PDC World Darts Championship 2025 results: Luke Littler beats Nathan Aspinall to set up Stephen Bunting semi-final

Michael van Gerwen battled previous unseeded Callan Rydz in a superb last-eight tie to arrange a semi-final towards Chris Dobey.

Third seed Van Gerwen’s final world title got here in 2019 however he held off the big-scoring Rydz in spectacular type to win 5-3 and transfer a step nearer to a fourth world title.

In the meantime, Dobey got here from two units all the way down to beat former champion Gerwyn Worth 5-3 and attain the final 4 for the primary time.

In a match of the very best high quality, Van Gerwen twice edged forward however every time Rydz – who hit 17 180s within the match – fought again to degree.

The Dutchman pulled two units clear at 4-2 however was once more pegged again by Rydz earlier than coming by way of to win with a median of 103.1.

Rydz ended with a median of 103.88 and hit 46.15% on the doubles nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient towards an impressed Van Gerwen, who was at 44.74% on checkouts.

From the fifth set, neither participant averaged lower than 103.59 with ‘Mighty Mike’ shedding the seventh regardless of a median of 111.67.

“To be a part of video games like this all the time offers you plenty of pleasure. It is in all probability one in all my greatest performances in a very long time,” Van Gerwen advised Sky Sports activities.

“He gave every part and put strain on me continuously. He did not cease hitting trebles and by no means gave up. My sport is in an excellent place, nevertheless it does not imply something but.”

Dobey, who misplaced within the final eight up to now two years, held agency after a blistering begin from Wales’s 2021 winner Worth to win 4 units on the bounce and had 5 darts to win 5-2.

The Englishman’s failure to complete the job introduced again recollections of his quarter-final defeat by Rob Cross final yr, when he surrendered a 4-0 lead.

Nonetheless, a break allowed Dobey to regroup and ensured there could be no repeat of that collapse, sealing the victory with a superb double-double end on the 18s.

“I’ve by no means been so nervous throwing for a profitable double as I’ve immediately,” stated Dobey. “I am simply happy I grinded it out and acquired the win.”