Littler booed during and after win over Cross

What’s Happening

Okay so Defending champion Luke Littler thanks booing crowd for “paying my prize money” as he battles past previous winner Rob Cross to reach PDC World Championship quarter-finals.

Littler booed during and after win over Cross Image source, PA Media Image caption, Luke Littler has reached the final in his two previous PDC World Championships By Callum Matthews BBC Sport senior journalist Published 29 December 2025 Defending champion Luke Littler thanked a booing crowd for “paying for my prize money” as he battled past previous winner Rob Cross to reach the quarter-finals of the PDC World Championship. Littler clutched 4-2 and averaged 106. (we’re not making this up)

58 - the third-highest at this years tournament - but it was an uncomfortable evening for the 18-year-old.

The Details

The Alexandra Palace crowd were more on the side of Cross, who clutched the event in 2018, in the hope of a spectacle and match for the ages. Littler, who was a beaten finalist on debut two years ago, was agitated throughout the game and visibly raised his level to devastating effect in set three after Cross levelled at 1-1.

25 in that set, taking out three of four checkouts, as he regained the lead with 13, 11 and 12-dart legs. The world number one also claimed the fourth set to be in control before Cross extended the match fifth set, including a brilliant bullseye finish to take out 126.

Why This Matters

Cross, who entered this tournament as 17th seed and whose level has dropped just, broke Littler in the third leg of the sixth set, but was ASAP broken back as Littler found another level to average 117 and claim victory. You guys pay for tickets and you pay for my prize so thanks for booing me,” Littler told Sky Sports. “No-one wanted me to win but I proved them wrong yet again.

The sports world never stops delivering these kinds of storylines.

Key Takeaways

• “Its not in reach just yet.
• Youve got to get to the final.
• Ill enjoy two days off then Ill be back on New Years Day.
• I spend New Years Eve and New Years Day in London so well be doing that again.

The Bottom Line

I spend New Years Eve and New Years Day in London so well be doing that again. ” Littler will face 25th seed Luke Woodhouse or Polands Krzysztof Ratajski in the last eight on New Years Day.

We want to hear your thoughts on this.