In a thrilling display of precision and nerves of steel, Luke Littler once again demonstrated why he's become the darling of professional darts, securing a stunning 170 checkout to win the first set against Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski during the 2026 PDC Darts World Championship quarterfinals.

The tournament resumed after a brief New Year's Eve break, with four highly anticipated matches set to determine who would advance to the semifinal round. Littler, the reigning champion, faced significant pressure from Ratajski but maintained his composure with a spectacular finish that electrified fans and showcased his exceptional skill.

The day's schedule featured two afternoon sessions and two evening matches, each a best-of-9 set format. In the first afternoon match, Ryan Searle and Jonny Clayton would clash, both seeking their first-ever World Championship semifinal appearance. The second afternoon match promised another exciting encounter between debutant Justin Hood and legendary player Gary Anderson.

The evening session kicked off with Littler's match against Ratajski, followed by what many considered the day's marquee event: Luke Humphries versus Gian van Veen. Each match carried immense stakes, with players fighting for a chance to etch their names into darts history.

The tournament's bracket was already taking shape, with potential semifinal matchups including Searle against the Littler/Ratajski winner, and Anderson facing the victor of the Humphries/van Veen contest. Every checkout, every set held the potential to dramatically alter the championship's trajectory.

For darts enthusiasts and casual fans alike, the quarterfinals represented a culmination of skill, strategy, and unbridled competitive spirit. With each throw, players like Littler continued to push the boundaries of what seemed possible in this beloved sport, captivating audiences worldwide.