
Clayton strikes first by breaking immediately, holding his nerve to nail double 16 with the last dart in hand. After three punishing sets, The Ferret at last gives himself something to build on.
Searle responds with force. He piles in heavy scoring, including a maximum and a 123, but he cannot turn that pressure into a break. Clayton survives and steadies, cleaning up double two at the death to edge ahead. The double count tells its own story, but momentum has shifted.
The third leg swings on fine margins. Searle peppers the board and eventually pins double two, but Clayton feels the sting of another missed opportunity. Still, the Welshman refuses to fold.
With the set on the line, Clayton finds his rhythm. A couple of 140s put him firmly in command and this time he makes it count, closing out a tidy 15-dart leg on double 10. Searle drops his first set of the tournament, Clayton cuts the deficit to 3-1, and at last the quarter-final has life.
13:16 GMT - SEARLE 3-0 CLAYTON
Searle tightens his grip. Clayton throws first knowing he must respond, but pressure arrives immediately. Searle breaks at the first opportunity, tidying up tops to claim a 16-dart opener and push the Welshman deeper into trouble.
Clayton finally finds some relief in the second leg. He dominates the scoring and at last converts on D8, only his second successful double of the match. The celebration is muted. The damage is already done.
Searle immediately reasserts control. Clayton wires tops when chasing 120 and Searle steps in without hesitation, punishing on tops once again to move within a leg of the set. The contrast at the business end remains brutal.
In the fourth leg, Clayton throws everything at survival, hammering in three 140s and creating a chance to level the set. He misses at D12. That is enough. Searle pounces, pins tops, and seals the set 3-1.
12:57 GMT - SEARLE 2-0 CLAYTON
Searle keeps his foot firmly on the accelerator. Clayton knows the first set goes against the throw and immediately faces pressure, missing crucial darts to break yet again. Searle shows no mercy, punishing on tops to secure the opening leg as Clayton’s double troubles deepen.
The second leg swings the match sharply. Searle produces a superb 116 checkout, going treble 20, 16, double 20 to break throw and seize full control. The Welshman continues to score heavily, but the contrast on the outer ring is stark: Clayton cannot convert, Searle barely misses.
Heavy Metal then puts the set to bed in ruthless fashion. A magnificent 171 leaves 36 and he calmly pins double 18 to complete a 14-dart leg and a 3-0 set win. Ten minutes in, Searle leads 2-0 in sets, remains flawless in sets at this championship, and looks utterly untroubled.
Clayton averages over 103 but sits stranded on 1/10 at doubles. Searle, clinical and composed, is already threatening to run away with this quarter-final.
12:57 GMT - SEARLE 1-0 CLAYTON
Searle wastes no time in stamping authority on the quarter-final. Jonny Clayton has first throw but fails to take out 94 in the opening leg, and Searle pounces immediately, cleaning up 96 on D12 to break. The tone is set. Searle then holds with assurance, landing a maximum before tidying up 25 on D12, his control on the outer ring already decisive.
Clayton responds with heavy scoring in the third leg, crashing in a 180, 140 and 135 before closing in 14 darts on D2 to get on the board. Any hint of momentum is short-lived. Searle accelerates through the gears in the fourth, producing the defining moment of the set with a superb 125 checkout, going 25, treble 20, double 20 to seal it 3-1.
It is a ruthless opening from Searle. He averages 104 for the set and finishes with precision, while Clayton somehow loses despite posting a towering 113.34.
12:50 GMT - Up first, Heavy Metal Ryan Searle looks to continue his fine form against Jonny Clayton, who is appearing in his second quarter-final at the World Championships.
The players are on their way out!
12:35 GMT - It's quarter-finals time! Four matches today featuring the creme de la creme of darts.
Luke Littler v Krzysztof Ratajski
Luke Humphries v Gian van Veen
12:30 GMT - Welcome back to our coverage from Alexandra Palace.
Tuesday, January 30th
22:43 GMT - And with that, just eight remain:
Luke Humphries v Gian van Veen
Luke Littler v Krzysztof Ratajski
We'll see you for those on New Year's Day. Thanks for joining us!
22:37 GMT - Luke Humphries is looking forward to his clash with Gian van Veen next.
"I felt really good," Humphries told Sky Sports.
"It was a decent performance from myself. It dropped off at the end there, and I was 3-1 up, and I thought, 'I want a really good set here'.
"I told myself I am not going to create unnecessary drama.
"I felt like I played well, but I feel like there is another level in me, which is important.
"You need another level in you because that won't win you the World Championships.
"Next round of games - Gian - it is going to be a fiery game, it is going to be a great game of darts.
"I love him to bits, he is such a good player, I have got a lot of respect for him.
"It is one of those games where I am going to have to bring that and more to beat him."
22:31 GMT - That was an electric performance from Luke Humphries, with the world number two averaging 103.07, hitting 48 per cent (13/27) of his doubles and pinning eight 180s.
Cool Hand sets up a juicy-looking quarter-final against Gian van Veen.
22:26 GMT - RESULT: HUMPHRIES 4-1 DOETS
Humphries storms into the last eight!
He opens the set in complete control, needing just 42 darts to wrap up the previous stanza and carrying that momentum straight into the decider. Humphries reaches a finish after nine darts while Kevin Doets labours behind, then smartly sets up 52 and tidies up in two darts for a composed 14-dart hold.
Doets briefly threatens, kicking off the second leg with a maximum, but the pattern repeats. His scoring drops at the wrong moment and the door creaks open. Doets gets a look at 108 but cannot find double 14. Humphries immediately punishes, producing a superb 118 checkout on double 19 to move one leg from victory.
With the quarter-finals in sight, Humphries stays ice-cold. A solid visit of 96 leaves him 108 for the match, and although he cannot take it out first time, he leaves himself perfectly placed. Returning on 16, he pins double eight without fuss.
Job done.
22:17 GMT - HUMPHRIES 3-1 DOETS
Doets suffers cruel luck straight away in the fourth set, a bounce-out killing his opening visit, and Humphries pounces immediately. He crashes in his seventh 180 of the match to seize control of the leg.
Doets responds with a moment for the history books, firing in the 1000th 180 of the tournament, but it only delays the inevitable. Humphries remains composed, works his way to a finish and steps in on double 10 to take the leg.
Doets searches desperately for a break but cannot find the trebles when it matters. Humphries raises his level again, cruises to 32 and moves to the brink of the set.
One final chance flickers for Doets, but a loose dart at tops opens the door. Humphries needs no second invitation. He pins tops cleanly, completes a ruthless 3-0 set, and surges into a commanding 3-1 lead in a rapid-fire seven-minute leg.
22:11 GMT - HUMPHRIES 2-1 DOETS
Humphries opens the set in confident fashion, firing in a maximum and refusing to be rattled when Doets responds in kind. With both trading power scoring, Humphries stays composed and returns on 32, pinning double eight to take the opening leg.
Doets hits back immediately. He refuses to fade, landing another 180 and backing it up with a 140 to leave 100. Humphries applies pressure with a maximum of his own, forcing a look at 90, but he just misses the bull. Doets takes full advantage, nailing tops to level the set.
Humphries cannot find the 83 checkout to hold the third leg, but Doets fails to land the crucial treble required for 120. Humphries pounces, tidying up on double four to edge back in front.
Doets chooses the worst possible time for a loose visit, even though he recovers with a maximum. Humphries remains in command, answers with a 180 of his own and leaves 47. He misses double 16 and double eight, but keeps his nerve, returns on 16 and pins double eight to seal a vital break.
Humphries takes the set 3-1 and moves 2-1 ahead.
21:59 GMT - HUMPHRIES 1-1 DOETS
Humphries comes out firing against the throw, a maximum helping him seize early control before he reduces 221 to 81. With Doets stranded on 160, Humphries cleans up on double five to break and strike first.
The world number two settles into rhythm in the second leg. Another 180 thuds into the treble bed and, showing patience, he works his way back to 40 before pinning it cleanly to consolidate the break and move 2-0 clear.
Doets halts the run in the third leg. Humphries' scoring dips slightly and Doets takes advantage, reducing 150 to 52 before calmly dispatching double 16 to hold and keep the set alive.
With the darts in the fourth leg, Cool Hand Luke stays composed despite a scrappy visit, still leaving himself six darts from 163. He returns on 66 and buries tops to close out the set 3-1, levelling the match at 1-1.
21:48 GMT - HUMPHRIES 0-1 DOETS
Doets makes a blistering start and immediately puts Humphries under pressure. He opens with a maximum, follows it with a fluent 134, and when Humphries cannot take out 121, Doets steps in and pins tops from 54 to break throw at the first opportunity.
Humphries responds in the second leg. Both players trade 180s, and although Doets gets a look at 124, the trebles desert him. Humphries seizes the moment, cleaning up on double 10 to break straight back and briefly steady himself.
The momentum swings sharply again in leg three. Doets explodes into life, firing in a 180 and then a sensational 177. The nine-darter chance slips away with a low dart at treble 20, but the damage is done. He returns on 88 and drills the bullseye to secure another break.
With the darts in the fourth leg, Doets shows composure beyond his years. He demolishes 279 with a maximum to leave 99, narrowly misses double 16 on the first attempt, then returns without hesitation to pin double eight.
21:33 GMT - We're rounding off the last 16 with world number two and former champion Luke Humphries facing an in-form Kevin Doets.
Can the Dutchman cause a massive shock before the year's out? Can Humphries avoid exiting at the same stage as he did last time? Let us see...
21:32 GMT - Gary Anderson is enjoying this year's tournament, it seems.
"I knew Michael misses a few doubles now and again, but not that many," he told Sky Sports.
"Happy to get through. I've never felt right since I got on the stage tonight, and I don't think he felt right. I was trying to feed off him. It was one of those games.
"I was on doubles every leg before him, but I was 2-1 down, and I won it 3-2. I know if he gets in front of you, he's a hard man to catch.
"Justin Hood is a cracking darts player. He's done fantastic. Same as Charlie tonight and Kevin Doets. It's been a cracking tournament."
21:25 GMT - MVG misses out on the quarter-finals for the first time in a decade.
Both players averaged just under a ton, but Anderson edges the maximums with 11 landed. Both struggled a touch on the doubles; Van Gerwen hit just 9/29, and Anderson pinned 38 per cent of his (13/34).
The Flying Scotsman faces Justin Hood next.
21:20 GMT - RESULT: VAN GERWEN 1-4 ANDERSON
Anderson reaches the quarter-finals!
The set opens with Anderson in complete control. He holds by leaving 90 after 12 darts and denying Van Gerwen any real look. The Dutchman searches for a way back with a speculative 167, but he cannot find the second treble, and Anderson calmly pins double 16 to move one leg closer to victory.
Van Gerwen briefly steadies in the second leg, Anderson applies pressure by forcing him down to 98 after 12, but Van Gerwen fails to find a treble and opens the door. Anderson cannot take advantage on tops-tops, and the three-time champion scrapes through to hold and stay alive.
Scoring drops from both players in the third, though Anderson injects quality with a timely 140. He narrowly brushes the wire chasing 67 on double eight, while Van Gerwen unravels on double four and double two. Anderson misses three chances to break on double four, but Van Gerwen busts in the madhouse. Anderson survives the chaos, grinding out a 20-dart hold to move one leg from the match.
Van Gerwen throws everything at the decider. Anderson misses a match dart at the bull for 121, but Van Gerwen cannot punish, burning three darts at double 13. Anderson steps back in, unfazed, and lands a double eight to seal it.
21:08 GMT - VAN GERWEN 1-3 ANDERSON
Anderson is one set away!
The Flying Scotsman strikes first as Van Gerwen agonisingly shaves double 18 for an 87 checkout. Anderson senses weakness, unloads his eighth maximum of the match and applies pressure. When Van Gerwen busts on double 14 after burning chances at double nine, Anderson steps in and cleans up on tops to break immediately.
Van Gerwen responds with aggression. Anderson briefly opens the door by missing 121 and the Dutchman forces the issue, surviving his own misfire on 144 when Anderson falters at the doubles. Van Gerwen capitalises, drilling double 12 for a sharp 13-dart break back and levelling the set at 1-1.
Both players continue to hammer in 140s and 180s at will. Van Gerwen goes close to a spectacular 164, narrowly brushing the bull, but Anderson remains ice-cold. He tidies up 81 on double 12 to hold, regaining the advantage at 2-1.
From there, Anderson slams the door shut. He launches his tenth maximum of the match, follows it with another devastating two-treble visit and leaves himself perfectly placed. A 58 checkout on tops completes a controlled 15-darter and seals the set.
Anderson takes the fourth set 3-1 and restores his two-set cushion.
21:01 GMT - VAN GERWEN 1-2 ANDERSON
Anderson opens the set trading maximums with Van Gerwen before squeezing into double eight with his final dart to secure a 15-dart hold.
The tone then shifts. Van Gerwen sparks into life, opening the next leg with a maximum and following it with two more heavy visits. He storms through a sublime 10-darter, pinning double 16 and sending a clear signal that his level has jumped.
Anderson blinks for the first time. A rare loose leg on throw gifts Van Gerwen six darts from 108, and the Dutchman shows sharp thinking to switch routes and leave double 12. He pins it for a clinical 13-dart break, averaging north of 120 in the set and dragging control his way.
Van Gerwen keeps the pressure on, closes out the fourth leg on double eight and completes a polished 14-dart hold to seal the set 3-1, and gets one on the board.
20:51 GMT - VAN GERWEN 0-2 ANDERSON
Van Gerwen sets the tone with a sharp 13-darter, pinning double 18 to hold.
Anderson answers with his fifth maximum of the match, eases his way to a finish and calmly dispatches double 10 for a 15-dart hold.
The Dutchman fires in back-to-back 140s, edges ahead in the leg and converts tops at the second attempt.
The momentum swings again. Van Gerwen opens the next leg with a maximum against the darts but cannot fully capitalise. Anderson produces a superb two-treble visit to leave double 12 after 12 darts. Van Gerwen cannot land tops-tops for a 137 checkout, and Anderson punishes, pinning double 12 to force a deciding leg.
In the decider, Anderson is relentless. Van Gerwen roars after finding another maximum, but it barely registers. Anderson responds with a crushing 140 and a ton, then closes out 78 on double 12 for a 14-dart break to make it 2-0 in sets.
20:40 GMT - VAN GERWEN 0-1 ANDERSON
Anderson strikes first in this heavyweight contest that crackles from the opening dart.
He sets the tone immediately, producing a polished 101 checkout on tops to secure a 15-dart hold and bring the Ally Pally crowd fully behind him.
Both players trade maximums in the second leg before the Dutchman steadies himself to close out an 80 finish on tops for a 15-dart hold of his own.
Anderson continues to pound treble 20, landing another maximum and leaving tops after 12 darts, but the leg turns messy. Both men miss chances at doubles in quick succession before Van Gerwen finally takes advantage, pinning tops to break and edge in front at 2-1.
Van Gerwen pushes for daylight with a bold attempt at a 125 checkout but misses a second bull, and Anderson punishes ruthlessly. He steps in to take out 84 on double 12, breaking straight back and forcing a deciding leg.
In the decider, Anderson fires in four maximums across the set and finishes in style, tidying up 44 for a 14-dart hold to complete a sensational opening stanza.
Anderson claims the first set 3-2.
20:14 GMT - Up next it's the two big boys, as three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen faces two-time winner Gary Anderson for a place in the last eight.
20:10 GMT - RESULT: MANBY 1-4 VAN VEEN
Van Veen holds throw by tidying up 51 on double 16 to put immediate scoreboard pressure on Manby.
The pressure ramps up in the second leg. Van Veen crashes in another maximum, follows it with a ton and then produces a sensational 162 to recover from a loose visit. From there, he pins double four to break throw and move to within one leg of the match.
Manby refuses to disappear quietly. Van Veen shows the first signs of tension as the finishing becomes scrappier, but he still finds a brave double 16 from 80 to steady himself. Manby then produces a timely surge, landing a 140 and pinning double 16 from 32 to force a deciding leg and briefly keep hope alive.
Any thoughts of a comeback end immediately. Van Veen steps up to the decider and hits another 180, his ninth of the match. Even after a poor visit, he regroups, works his way down from 138 and leaves himself 32. One clean dart at double 16 sends him through.
Van Veen wins the set 3-2 and the match 4-1. He faces either Luke Humphries or Kevin Doets on New Year's Day, and he looks every bit a contender.
19:59 GMT - You sense the momentum is fully with GGV now, he's averaging 99 to Manby's 91.96, and that included a 106 average in the third set.
He's also outperforming Manby on the maximums, registering seven to his opponent's single.
19:57 GMT - MANBY 1-3 VAN VEEN
Manby gets first control of the leg and engineers a return from 170 to 110, then back again on 16. But at the crucial moment he blocks himself on double eight, and Van Veen pounces. He steps in and takes out 88 on the bullseye, a clinical steal that rips the leg away.
The Dutchman then unleashes six perfect darts once more, the second time in as many sets, and although the seventh dart drops just short of treble 20, he stands on 16 after nine. He busts by drifting into the wrong segment, then misses three darts at double eight, but he refuses to panic. He switches to double four and pins it, extending his lead to 2-0.
Manby is now clinging on. He gets a look at 78 but cannot capitalise, only finding 54. Van Veen immediately takes charge, stepping forward from 70 and pinning it cleanly to complete a brutal whitewash.
Van Veen wins the set 3-0. Fired up, he storms into a 3-1 lead and leaves Manby staring at the brink.
19:51 GMT - MANBY 1-2 VAN VEEN
Van Veen opens the set in blistering fashion, rattling in another maximum and following it with a superb 119 to seize early control. He cannot convert 106 at the first time of asking, but he returns calmly and pins double eight to secure the hold.
Manby briefly claws his way back. Van Veen positions himself well again, leaving 132, but Manby cannot apply sufficient pressure from 170. Van Veen misses the bull on the first visit, yet he stays composed, returns and pins tops to break and move two legs clear.
With Van Veen threatening to race away with the set, Manby steadies himself, engineers a return on 72 and dispatches double 12 to break back and keep the contest alive.
The decisive moment arrives as Manby waits on 82, sensing an opening, but Van Veen delivers a moment of pure class. He steps up and takes out 132 in audacious style, finding the bullseye for a champagne finish against Champagne Charlie.
19:40 GMT - MANBY 1-1 VAN VEEN
Manby wastes no time after the break, opening the set with intent and producing a crisp 107 checkout to hold throw.
Van Veen responds by punishing a loose visit by Manby with a classy 116 checkout on double 18, lifting his match average towards the 98 mark and restoring control of the tempo.
Van Veen launches into the third leg in with a maximum and positions himself on 120, but he cannot find tops. He returns on 20 and then unravels, missing three darts at double 10. Manby senses the opening and does not hesitate, stepping in to nail tops and seize a priceless break.
Now under pressure, Van Veen needs to hold to keep the set alive. He gets a look at 119 but cannot find the bull. Manby, calm and composed, steps forward from 64 and drills double eight to close the set.
Manby takes the second set 3-1 and squares the match at one set apiece, punishing Van Veen ruthlessly for every slip and keeping this contest very much alive.
19:30 GMT - MANBY 0-1 VAN VEEN
Gian van Veen explodes out of the blocks and immediately seizes control of the session, racing to 181 after six darts before calmly tidying up 68 on double 16 to strike first.
Manby responds well. He lifts his scoring in the second leg, finds a timely 140 and steadies himself to hold on double 16, surviving a miscount only because Van Veen drifts well low on tops.
Manby edges ahead again, reaching a ton-plus finish first, and when Van Veen misses tops, Manby pounces to break and move within touching distance of the set.
Van Veen suddenly finds himself under real pressure. Manby again gets first to a finish in the fourth leg, but this time he falters, narrowly missing double 10. Van Veen does not blink. He steps in and nails double 11 from 84, a clutch dart that drags the set into a decider.
GVV unleashes six perfect darts, igniting the crowd, and although the seventh drops just beneath treble 20, the damage is done. After nine darts, he sits on 58, strides forward, and pins tops without hesitation.
Van Veen claims the set 3-2.
19:00 GMT - First up tonight, it's Charlie Manby versus world number 10 Gian van Veen.
Manby has beaten Cameron Menzies and Ricky Evans en route to the last 16 - can the 20-year-old take an even bigger scalp this evening?
18:20 GMT - In case you missed it, earlier today, Jonny Clayton eventually overcame the challenge of debutant Andreas Harrysson at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday afternoon, edging a volatile encounter 4-2 in sets to reach the quarter-finals for the second time in his career.
Krzysztof Ratajski opened the day with a controlled 4-2 victory over Luke Woodhouse, setting up a quarter-final meeting with reigning champion Luke Littler.
And new fan favourite Justin Hood produced one of the performances of the tournament to sweep aside Josh Rock 4-0 to round off the afternoon.
Read more: Clayton reaches World Championship quarter-finals as flawless Hood beats Rock
18:15 GMT - We are back! Three stellar matches are coming up this evening as we find our final quarter-finalists for this year's World Championship.
World number two Luke Humphries is in action in the main event, after a tussle of former champions as Michael van Gerwen faces old foe Gary Anderson in a blockbuster clash.
There's also a battle of the young guns to get us started, as up-and-comer Charlie Manby faces Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen.
Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson
17:40 GMT - Luke Littler admitted "he may have gone too early" after finding himself booed by large sections of the Alexandra Palace crowd during and after his 4-2 win over Rob Cross in the last 16 of the PDC World Darts Championship on Monday.
For the first time on home soil, defending world champion Littler was on the receiving end of some hostile crowd reactions at the oche, rising to the bait in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, where he thanked the punters "for paying his prize money".
"I think that's the first time I've been at the World Championship that the crowd haven't wanted me to win, so I expect the worst on New Year's Day, whoever I do play," Littler said in his press conference on Monday night.
"Whatever happens, happens. I'm ready for New Year's Day."
Read more: 'I reacted as any player would': Littler keeping cool as fans begin to turn
16:41 GMT - What a way to end the last afternoon session!
We'll be back in a bit for more from the fourth round:
Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson
16:27 GMT - RESULT: HOOD 4-0 ROCK
Hood opens the set by ripping through another 11-dart leg, finishing on double 14 at the first attempt to stretch his doubles run to an absurd 10 from 10. Josh Rock stands frozen, barely able to process what is unfolding in front of him.
Hood then tightens the vice. Rock finally gets looks at a double but squanders them, and Hood steps in without hesitation, pinning double four at the first ask to break and move 2-0 clear. Eleven darts at doubles, eleven hits. One leg from history.
The streak finally cracks, but only briefly. Hood leaves double 16 for a spectacular 143 checkout but misses, then follows with three more misses as the pressure peaks. Rock seizes his moment, landing a double 12 to keep the match alive and delay the inevitable.
Hood regains his composure immediately and finishes the job in style. He dismantles 119 with ruthless precision, landing double 13 at the first dart to close out the set 3-1 and complete a stunning 4-0 victory.
At one point 11/11 on the doubles, four missed match darts at the end saw Hood's finishing drop to a still mightily impressive 75 per cent (12/16).
He hit 10 180s to Rock's three, with two ton-plus finishes as he books a match with either Michael van Gerwen or Gary Anderson in the quarter-finals.
16:18 GMT - HOOD 3-0 ROCK
Hood opens the set with heavy scores and once again makes no mistake at the end, pinning double top to move to a flawless 7/7 on the doubles.
Hood then appears to misjudge 65, landing the bull when aiming for 25, but even that does not derail him. He calmly resets, finds a single seven and then dispatches double 4 without hesitation. Eight darts at doubles, eight hits. He is one leg from a 3-0 lead.
Rock finally finds a response, taking out double eight to get on the board, but it offers only brief respite. Hood immediately reasserts control.
In the fourth leg, Hood produces another stunning burst, tearing through an 11-darter with Rock left watching helplessly. He still has not missed a double, stretching his record to a remarkable 9/9 and sealing the set 3-1.
Hood now leads 3-0 in sets and stands just one away from completing one of the shocks of the tournament.
16:06 GMT - HOOD 2-0 ROCK
Rock finally lands a blow at the start of the second set. He fires in his first maximum of the match, takes control of the leg and tidies up on double two to secure an early break and ease some of the pressure.
Hood shrugs off the setback, breaks straight back and keeps his finishing immaculate, pinning double 16 to stay perfect on the outer ring.
He follows with a composed 13-dart leg and once again makes no mistake on double top, moving 2-1 ahead and maintaining complete authority on the finishes.
Rock refuses to fold. Hood gets a look at 120 to close out the set, but cannot find the treble, and Rock pounces, stepping in to nail double top and drag the set to another deciding leg.
Once again, Hood delivers under pressure. He sets up the chance calmly, steps up without hesitation and drills double top at the first attempt. Six finishes from six attempts underline his composure as he seals the set 3-2 and surges into a 2-0 lead.
15:52 GMT - HOOD 1-0 ROCK
Rock scores well in the opening leg but unravels on the finish, and Hood punishes ruthlessly, taking out 108 with his first dart at double 16 to snatch an early break.
Hood controls the second leg on his own throw and stays perfect on the doubles, pinning tops at the first attempt to move 2-0 clear.
Rock finally settles in the third leg. He tightens up his scoring, applies pressure and takes out double top at the first time of asking to get himself on the board.
The response is immediate. Hood does little wrong, but Rock raises the bar, stepping in to find the bullseye and complete a crisp 12-darter. The set is dragged to a deciding leg, with Rock holding the darts.
Hood refuses to blink. He goes one better than Rock did in the previous leg, slamming in a maximum and powering through an 11-darter. It is a stunning break of throw, and Hood seals the opening set 3-2 in emphatic fashion.
15:42 GMT - The players are making their walkouts now.
Happy Feet versus Rocky: who you got?
15:31 GMT - Our final match this afternoon sees Justin Hood taking on a fancied Josh Rock. Looks like it could be a good one, this.
15:30 GMT - A nervy but solid result for Jonny Clayton, who averaged 92.79 and pinned five 180s, provisionally moving up to number four in the world rankings in the process.
An entertaining run from debutant Andreas Harrysson comes to an end in the last 16. Clayton will face Ryan Searle next.
15:17 GMT - RESULT: CLAYTON 4-2 HARRYSSON
Clayton starts the deciding set with authority. Both players sit on 72 in the opening leg, but Clayton steps in first and executes it superbly, finding treble 16 and double 12 to strike the opening blow.
Dirty Harry responds in stunning fashion, producing six perfect darts via an unconventional route, racing from 501 to 150 and briefly threatening a spectacular nine-darter. The bullseye denies him, but he regains control and closes the leg on double 10 to level the set.
Clayton applies pressure in the third leg but struggles on the doubles, missing chances at double 16 and double eight. Harrysson has an opening from 63 but cannot capitalise, drifting under double 20. Clayton survives again, landing double eight with his final dart to edge back in front.
Harrysson refuses to go quietly. He reduces 161 to 68 while Clayton sits on 140 and, after missing treble 20, he shows composure under pressure to pin double four with his last dart. The set goes to a deciding leg, and now Clayton holds the darts for the match.
In the decider, Clayton delivers when it matters most. He slams in a crucial maximum to leave 121, refuses the bull and calmly sets up his favourite double with Harrysson nowhere near a finish. One clean dart at double 16 seals it.
Clayton wins the set 3-2 and the match 4-2.
15:17 GMT - CLAYTON 3-2 HARRYSSON
Harrysson strikes first again in set five, continuing to play with fearless intent. He edges the opening leg after Clayton cannot convert 159, stepping back in to pin double 10 and underline that his nerve has not deserted him.
The pressure builds in the second leg and Clayton begins to wobble. Harrysson pounds in a 140 to leave 161 and, although he cannot find the big finish, Clayton completely loses control of his checkout. Harrysson steps in and pins double 18 to break, suddenly standing one leg from a commanding 3-2 lead in sets.
Clayton looks in trouble. His scoring drops away and Harrysson moves onto 101 with control of the leg. Then the door swings open. Harrysson misses three set darts at double 18 and double nine, and Clayton pounces, drilling double 16 to survive.
Clayton steadies, forces a deciding leg and survives another scare when Harrysson misfires on a Shanghai attempt. Clayton cleans up on double eight to drag the set level at 2-2, the pressure now flipping direction once more.
Harrysson earns multiple chances to close the set, missing double after double, unable to land the finishing blow. Clayton stays alive long enough to get a look at tops and does not hesitate. He pins it, steals the set 3-2 to complete a remarkable turnaround and roars in celebration.
15:04 GMT - Two ton-plus finishes apiece, and both are averaging around the 93 mark for the match, with Clayton just edging it as we reach the fifth set. Maximums are split at 3-3 as well, so it's a tight one right now.
15:00 GMT - CLAYTON 2-2 HARRYSSON
Harrysson keeps pushing, and he strikes first again. He opens the set by breaking Jonny Clayton, calmly dismantling 78 and pinning double 12 to underline just how sharp his finishing remains. At this stage, he is converting almost everything he looks at.
Jonny Clayton finally gets a reprieve in the second leg. Harrysson cools slightly, missing four darts at a double, and Clayton takes full advantage, recovering from an earlier miss at double 19 to pin double eight and restore parity on throw. It is a crucial moment for the Welshman.
Clayton begins to build. He controls the third leg and finishes cleanly on double eight to move 2-1 ahead, putting himself within touching distance of dragging the match back to level terms. The pressure swings firmly onto the Swede for the first time in the set.
Harrysson answers as he has all afternoon. He strings together solid darts and closes out a composed 16-darter on double top to force a deciding leg, once again refusing to surrender ground cheaply.
In the decider, Clayton steadies himself. Harrysson cannot apply meaningful pressure, and even after missing earlier in the leg, Clayton earns a third look at double 16. This time he does not miss. He pins it cleanly, takes the leg, and claims the set 3-2.
14:48 GMT - CLAYTON 1-2 HARRYSSON
The set opens messily. Both players score well, but repeatedly falter on the doubles. Harrysson eventually steadies first, tidying up on double two to hold and strike the opening blow.
Clayton responds with purpose. He cleans up on double eight to level the set and briefly appears to wrestle momentum back, but the Swede refuses to retreat.
Under pressure, Harrysson dismantles 96 in 14 darts, pinning double 18 with confidence to move one leg from the set and place Clayton firmly on the back foot.
Clayton fights back when he has to. Faced with Harrysson pressure and another maximum from the Swede, The Ferrett answers with a stunning 160 checkout to force a deciding leg, igniting the crowd and dragging the set to its conclusion.
Harrysson does not blink, dominating the decider from the outset, reaching 81 after nine darts and executing the finish cleanly to complete an 11-darter. The underdog now leads the match 2-1.
14:37 GMT - CLAYTON 1-1 HARRYSSON
Clayton starts the second set strongly, breaking clear in the opening leg and tidying up 80 with treble 20 and double 10 to put himself in control.
Harrysson responds immediately. He steadies the tempo, controls the leg and checks out 71 via 13, 18 and double 20 to hold with Clayton nowhere near a finish.
The momentum swings decisively towards the Swede in the third leg. Clayton sits on 100, but Harrysson steps in with a chance at 124 and executes it superbly, going 20, treble 18 and bullseye to break throw.
Harrysson closes the set in spectacular fashion, landing another monster finish, dismantling 149 with treble 20, treble 19 and double 16 to seal the set 3-1. Clayton can only shake his hand in acknowledgement. We're all square!
14:25 GMT - CLAYTON 1-0 HARRYSSON
Harrysson strikes first. He capitalises on Clayton missing the bull from 90 and calmly tidies up 50 with 18 and double 16 to take the opening leg. The Swede looks unfazed, composed and entirely comfortable on the stage.
World number five Clayton responds. He lands the first maximum of the match and follows it with a stunning 141 checkout via treble 20, treble 19 and double 12, completing a 12-dart hold that snaps momentum back in his favour.
Harrysson regains control in the third leg. Clayton drifts away from a finish and the Swede takes advantage, missing double eight and double four from 76 but returning to pin double four to hold and move one leg from the set.
The fourth leg drags Clayton back in. A 140 sets up 121, which he cannot convert, but sharp thinking allows him to reduce the score to 64 and then pin double 16 to force a deciding leg.
In the decider, Clayton blinks first. He reaches 86 and takes the unconventional route of 18, 18 before missing the bull. Harrysson cannot punish, failing to find a treble from 121, and Clayton pounces. He returns to clean up 39 with seven and double 16, sealing the set 3-2 against the throw.
14:09 GMT - Up next, we have Welsh wizard Jonny Clayton taking on Swedish debutant Andreas Harrysson.
Can the sublimely bearded Swede continue his fairytale, or is it The Ferret's year at Ally Pally? Ryan Searle awaits the winner.
14:02 GMT - RESULT: WOODHOUSE 2-4 RATAJSKI
Ratajski starts the sixth set with authority and immediately tightens the vice. He controls the opening leg from the first visit, reaches a finish in 13 darts and pins double 16 to move ahead without Woodhouse threatening a response.
Woodhouse clings on in the second leg. Ratajski applies steady pressure, but Woodhouse finds double 10 at the first attempt to stay alive, knowing a break is now essential to extend the match.
The moment slips away in the third leg. Woodhouse has time and territory, staring at 207 with repeated visits, but produces two poor turns at exactly the wrong moment. Ratajski senses the opening and slams the door shut, drilling double 20 to edge within one leg of victory.
Ratajski finishes clinically. Woodhouse steps up with 100 to save the match, but cannot find a treble. That leaves 41, and although Ratajski misses his first dart at double 16, he corrects instantly, pins the second and ends the contest.
Ratajski takes the set 3-1, the match 4-2, and books his place in the quarter-finals, where he'll face defending champion Luke Littler.
The Pole averaged 96.68 - almost in line with his tournament average - and pinned 45 per cent (14/31) of his finishes.
13:52 GMT - WOODHOUSE 2-3 RATAJSKI
Woodhouse starts the fifth set with purpose. He fires in two maximums, dominates the scoring phase and converts double 16 at the second attempt to complete a 12-darter and strike first.
Ratajski responds immediately and reaches a finish after 12 darts and pins double 16 at the first time of asking to level at 1-1, keeping the pressure firmly on Woodhouse.
Woodhouse suffers two cruel bounce-outs at exactly the wrong time in leg three, handing Ratajski an opening. The Pole misses a single 20 that would have set up double 20, briefly offering Woodhouse a reprieve. Woodhouse steps in, gets a dart at double 20, but misses just above the wire. Ratajski does not hesitate. He returns and pins tops to break, putting himself one leg away from the set.
Ratajski closes ruthlessly. A superb 153 visit puts him firmly in control of the deciding leg. He misses his first dart at double 16, but steadies and drills the second to take the leg, the set, and a 3-2 lead in the match.
With five consecutive sets now going against the throw, Ratajski moves to within one set of the quarter-finals.
13:41 GMT - WOODHOUSE 2-2 RATAJSKI
Woodhouse seizes the initiative immediately. He opens with a maximum, dictates the leg from the outset and converts his second attempt at double 20 to secure a vital early break.
He presses again in the second leg, controlling the scoring despite a loose visit of 40 that briefly invites Ratajski back into contention. When the pressure peaks, Woodhouse steps in with his final dart and pins double 16 to move 2-0 clear.
Both players lose fluency in the third, and the leg drags. Woodhouse squanders chances to close the set, missing at double seven and double two, and Ratajski stays patient before capitalising, pinning double 10 with his 22nd dart to keep the set alive.
Woodhouse responds instantly. He launches the decider with another maximum, controls the pace from the first visit and repeatedly finds double 16 with authority. When the opportunity comes, he takes it cleanly, sealing the leg and the set 3-1. We're all square again!
13:28 GMT - WOODHOUSE 1-2 RATAJSKI
Woodhouse begins the set solidly, edging the opening leg after both players stumbled on the doubles. He misses twice at tops but was handed a reprieve when Ratajski failed on double 16, allowing Woodhouse to convert at the third attempt and move ahead.
Woodhouse wonderfully produces eight perfect darts, the Alexandra Palace crowd rising in anticipation of a nine-darter. The moment arrived, the dart left his hand, and it dropped well below double 12. In the same visit, his focus unravels, busting when aiming for double six after drifting into the wrong double bay.
Ratajski steps in and punishes ruthlessly, taking out 86 with a double 16 to level the set and swing momentum in his favour.
Woodhouse fails to reset. Ratajski capitalises with a composed 13-dart leg, again pinning double 16, to move 2-1 ahead.
Ratajski cleaned up 72 on double 18 to seal the set 3-1 and retake the overall lead at 2-1.
13:18 GMT - WOODHOUSE 1-1 RATAJSKI
Woodhouse steadies and, under pressure on the Ratajski throw, he strikes twice in the treble bed and breaks with a composed 44 checkout via single 12 and double 16.
Ratajski continues to score heavily, firing in 126 to leave 56, but Woodhouse responds with the checkout of the match so far, dismantling 110 with treble 20, 18 and double 16 to hold. Ratajski misses double 16 for a 106 finish in the next leg, Woodhouse is punished on double eight, putting himself in position to level the match.
Ratajski reaches a finish first in the decider but stalls on 164, leaving 64. Woodhouse cannot take out 104 but reduces cleanly to 48. Ratajski then misses both darts at double eight, and Woodhouse pins 16 and double 16 to take the set 3-1.
13:00 GMT - WOODHOUSE 0-1 RATAJSKI
The contest begins scrappily, but with clear intent from both players. Woodhouse has the darts and reaches a finish first on 113, yet fails to convert, opening the door for Ratajski. The Pole makes heavy weather of 32, drifting inside the board repeatedly, but Woodhouse could not capitalise either, missing three darts at double 16. Ratajski eventually p double three to break and establish early control.
Woodhouse responds with the first maximum of the match and applies pressure with a look at 170, setting up 36. Ratajski could not convert 108 and Woodhouse broke straight back on double 18, restoring parity.
Ratajski misses double 16 for a 131 checkout, Woodhouse squanders 77 with two darts wide of double 10, and Ratajski punishes decisively, taking out tops to complete a hat-trick of breaks.
The Polish Eagle closes the set in style, landing his first maximum to leave 47 before cleaning up 15 and double 16. He averaged north of 106 in the set and took it 3-1 despite rarely holding throw.
12:50 GMT - First up, Luke Woodhouse looks to reach the quarter-finals stage for the first time in his career against Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski, who is enjoying a fine run of his own.
The players are at the oche!
12:30 GMT - We're back!
Today, the fourth round action continues as the business end of the PDC World Darts Championship really starts to pick up.
Here's how the afternoon session looks:
Luke Woodhouse v Krzysztof Ratajski