Rivals Fall as the Quarter-Finals Are Set

Day Seventeen at Ally Pally: Rivals Fall as the Quarter-Finals Are Set

Day Seventeen of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship closed out 2025 in emphatic fashion, delivering heavyweight drama, ruthless execution and one result that reshaped the title picture. Gary Anderson ended his great rival Michael van Gerwen’s campaign, as the quarter-final line-up was locked in on a final night that proved there was no easing into the new year.

AFTERNOON SESSION

Belief, Breakthroughs & Big Nerves

Justin Hood 4–0 Josh Rock

(3–2, 3–2, 3–1, 3–1)

The performance of the day came early. Justin Hood produced a stunning straight-sets demolition of Josh Rock, delivering one of the finest finishing displays seen on the Ally Pally stage.
The debutant pinned his first 11 darts at double, averaged 101.18 and never allowed Rock into the contest, sealing a remarkable quarter-final debut and cementing his status as the tournament’s breakout story.

Krzysztof Ratajski 4–2 Luke Woodhouse

(3–1, 1–3, 3–1, 1–3, 3–1, 3–1)

Ratajski advanced with composure and control in a match defined by fine margins. Woodhouse threatened history after missing double 12 for a nine-darter, but the Polish number one absorbed the pressure and closed strongly to reach his second World Championship quarter-final.
Next up? Reigning champion Luke Littler.

Jonny Clayton 4–2 Andreas Harrysson

(3–2, 1–3, 2–3, 3–2, 3–2, 3–2)

Jonny Clayton survived a stern examination from debutant Andreas Harrysson in a high-quality six-set battle. Harrysson fired in a trio of ton-plus checkouts and pushed Clayton to the brink, but missed chances in the closing stages proved costly.
Clayton capitalised with trademark composure to book a quarter-final meeting with Ryan Searle.

Key Session Insights

Number of 180’s scored in this session – 36

Highest outshot of the session – 160 (Jonny Clayton)

Highest 3 dart average – 101.18 (Justin Hood)

EVENING SESSION

Vintage Class, Heavyweight Control & Title Statements

Gian van Veen 4–1 Charlie Manby

(3–2, 1–3, 3–1, 3–0, 3–2)

Gian van Veen’s march continued with another assured display. Locked at one set apiece early on, the European Champion stepped up the tempo, landing key bullseye finishes of 132 and 88 to seize control.
A fourth televised quarter-final of the year now awaits — against Luke Humphries.

Gary Anderson 4–1 Michael van Gerwen

(3–2, 3–2, 1–3, 3–1, 3–1)

A result that shook the Palace. Gary Anderson delivered a masterclass in timing, nerve and scoring power to inflict Michael van Gerwen’s earliest World Championship exit in a decade.
After winning the opening two sets in deciding legs, Anderson withstood a ferocious Van Gerwen response — including a 116+ average in set three — before reeling off six of the next eight legs to complete a famous victory.
Eleven 180s. A 99 average. Vintage Anderson when it mattered most.

Luke Humphries 4–1 Kevin Doets

(1–3, 3–1, 3–1, 3–0, 3–0)

Luke Humphries closed the night with authority. After conceding the opening set, the world number two shifted through the gears, averaging 103 and winning 12 of the final 14 legs to power into the quarter-finals.
Now comes a mouth-watering rematch with Gian van Veen — the man who edged him for the European Championship crown in October.

Key Session Insights

Number of 180’s scored in this session – 46

Highest outshot of the session – 132 (Gian Van Veen)

Highest 3 dart average – 103.07 (Luke Humphries)

QUARTER-FINALS CONFIRMED

The final eight are set and the draw is stacked.

Thursday January 1

Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
Ryan Searle v Jonny Clayton
Gary Anderson v Justin Hood

Evening Session (1900 GMT)
Luke Littler v Krzysztof Ratajski
Luke Humphries v Gian van Veen

Best of Nine Sets

At this stage, there’s nowhere to hide and no safety net left.
With the bracket locked, players and fans alike are ready and Ally Pally is set for the impact ahead. Stay with us for every result, every moment and every update as the sport’s biggest title edges closer to crowning the 2026 PDC World Champion.