With the A’s leaving Oakland, the Pioneer League B’s want fan investment in Bay Area baseball

With the A’s leaving Oakland, the Pioneer League B’s want fan investment in Bay Area baseball

Post By Business Breaking News: Business, business, business news, media, oakland, Paul Freedman, Sports, Technology

Paul Freedman, co-founder and CEO of the Oakland Ballers

Paul Freedman, a 45-year-old serial entrepreneur who has founded and sold five educational technology companies, decided last June he wanted a new type of venture: a baseball team.

When MLB’s A’s announced last year they planned to leave Oakland, California, for Las Vegas, Freedman was despondent. Freedman, born in neighboring Palo Alto, moved to Oakland when he was 15 after spending much of his early schooling in Chicago. Arriving as a new student during high school, Freedman had some initial trouble making friends, so he leaned on A’s games — particularly those on the Oakland Coliseum’s $2 Wednesdays — as a common activity to socialize with classmates.

“It helped me feel welcome,” Freedman said in an interview with CNBC. “Right field at the Coliseum made me feel part of a community again.”

Freedman has lived in Oakland for the past 30 years and in that time has witnessed one professional sports team after another depart the city. The NBA’s Golden State Warriors ditched what was then Oakland’s Oracle Arena in 2019. The NFL’s Raiders moved from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020. And after this season, MLB’s Oakland A’s will pack up and move to Sacramento before eventually settling in Las Vegas in 2028.

Feeling discouraged for his city, Freedman sent a text last June to Bryan Carmel, a friend from those high school-era A’s games, with a provocative preamble: “I have a crazy idea.”

Freedman proceeded to brainstorm ways to keep baseball in Oakland. That gave birth to the Oakland Ballers, or the B’s — the Pioneer League team that debuted earlier this year, co-founded by Freedman and Carmel. The team, just getting off the ground with initial seed funding, faces an uphill battle to strike a successful business model in Oakland — a city with daunting crime challenges and nearly abandoned by professional sports.

Oakland Ballers stadium.

Courtesy: Oakland Ballers

The Pioneer League, an MLB partner league whose teams aren’t affiliated with the pro teams like those in minor league baseball, instantly appealed to Freedman’s tech sensibilities because it’s a testing ground for baseball evolution. Oakland, too, has been earned a reputation for cutting edge thinking in baseball, first in the 1960s and 1970s under owner Charlie Finley and later in the 2000s’ “Moneyball” era, which ushered in an era of analytics that have been adopted in all almost all sports.

In lieu of extra innings, tied games after nine innings in the Pioneer League end with a five-pitch home run derby. The league allows players to challenge balls and strikes in real time using a computerized system. The B’s also boast having the league’s first female player, pitcher Kelsie Whitmore.

Now, Freedman has another innovation in mind: a new investment model.

B shares

Freedman has invested $1 million in the Oakland B’s and loaned the team an additional $5 million. Freedman and Carmel have also raised $3 million in outside financing from about 60 individual investors.

Freedman and Carmel are about to set a new valuation for their investment with the debut of a crowdfunded financing round for up to $1.235 million, the legal limit allowable under Securities and Exchange Commission regulations for an entity with finances that have been reviewed by a public accountant but not formally audited.

The new financing round will give fans direct equity in the team. While a market doesn’t yet exist for shares in the team to one day trade and operate as an actual investment, Freedman and Carmel hope that could someday be the reality. That differentiates the concept from common stock in the publicly owned Green Bay Packers, for example, which are purposefully designed as a nonprofit.

“We’re testing the waters here,” said Freedman. “There could be a dividend. There could be a secondary market. Shares will come with voting rights.”

A liquid secondary market would allow for monetization of team shares beyond major transactions such as a team sale.

DealMaker, the platform the B’s are using to crowdsource the funds, has received an expression of interest from more than 3,500 people who say they would like to invest in the team, with pledges for a combined total of nearly $8 million.

Of the hundreds of campaigns DealMaker has facilitated that begin with early expressions of interest, this is the highest number of potential investors the platform has ever seen, said Jon Stidd, DealMaker’s chief marketing officer.

“It’s a testament to the B’s fans and what they’re doing for the community in general,” Stidd said in an interview.

Oakland Ballers stadium.

Courtesy: Oakland Ballers

The fundraising campaign is expected to officially kick off in the coming days. Potential investors will be able to buy their shares on a first-come, first-serve basis “just like you’re buying sneakers from the Oakland B’s,” said Stidd.

The early interest has inspired inquiries from other local baseball and soccer teams looking to raise money on DealMaker, Stidd said.

“It’s been a rising tide. The Oakland Ballers are getting the message out there,” he said.

Local challenges

Freedman plans to use the crowdsourced money for general baseball operations with a particular emphasis on marketing. In its first year, the B’s have done about $1 million in merchandise sales, according to the team, and has signed up 47 sponsors, including San Francisco’s BART transit system and AAA Insurance.

Working with Oakland city officials, the team used $1.6 million of the team’s initial funding to refurbish Raimondi Field in West Oakland, a historic baseball stadium site where Oakland’s all-Black A-26 Boilermakers played before racial integration. The field sat abandoned and fell into such disrepair that it had become unusable even for Little League games, Freedman said.

Freedman said in workshopping how to keep baseball in Oakland, he ruled out simply buying and relocating a minor league team, fearing that bringing one to Oakland would solidify the city’s reputation as a second-rate location, unfit to support A-list sports teams.

But he’ll have to make sure the B’s flourish as a feel-good story, rather than a dreary reminder of what Oakland once had.

“We don’t think we are replacing the Oakland A’s,” Freedman said. “We mourn the loss of the A’s as much as anyone else.”

One of Freedman’s top challenges is convincing locals that Raimondi Park is a fun — and safe — place to visit. Last month, The San Francisco Chronicle reported agent Lonnie Murray, who is married to former A’s star and Oakland native Dave Stewart, recently expressed player concerns to Freedman about substandard housing in an area where players’ cars were vandalized or stolen. The B’s responded by moving the team to a hotel in a safer area.

Oakland Ballers stadium.

Courtesy: Oakland Ballers

It wasn’t long ago that Raimondi Park abutted a homeless encampment in West Oakland. Revitalizing the area is important to both Freedman and Oakland, but it’s also a potential obstacle for fan recruitment. Raimondi Park seats about 4,100 people. Thus far, most home games have drawn about 2,000 fans — slightly below average for Pioneer League attendance.

Even among locals, there’s a misperception for how dangerous the area is, Freedman said. He likened the neighborhood to Chicago’s Wrigleyville, where the Chicago Cubs play. Freedman said he is developing partnerships and relationships with local businesses to promote the team and hopefully expand entertainment and eating experiences outside the ballpark.

“We are definitely facing headwinds,” said Freedman. “Oakland hasn’t gotten good press lately in terms of crime. What turns the perception is people having safe experiences. That’s what we are providing.”

Alerting locals to the team’s existence will be especially important next season, when the A’s are no longer around. Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong recently gave the team some free publicity by spray painting a B’s logo over an Oakland A’s logo in Toronto’s Rogers Centre.

Winning will also help. The B’s have had an impressive first season. The Pioneer League season is 96 games long, split into two halves, and wraps up Sept. 8. The top two teams from the first half of the season and the second half make the playoffs, which begin Sept. 10. The B’s are currently at 42-30 overall and 15-9 in the second half, putting themselves in playoff contention.

“There’s value in having baseball in a town,” said Freedman. “Oakland deserves to have baseball if it wants to have baseball.”

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Trudy Ederle: American swimmer who became the first woman to swim the English Channel

Post By Sports athletics, Bolt, england, events, great britain, News, olympics, Sky, Sports, Team GB, Tokyo

Actress Daisy Ridley talks to Sky Sports News’ Sam Boggon about playing Trudy Ederle in ‘Young Woman and the Sea’, Ederle was the first woman to swim across the English Channel almost 100 years ago; Ridley also talks about equality in women’s sport

By Sam Boggon

Last Updated: 17/07/24 5:05pm

Daisy Ridley chats to Sky Sports about ‘Young Woman and the Sea’, a film that tells the incredible story of Trudy Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel

On August 6, 1926, American swimmer Gertrude ‘Trudy’ Ederle took on an unthinkable challenge that would change the landscape of women’s sport forever.

Trudy started swimming competitively as a teenager becoming the youngest world record holder in the freestyle event before rising through the US ranks to qualify for the 1924 Olympics in Paris.

She won three medals at the Games including gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay before attempting to make history and become the first woman to swim the English Channel.

Gertrude 'Trudy' Ederle pictured before her attempt at swimming the English Channel

After being pulled out of the water during her first attempt, Trudy changed her coach and trained with Englishman Bill Burgess, one of five men to successfully swim the Channel at the time.

Trudy made sporting history a year later on her second attempt completing the swim in a time of 14 hours and 31 minutes, breaking the men’s record by almost two hours in a groundbreaking sporting moment.

New York City honoured her achievement in August 1926 with their first ticker-tape parade for a woman. It was the biggest parade for an athlete in New York as over two million people came out to cheer her success.

Now her story is being brought back to life in ‘Young Woman and the Sea’, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer with actress Daisy Ridley playing the role of Trudy in a powerful film that showcases overcoming challenges and prejudice to achieve something remarkable.

“A lot of women have been lost to history so being able to play one of those women is wonderful,” Ridley told Sky Sports News, as the Star Wars actress described how much she enjoyed the role of revealing Trudy’s story to the world.

“There is a wonderful message in there because we are honouring someone who is real and did something that she was told she couldn’t do.”

'Young Woman and the Sea' tells the extraordinary story of Gertrude 'Trudy' Ederle, the first ever woman to swim the English Channel available now on Disney+

Ridley herself only became aware of the story behind the film when the script was introduced to her based on Glenn Stout’s book and with the film now available to watch on Disney+, she told Sky Sports News of her disbelief that she and her colleagues had not heard of her before.

“People don’t know about her now and it was only 100 years ago which seems just bonkers.

“What she did was so monumental and at the time that she did it in, she probably changed women’s sport in a way that she could never have imagined.”

Daisy Ridley stars as Trudy Ederle in Disney's 'Young Woman and the Sea'

Ridley hopes that Trudy’s inspirational sporting story can positively impact society again and be a force of good for young people from any background to overcome adversity and follow their dreams.

“She did something women were fundamentally told they couldn’t do and the psychological barriers she broke when she did it allowed other people to think that it was possible,” Ridley said.

“Hopefully this film inspires everyone. If you’ve been told you can’t do it, if you’ve been told no, if you feel like your dream is unattainable but you want to try, just try.”

Gertrude Ederle enters the water with body greased and wearing goggles for the start of her record-breaking swim across the English Channel

With the Paris Olympics later this month, we will see a 50-50 split in male and female athletes for the first time in Olympic history which Ridley believes is a sign that we are moving in the right direction with gender equality in sport.

“We still have a long way to go in terms of equity in sport but we are getting there and with the Lionesses’ success in the past couple of years that’s started such a big conversation,” she said.

“The Olympics having 50-50 split is amazing and the fact is people love sport full stop so there should be room for everybody in that.”

Gertrude 'Trudy' Ederle during her attempt to become the first woman to swim the Channel

When Trudy faced struggles during her swimming career, she relied on the support of her sister Margaret [Meg] who initially got her into the sport and encouraged her to try longer distances before the Channel swim.

Ridley draws on this family bond as one of the most important themes in the story, allowing her to believe that she could achieve her dreams when women were seen as not physically capable of competing in male-dominated sports.

“When Tilda – who plays Meg – decides to get in the sea and race Trudy to keep up her spirits, there are such beautiful individual moments that people respond to,” she said.

“There was just such a support system around her and it is important to honour the people who helped her do it.”

Trudy showed perseverance and broke barriers after being told she was not strong enough to swim the Channel as she faced obstacles ahead of her second attempt, with the public perception that no woman could succeed where many men had failed.

Ridley believes this is a testament to Trudy’s resilience and spirit as she would not be discouraged despite everyone saying she couldn’t do it.

“When she attempts the swim for the second time she knew she was able to do it and that was what she wanted to do,” Ridley said.

“There were still going to be hurdles to overcome but that was her goal and she was going to reach it or die trying.”

Gertrude 'Trudy' Ederle became known by the press as 'Queen of the Waves' following her successful English Channel swim

After her historic swim, Trudy went on to star in movies and perform in vaudeville theatre shows before seriously injuring her back forcing her to retire from competitive swimming.

She suffered permanent hearing damage from her Channel swim but continued to inspire as she started teaching deaf children how to swim in New York City and shared her love of the sport with others who faced similar difficulties.

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Concerns grow over gambling addiction in the military

Post By Business Breaking News: Politics, business, business news, Entain PLC, politics, Retail industry, South Korea, Sports

In the wake of 9/11 on an American military base in South Korea, then-Army Staff Sergeant Dave Yeager sat down at a slot machine operated by the Defense Department and made what he now calls the biggest mistake a budding problem gambler can make: He won.

“All that stress, all that tension, all the things that I was carrying with me in that moment went away,” Yeager told CNBC.

What was supposed to be entertainment, a way for servicemembers to relax, instead for Yeager grew into a disorder that would cost him his career, his financial security and his family.

“It went from, I was have fun doing this, to, I have to do this. It became an obsession for me,” he said.

In his book, “Fall In: A Veteran with a Gambling Addiction,” Yeager wrote about how he borrowed from subordinates, stole from petty cash and left his family in a lurch financially. Such vulnerability in a servicemember affects individual readiness and potentially even national security, if enemies were to exploit it, he pointed out.

Dave Yeager got hooked on slot machines when he was deployed to South Korea. Today, he counsels others about gambling disorder.

CNBC

Yet, when Yeager said he confessed of that vulnerability to his commanders and his counselors, no one pointed the finger at his gambling, or helped him to help himself.

“The chaplain told me to go to bingo night on Sunday. That would give me something to do,” Yeager said. “And I’m like, ‘I think you’re missing the point here.'”

As of 2017, the Department of Defense operated more than 3,100 slot machines on U.S. military installations in a dozen foreign countries, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office. The machines produce more than $100 million annually in revenue and is seen as a morale booster for the welfare and recreation for servicemembers akin to activities like golf, libraries and other entertainment.

Overseas, servicemembers as young as 18 may be permitted to gamble.

Domestically, slot machines are prohibited on military bases, though casinos are frequently located nearby. There are seven local casinos located within 20 minutes from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, one of the country’s largest military installations.

In 2018, when a Supreme Court decision paved the way for states to legalize sports betting, the opportunities for wagering exploded. Now, more broadly, all but four states permit gambling in some form.

“All of a sudden, we started to see a lot of people with gambling problems calling and asking for some help, usually within a year or two from the time that it expanded,” said Heather Chapman, a clinical psychologist and director of the national gambling treatment program for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Diagnoses of pathological gambling disorders among servicemembers and veterans is soaring, with more patients receiving a diagnosis in the first half of 2024 as in all of 2022, according to VA research. Twenty percent of those referrals are women.

“It’s not terribly surprising, because with accessibility and availability increases, we tend to see a rise in unhealthy engagement,” said Dominick DePhilippis, deputy national mental health director for substance abuse disorders for the VA.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are resources that can help:

Servicemembers are more vulnerable than civilians to gambling disorders and may be hesitant to self-report, fearing they could lose their security clearance or to avoid the stigma attached to gambling problems, the VA research found.

Studies have found the prevalence of problem gambling and gambling disorder among veterans to be as high as 10.7% in some parts of the U.S., the department said, though those studies have been smaller and typically regional, which leads to a wide variance among results.

To address the growing concern, the VA operates two residential treatment facilities for gambling addiction and has a myriad partnerships with civilian facilities throughout the country, Chapman said.

“We are sort of the mecca of gambling treatment,” she said.

The VA began treating gambling disorders in the late 1960s, about nine years after Congress banned slot machines from domestic bases.

The Department of Defense declined CNBC’s request for an interview, but said in a statement there hasn’t been any systemwide increases in resources to address problem gambling. It said a Health Related Behavior survey from 2018 — before the boom in sports betting — indicated that rates of problem gambling among servicemembers of 1.6% to 1.7% was in line with the incidence in the civilian population.

“DoD researchers are aware of changes in gambling availability due to new mobile and sports gambling options and will consider these variables in future military gambling research,” a department spokesperson said in an email.

The military is conducting a new survey, with results expected in the fall, the spokesperson added

The Department of Defense operates slot machines on military bases abroad.

Courtesy: Brianne Doura-Schawohl

Servicemembers are now screened for gambling disorders every year during their health physical after a provision signed into the National Defense Authorization Act by then-President Trump. And the Department of Defense said that servicemembers with a gambling problem will not be penalized for obtaining treatment after being screened.

Policies around education are largely decided by individual commanders and vary widely from base to base.

Brianne Doura-Schawohl, the wife of a Coast Guard officer and a lobbyist for responsible gaming, wants the Defense Department to implement gambling education and treatment policies that apply across the entire military.

“These policy manuals need to be updated to address this addiction, the way they address things like alcohol. We need to be doing more to prevent and treat this disorder,” Doura-Schawohl said.

“I believe that the men and women who put on that uniform every day are willing to sacrifice it all. I think the least we can do is have the government tell them we’ve got your back,” she said.

Unlike U.S.-based casinos, the DOD is not required to provide educational materials or resources on how to get help for a gambling problem, according to a spokeswoman for the the National Council on Problem Gambling.

“NCPG believes that those who profit from gambling – including DOD – have an ethical and economic obligation to utilize some of those profits to mitigate gambling-related harm,” the organization said in a statement.

Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Steve Daines, R-Mont., introduced legislation in 2018 called the Gambling Addiction Prevention Act (GAP) that sought to require the Department of Defense to track gambling disorders as well as implement policies and programs to treat gambling problems among servicemembers. It failed to gain traction.

More recently, Rep. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., proposed an amendment to the most recent National Defense Authorization Act to curb all gambling on military bases, though it was not included in the final legislation.

“Our brave service men and women sacrifice everything to protect our nation and its freedoms. We must do all we can to support them by confronting problem gambling head on and ensuring this known addictive product is treated with the seriousness and precaution that we do with other addictions,” Tonko said in a statement to CNBC.

Around patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July, many casinos and sportsbooks send targeted promotions to servicemembers and veterans.

At Pahrump Nugget and Lakeside Casino in Nevada, Golden Casino Group offers “Military Mondays,” where veterans and active duty military can win free slot play just by swiping their card.

Some casinos offer veterans their own military-themed membership card based on their service. For example, Penn’s Heroes program offers rewards and promotions “for those that have given more.”

Caesars’ Rewards Salute Card “shows their appreciation” to active-duty military members and veterans by rewarding them with credits and free play offers, though the company said every rewards member is able to convert rewards into free play.

“We are not giving veterans easier access to or any additional free play offers,” a company spokeswoman said.

MGM Resorts has decided only to offer non-gambling promotions targeted to the military and veterans. It is also helping to fund clinical research about gambling disorders among the military community.

BetMGM, a joint venture with Entain that has a veteran heading up its responsible gambling initiatives, has opted not to target military members or veterans with any promotions.

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Paris Olympics: Phil Sesemann – the doctor turned marathon runner awaits ‘dream’ debut

Post By Sports athletics, Bolt, england, events, great britain, News, olympics, Sky, Sports, Team GB, Tokyo

Sky Sports spoke to Team GB marathon runner and former doctor Phil Sesemann, who has been on a remarkable journey to achieve his Olympic dream.

By Sam Boggon

Last Updated: 20/05/24 11:31am

When Phil Sesemann outsprinted Sir Mo Farah at the London Marathon in 2023, the junior doctor who combined his love for running with his NHS shifts knew he had a decision to make.

“I liked being a doctor but I wouldn’t say it was ever truly my passion, it was something that I was guided towards but it’s a really difficult job.” the Leeds-based runner told Sky Sports, having made the decision to solely focus on running.

“Fortunately, it got to the point where the running was going well enough that I felt it was worth going all in and giving it a shot.”

Now Sesemann is just a few short months away from competing at the Olympics in Paris. The gamble, clearly, paid off.

The former junior NHS doctor, 31, started his running career on the track competing for Blackheath and Bromley Athletic Club from 2010 to 2020 before making the transition to marathon distance, finding more passion and excitement for the road.

“My coach always saw some potential in it and I found that I was enjoying running longer distances and training weeks in terms of volume.

“That was what motivated and excited me rather than just short distances and speed work on the track.”

Kipchoge and Haile are the names of two of the greatest long-distance runners of all time, but for Sesemann they are his canine training partners who became a key part of his marathon preparation when at home in Leeds.

Phil Sesemann reveals the inspiration behind naming his dogs after long-distance running greats ‘Haile’ Gebrselassie and Eluid ‘Kipchoge’

“I was always going to have running dogs after never having dogs when I was growing up, and Kipchoge shortens to ‘Kip’ quite nicely which got the name over the line with my girlfriend,” he said.

“I am quite fortunate to have the two dogs when going out training on my own to take with me and keep me entertained, which helps me balance the seriousness of training with a laid back attitude.”

The balance of training with animals and humans allowed Sesemann to see running as his passion instead of a job, and helped him prepare for his marathon debut which he made in London in 2021.

Phil Sesemann crosses the finish line during the Virgin Money London Marathon in 2021

This was the first step on his journey to the Paris Olympics, and he marked his 29th birthday in style by finishing seventh as the first Brit over the finish line.

Two years later on the same course, he would catapult himself into the public eye outkicking Sir Mo Farah on his final marathon appearance in an epic sprint finish to the line. “It definitely was a race I went into with a lot of nerves because I knew training had gone well, but in recent races I had not shown great form,” he said.

Team GB marathon runner Phil Sesemann says outkicking Sir Mo Farah in a sprint finish at the London Marathon in 2023 was quite a moment for him and a big step up in performance

“I chased him down for the final few miles and then overhauling him in the final straight was obviously a big highlight for me.”

The realisation that he could compete with the best after defeating an Olympic great in that way convinced Sesemann to ultimately give up his medical licence a few months later so he could put his full attention into racing and training.

“It was definitely stressful mentally making that decision,” he said. “But it has been a massive relief and I haven’t looked back and questioned whether it was the right thing to do.”

Phil Sesemann competing against Sir Mo Farah at the 2023 edition of the Big Half in London

Now the possibility of qualifying for his first Olympics was at the forefront of his mind and the Valencia Marathon in December provided him with the first opportunity to do so.

Sesemann ran a personal best of 2:08:48 along the fast streets of Spain becoming the eighth quickest Brit of all time, but still finished just 38 seconds outside of the Olympic qualifying time required.

Focused on his next opportunity, a month of altitude training in Kenya was the next step as he looked to find that extra bit of performance but feelings of self doubt were starting to kick in.

Phil Sesemann training at altitude in Kenya as he prepares for the Seville Marathon

“My coach and training partners constantly reminded me how close I have been and that the altitude training would take me over the line and get me to Paris,” Sesemann reflects.

The Seville Marathon on February 18, a date that will live long in the memory of Sesemann as he faced his last chance to qualify for the Olympics.

Three months after the heartbreak of Valencia and 10 months of pushing his body to the absolute limit later, he crossed the line in 2:08:04 – finishing six seconds inside the qualifying time. His lifelong dream of becoming an Olympian had finally been achieved.

“It’s really difficult to actually describe it and I know that sounds cliché but I almost immediately fell onto the floor and felt quite emotional,” he said.

“I worked really hard and took some risks that paid off so to qualify and to represent Great Britain knowing how proud my family and friends are is huge for me.”

Phil Sesemann reminisces on the ‘overwhelming’ feeling of crossing the finish line at the Seville Marathon and realising he had qualified for his first Olympics in Paris

Paris is now on the horizon as he prepares for his Olympic debut and biggest race yet with the knowledge that all the hard work and mental challenges he faced along the way were worth it.

“I’m looking forward to just being on that start line and soaking that all in knowing that I prepared as best as I possibly can and I actually belong here.

“There is definitely some kind of fear thinking of the big hills and heat in Paris but also looking at that as an opportunity to be better prepared and finish quite a lot higher up than my ranking suggests that I will do.”

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Champions Cup: Marcus Smith stars as Harlequins thrash Cardiff, Exeter progress but Sale and Bristol lose

Post By Sports Airon, Bath, Biarritz, Cardiff Blues, Castres, Clearmont, Dragos, Edinburgh, Fixtures, Glasgow, Investec Champions Cup, Irish, Leinster, London, Munster, News, Northampton, Ospreys, Perpignan, photos, racing, Results, Rugby, Saracens, Scarlets, Sky, Sports, Toulouse, Treviso, Ulster, Union, Wasps

Harlequins’ Nick David in action against Cardiff

Harlequins took a giant stride towards progressing to the knockout stages of
the Champions Cup with a bonus-point victory over Cardiff in a thrilling game at
a sold-out Arms Park.

Cardiff competed fiercely in the first half hour but were then out-gunned by some exhilarating play from the visitors, who ran in eight tries in the 54-15 win.

Jack Walker, Will Evans, Andre Esterhuizen, Will Beard, Dillon Lewis, Fin Baxter, Tyrone Green and Marcus Smith all touched down for Quins.

England fly-half Smith converted seven of the tries in a personal points tally of 19.

Thomas Young scored two tries for Cardiff, with Tinus de Beer adding a penalty and a conversion.

Smith led out Quins on his 150th appearance for the club, but they were soon behind when De Beer kicked a fourth-minute penalty.

Early ferocity from Cardiff rattled their opponents and it resulted in a try for the Welsh region. Quins failed to deal with a well-judged cross-field kick from De Beer, with lock Seb Davies knocking the ball into the path of Young who raced 40 metres to the line.

Quins soon responded with a try from Walker after an unstoppable line-out drive, before Cardiff made two mistakes in quick succession to give the Londoners another attacking platform.

Willis Halaholo knocked on before De Beer lost substantial ground by kicking straight into touch. As a result, the visitors were able to win a penalty but they turned down a simple kick at goal in favour of more attacking options, however, it proved the wrong call.

The hosts suffered an injury blow when young full-back Cam Winnett was led off and failed an HIA, but they still led 8-7 at the end of a compelling first quarter.

Cardiff then produced a stunning second try. On the halfway line, they cleverly created for Harri Millard to make ground down the right flank before Tomos Williams was on hand to provide Young with his second try.

The English outfit reacted swiftly to score a try of equal merit. Quick hands and excellent ball-retention sucked in the defence leaving Esterhuizen with a 30-metre run-in.

The entertainment was now breathtaking as Quins looked in desperate trouble on their own line, but somehow Smith conjured up a gap to send Will Evans racing to near halfway. With men in support, Evans chose to kick as Tomos Williams was able to dash back and save the day.

However, Quins were not to be denied as a strong from Nick David set up a try for Evans before more incredible handling saw Beard just hold off a cover tackle from Mason Grady for the bonus point and a 28-15 half-time lead.

Within four minutes of the restart, Quins had another when Care gave Smith a walk-in try after the Cardiff defence was torn to shreds.

With Quins firmly in control, the action slowed but the visitors were still able to emphasise their superiority with late tries from front-rowers Lewis and Baxter before Green took his side past the 50-point mark.

Leinster and Exeter progress to knock-outs but costly defeats for Sale, Bristol

Leinster continued their 100 per cent start in the Champions Cup with a crushing victory over Stade Francais on Saturday.

Pool Four rivals Sale still have work to do to join them in the last 16, however, after going down to a bonus-point defeat against Stormers in South Africa.

Leinster were highly impressive as they ran in seven tries in an emphatic 43-7 win at the Aviva Stadium.

James Lowe began the rout after 17 minutes and Josh van der Flier and Dan Sheehan added further scores before the break.

Jordan Larmour and Caelan Doris then claimed two apiece after the break with Stade Francais limited to a late consolation from Joris Segonds.

Sale were edged out by four tries to three as they suffered a 31-24 loss in Cape Town.

Tries from Hacjivah Dayimani and Suleiman Hartzenberg gave Stormers an early advantage and, with Leolin Zas later scoring two, the hosts were able to stay ahead despite replies from Jonny Hill, Agustin Creevy and Sam Bedlow.

Bedlow was sin-binned in a dramatic ending but the Sharks clung on for their bonus point as Manie Libbok, who had earlier kicked 11 points, missed the resulting penalty.

Henry Slade’s late touchline conversion of Zack Wimbush’s try secured Exeter a 19-17 victory over Glasgow which sealed their place in the knockout stages.

The Chiefs could have lost in a dramatic end to the match, though, as Glasgow secured a five-metre scrum from the restart.

It was Exeter’s put-in but the ball ran loose for replacement Euan Ferrie to crash over but TMO replays showed he had broken from the scrum early and the try was disallowed.

Also in Pool Three, Munster boosted their hopes of reaching the next phase with a 29-18 triumph at Toulon.

The Irish province trailed 10-0 early on but recovered to lead 17-13 at the break and then powered on to their first victory in this season’s competition with tries from Tom Ahern and Calvin Nash.

Alex Nankivell and Simon Zebo had crossed in the first half in response to Duncan Paia’aua’s early score while Jack Crowley landed three conversions and a penalty.

In Pool One, Bristol‘s hopes of reaching the knockout stages were dealt a major setback as South African challengers the Bulls beat them 31-17 at Ashton Gate.

The west country club must now beat Connacht in Galway to have even an outside chance of making the last 16, but they are still likely to be reliant on results elsewhere.

Bristol Bears' Gabriel Ibitoye (left) is tackled by Vodacom Bulls' Khutha Mchunu

Bristol were overpowered by a physical, unrelenting Bulls team, conceding tries to wing Sergeal Petersen, prop Khutha Mchunu, flanker Elrigh Louw and hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels, with fly-half Johan Goosen kicking three conversions and a penalty, and centre David Kriel landing one conversion.

Bulls’ bonus-point triumph owed everything to their overwhelming scrummaging superiority, with Bristol restricted to tries from scrum-half Kieran Marmion, wing Gabriel Ibitoye and number eight Magnus Bradbury, plus one AJ MacGinty conversion.

The Gallagher Premiership side could have no complaints, while the Bulls underlined credentials as a force in the 24-team competition.

Connacht slipped to their third successive defeat as they were beaten 34-20 in their Pool One encounter at Lyon.

Sean Jansen stunned the hosts with an early try but the French side hit back through Thaakir Abrahams and Alexandre Tchaptchet.

Cian Prendergast and Tadgh McElroy touched down to keep Connacht in contention but, with 12 points from the boot of Paddy Jackson and further tries from Mickael Guillard and Abrahams, Lyon had enough.

Ulster‘s hopes of going through remain in the balance after they were overpowered 48-24 by Pool Two leaders Toulouse.

Antoine Dupont was in inspired form, scoring two of his side’s seven tries and having a hand in a number of others as the French side secured their spot in the last 16.

Peato Mauvaka also touched down twice after Matthis Lebel had opened the scoring. Alexandre Roumat added another in a dominant first hour.

Tom Stewart, Will Addison and Nick Timoney restored some respectability to the scoreline for Ulster but Emmanuel Meafou put the seal on Toulouse’s performance.Thomas Ramos weighed in with 11 points.

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World Darts Championship: Luke Littler’s dreams ended by Luke Humphries in sensational final

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Luke Littler defeated 7-4 by world No 1 Luke Humphries in final; Premier League Darts returns to Sky Sports on Thursday February 1 as Cardiff kicks off the 17-week extravaganza all the way through to the Play-Offs on Thursday May 23 at London’s O2

By Raz Mirza at Alexandra Palace, London

Last Updated: 03/01/24 10:51pm

Humphries hits the winning darts to defeat Luke Littler 7-4 in the World Darts Championship final

Luke Littler’s World Darts Championship dreams were finally ended by world No 1 Luke Humphries in a sensational final at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday night.

Humphries fought back from 4-2 down to win five consecutive sets and win his maiden world title 7-4 to make it four major victories in a row following his success at the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, and Players Championship Finals in recent months.

“I’ll draw a lot from this and this will be a moment that will never be forgotten,” Humphries told Sky Sports. “I don’t want to say that I’ve completed darts but everything that you want on the resume I’ve done now, so now it’s now about motivating yourself to do more and more.

World Darts Championship Final

Luke Humphries

7-4

Luke Littler

Humphries said he couldn’t ask for more after claiming the World Darts Championship title

Littler said: “It has been unbelievable. The one negative was I lost too many legs with my throw so Luke could break me.

“That was the only negative, I just couldn’t hold my own throw and I didn’t win. Every game has been good but that one has just really annoyed me, especially the three missed to keep it going.

“That’s what the crowd wanted but fair play to Luke, he deserves it.”

Humphries started the better by capitalising on a slow start from Littler to take the opening set 3-1 with a 99.2 average despite eight missed darts at doubles.

It didn’t take ‘The Nuke’ long to discover his best in the second set, coming from 2-1 down by producing two 12-dart legs with the aid of a spectacular 142 checkout and a ‘Shanghai’ 120 finish.

Littler hit a 142 and a 120 checkouts to win the second set

The third set also went the distance with ‘Cool Hand’ edging it from 2-0 down to regain the upper hand with a 116 checkout to take it, but the Warrington teenage sensation struck back to secure the fourth set 3-1 and restore parity with a 99 average and an impressive 47 per cent on the doubles.

It was 2-2 in sets and 9-9 in legs with nothing to separate the two players.

Littler nailed this 122 checkout to the despair of Humphries

For the first time in the match, the player who started the set won it after nine break of throws in 22 legs, with World Youth Champion Littler going ahead for the first time in the match before wrapping up the fifth set, averaging a ton.

The new world No 1 found himself under pressure here as Littler made it nine legs from the last 11 to open up a two-set advantage at 4-2.

Humphries reeled in his second 170 finish in a matter of days in a seventh set which was full of carnage.

Humphries took out ‘The Big Fish’ in the final

Littler responded with a third ton-plus finish of the final – a 122 checkout – which Wayne Mardle described as “spiteful, dirty, nasty!” in the commentary box, before Humphries survived a set dart before sealing it on double 14 to reduce the deficit.

And Humphries piled in a classy 121 checkout on the bull to make it back-to-back sets to get back on level terms with a 114.17 set average but it also coincided with Littler slightly dropping off.

Humphries took out this 121 checkout in a sensational final

The 28-year-old Newbury thrower threw back-to-back 108 checkouts to lead 2-0 in the ninth set and although the teenager battled back to level up, a 180 to start the set and a 36 checkout enabled Humphries to win the leg and set in 11 darts.

Humphries pinned back-to-back 108 checkouts

A relentless Humphries made it four sets on the spin as he took full control of the final to go within a set of the title, despite Littler reeling in a ‘Big Fish’ of his own.

However, it was ‘Cool Hand’ who got his hands on the Sid Waddell Trophy to become the 12th different PDC World Champion after pinning double 8 in the 11th set.

Talking about Littler, Humphries said: “I’m not just saying this because it will please everyone, but Luke has been an unbelievable talent.

“Not just about the dartboard, he has been fantastic with all the media that has come about with him and he took the defeat so well.

“He said go on and celebrate. You will never see another down-to-earth 16-year-old kid like him who is just something else.

“I really hope he’s in the Premier League because, if he don’t want to play in it fair enough, but I think he’d be a pleasure to play alongside this year.

“He’s one of the best players in the world, there is no doubt about that.”

Littler nailed his own 170 checkout in an incredible final

Social media reaction to Humphries win…

Premier League Darts returns to Sky Sports on Thursday February 1 as Cardiff kicks off the 17-week extravaganza all the way through to the Play-Offs on Thursday May 23. Stream Sky Sports Darts without a contract through NOW

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Luke Littler reaches World Darts Championship final after beating Rob Cross at Alexandra Palace

Luke Littler, 16, moves one win away from Alexandra Palace glory after crushing Rob Cross 6-2 in semi-finals; Littler will face Luke Humphries in final; We’re back at 7.30pm on Wednesday for the World Darts Championship final – live on Sky Sports Darts

By Raz Mirza at Alexandra Palace, London

Last Updated: 03/01/24 12:15am

Luke Littler defeated 2018 champion Rob Cross to reach the World Darts Championship final

Teenager Luke Littler made it through to the World Darts Championship final after crushing Rob Cross to go within one match of a remarkable maiden title at Alexandra Palace.

Littler averaged 106.05, hitting 16 maximums and ton-plus finishes of 149, 142 and 132 en route to a magnificent 6-2 victory against 2018 winner Cross at the age of 16.

He will face another in-form player in Luke Humphries, who hit top gear to whitewash Scott Williams 6-0 in the second semi-final to become the new world No 1 and stretch his unbeaten run to 18 matches.

“No words! Crazy to think I’m in a World Championship final in my debut,” Littler told Sky Sports. “I was happy winning one game but I could go all the way!

“You’re playing Rob, he’s a world champion and won on debut. Rob told me ‘God bless, you’re a step away, do it’.

“I’ve just settled on the stage. It took me a few legs to settle in the game and once I found that rhythm I was good to go.”

World Darts Championship Semi-Finals Results

Rob Cross	2-6	Luke Littler
Scott Williams	vs	Luke Humphries

Littler was greeted by the Warrington Wolves’ mascot during an electrifying walk-on, but it was Cross who stormed out of the blocks and edged a quality set in a deciding leg with a 108.6 average.

It was the first time Littler had lost the first set in the tournament.

Littler showed no signs of nerves as he took out this majestic 142 checkout

The teenager recovered from 2-1 down in the next set and a crucial 74 checkout in the deciding leg saw him draw level with a 101 average and four 180s.

Cross, the 2018 champion, appeared flummoxed by Littler’s incredible accuracy on the treble 20 bed and it wasn’t long before the 16-year-old moved ahead by cracking in a stunning 142 checkout before hitting the front with a 101.6 average.

The teenager nails an incredible 147 finish during his semi-final with Cross

Littler opened the fourth set with an 11-darter and he then struck with a mammoth 149 on double 16 to move 2-1 up in legs.

‘Voltage’ levelled and he then hit six perfect darts in the next leg, but it was the world youth champion who extended his lead with a magnificent 11-darter to move 3-1 ahead averaging 103.8 with nine 180s and 65 per cent on the doubles.

What an extraordinary leg! Cross nearly hits a nine but Littler wins it in 11 darts

Cross, who made a remarkable comeback from 4-0 down to beat Chris Dobey 5-4 in their quarter-final on Monday, pinned an unorthodox 138 checkout in the second leg of the fifth set.

Littler missed one set dart at tops to extend his lead, allowing former electrician Cross to pounce and close the gap to 3-2 in sets.

‘The Nuke’ wrapped up the sixth set 3-1 with a 107 average compared to Cross’ 91.58 to restore a two-set cushion with 14 maximums.

Littler had one foot in the final after closing out the seventh set by the same scoreline, averaging 110.55 for sets six and seven.

Littler was running riot at Ally Pally and he produced this outrageous 132 finish in the eighth set on his way to victory

The teen star was showboating by now and he raised the roof with a 132 checkout by using the bullseye on his way to Wednesday’s final against three-time major champion Luke Humphries or Scott Williams.

Looking ahead to the final, Littler added: “I’ll do what I’ve been doing. In the morning, go for a ham and cheese omelette, then come here have a pizza and then practice. That’s what I’ve done every day.”

Littler got better the longer the match went on. In the last three sets (13 legs) he averaged 112.62

106.05 match average

12x 180s

47% doubles

Humphries produced a statement victory against ‘Shaggy’ Williams with a 108.74 average, 14 180s, a breath-taking display on the doubles and a sensational six ton-plus finishes.

“It was amazing. I would never have imagined myself to be the world No 1. That is a special feeling. And to do it in style,” said a delighted Humphries.

“I’m really pleased with that performance. But, world No 1 can last for a couple months, World Champion is forever so I’ve got a really tough task tomorrow against Luke.”

Luke Humphries is in scary form after he hit six-ton-plus finishes in his demolition against Scott Williams

Live World Darts Championship

January 3, 2024, 7:30pm

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How social media reacted to Littler’s win…

The sport’s biggest event sees the final two players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday night. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.

Watch the World Darts Championship final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. Stream Sky Sports Darts without a contract through NOW

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World Darts Championship: Michael van Gerwen suffers shock exit to Scott Williams in quarter-finals

A look back the best of the action from the evening session of the World Darts Championship quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace

Michael van Gerwen’s hopes of a fourth World Darts Championship title were dashed in stunning fashion by Scott Williams at the quarter-final stage on New Year’s Day.

Williams pulled off a sensational 5-3 scalp of Van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace, punishing 27 missed darts at doubles from the three-time champion to set up a meeting with Luke Humphries.

World Darts Championship: New Year’s Day Evening Results

Michael van Gerwen	3-5	Scott Williams
Luke Humphries	5-1	Dave Chisnall

Rob Cross, only former PDC world champion left and in the semi-finals for the first time since winning the title on debut

Luke Littler, 16 years old, in the semi-finals on his debut

Scott Williams in his first major semi-final

Luke Humphries, the pre-tournament favourite, into his first Ally Pally semi-final

Seasonal prize money prior to the World Championship: £32,750

Minimum prize money at the World Championship: £100,000

Scott Williams is in to the semi-finals and the world’s top 32

Scott Williams produced one of the biggest shocks in World Darts Championship history by beating Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals

Williams came charging out of the blocks by winning the opening set in straight legs, but ‘Mighty Mike’ took out 81 for back-to-back 11-darters to close out the second set 3-1 with a set average of 116.71 despite missing 12 darts at double.

Van Gerwen took out a magnificent 121 checkout before pinning double 16 to seize the initiative in the third set.

Van Gerwen hits this magnificent 121 finish during his quarter-final clash against Williams

However, the Dutchman threw in a stinker of a set, averaging just 78, and Williams railroaded it 3-0 to get back on level terms at 2-2.

Van Gerwen appeared to have fallen off a cliff when Lincolnshire showman Williams made it six legs on the spin to lead 3-2, but the three-time World Champion soon restored parity in three consecutive legs to stop the rot.

‘Shaggy’ punished more crucial mistakes from the world No 2 to seal the seventh set 3-1 and go within one of a sensational victory before taking the eighth 3-1 to secure a last-four meeting with either Luke Humphries or Dave Chisnall.

Williams said he probably should have beaten Van Gerwen a bit easier after knocking out the pre-tournament favourite

“I just knocked the best player in the world out,” Williams told Sky Sports.

“He wasn’t the Michael van Gerwen we’ve seen over the last couple of games but that’s not my problem.

“I hit the doubles and probably should have won it a little bit easier. I’m absolutely loving it up there. I love a crowd.”

Wayne Wardle was surprised at how ‘erratic’ Van Gerwen was during his loss

Wayne Mardle called Williams’ win a “massive shock”, but also admitted he did a “number” on the Dutch ace.

“Michael van Gerwen normally loses to someone who is a big hitter already, a world champion or a major champion,” ‘Hawaii 501’ said.

“Scott Williams did a number on him. He was there to clean up when he had to clean up and he held it together so well.

“Even Luke Littler and Rob Cross are giving it… ‘WHAT!?’ What an opportunity for everyone left in the tournament.”

Michael van Gerwen missed 30 doubles in his first three games. He missed 27 against Scott Williams

52.4 per cent (33/63) – First 3 games

29.0 per cent (11/38) – vs Williams

Luke Humphries made it through to the semi-finals with this magical 117 checkout

Williams will take on Humphries in the semi-finals after ‘Cool Hand’ thrashed Dave Chisnall 5-1 with a 103.50 average, a dozen 180s, 40 per cent on the doubles and a high checkout of 164.

The World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship winner made it 17 victories in a row to break new ground at Ally Pally.

“It felt strange to be the frontrunner for once,” said Humphries. “I have been used to a lot of comebacks for the last few days and it has just been nice to be me.

“It was nice to be in front and keep pushing hard and I didn’t relent. Chizzy played really well, he made it really tough for me.

“I haven’t been myself in the first couple of games. Tonight, we saw the form I have been showing in the last few majors.

“I played as well as I needed to.”

Humphries thinks the Worlds is wide open after Van Gerwen’s exit to Williams

How Littler set up Cross semi-final…

A look back the best of the action from the afternoon session of the World Darts Championship quarter-finals

World Darts Championship: New Year’s Day Afternoon Results

Rob Cross	5-4	Chris Dobey
Luke Littler	5-1	Brendan Dolan

In the afternoon, Luke Littler’s amazing Alexandra Palace journey continued after he became the youngest semi-finalist ever after he beat Brendan Dolan 5-1 in the quarter-final.

‘The History Maker’ Dolan had beaten former World Champions Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson but could not compete with Littler, who finished with an average of 101.93 to thrill his adoring fans inside Ally Pally.

All the best moments from Luke Littler in his quarter-final clash against Brendon Dolan

“It feels unbelievable. I would never have thought I would have got to the semis on my debut year,” he said.

“Brendan was just another opponent in my way and I have brushed him aside and now I am into the semi-final.

“It’s going to take a lot to stop me, based on my performances so far. But it is about whatever Luke Littler turns up.

“I have got the ability to go all the way, if it’s not to be tomorrow night, it’s not to be.

“I know I have got a good chance and I have got a good feeling I could go all the way tomorrow.”

Littler believes he is one of the best in the game at board management and he’s thinking about lifting the title

He will meet Rob Cross for a spot in the final after ‘Voltage’ looked dead and buried when he was 4-0 down after barely 45 minutes as Chris Dobey played one of the matches of his life.

However, the off-stage break worked wonders for Cross as the former electrician sparked into life.

He reeled off four sets of his own and then took out 130 to seal a remarkable win but he will have to improve if he is stop the Littler train.

“Everyone loves an underdog story,” he said. “As the public and people looking at the game, everyone loves an underdog story.

“I am not being rude, I am on his side, I love an underdog story.

“It took a bit of pressure off me winning it first time as well.

“He’s fantastic and he deserves all the luck in the world, he is a nice young boy. Tomorrow we play darts, though, and I have to go down to business.”

Cross came back from 4-0 down to Chris Dobey to complete a ‘darting miracle!’

The teenager was taking selfies after beating Brendan Dolan

What’s happening on semi-finals night at the World Darts Championship?

Luke Littler returns to the Ally Pally stage when he aims for a spot in the World Championship final

Littler will take on 2018 winner Cross in the first semi-final having already proven he is ready to compete on the biggest stage after taking out UK Open winner Andrew Gilding and his hero Raymond van Barneveld on his way to the last eight and he maintained that form against Dolan on New Year’s Day.

Cross produced one of the most memorable Alexandra Palace comebacks having gone 4-0 to Chris Dobey before reeling off four sets of his own and then taking out 130 to seal a famous win.

Live World Darts Championship

January 1, 2024, 7:00pm

Live on

Luke Humphries will face Scott Williams in the second semi-final on Tuesday

Having knocked out three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen, ‘Shaggy’ Scott Williams will take on ‘Cool Hand’ Luke Humphries as he continues his quest for a maiden Ally Pally title.

Humphries came into the tournament as the favourite after winning three of the last four majors but had endured a bumpy ride to the last eight, surviving a sudden death leg against Joe Cullen in the last round.

But he was back to his best in his quarter-final, dispatching Dave Chisnall 5-1.

The sport’s biggest event sees the remaining players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.

Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. Stream Sky Sports Darts without a contract through NOW

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World Darts Championship: Michael Smith is dethroned by Chris Dobey as Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson win

Michael Smith dethroned by Chris Dobey as Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson both win; The World Darts Championship runs all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – we’re back on Saturday at 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports Darts

By Raz Mirza at Alexandra Palace, London

Last Updated: 30/12/23 1:00am

A look back the best of the action from the evening session of Day 12 of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace

Michael Smith’s reign as World Darts Champion came to an end with an emphatic 4-0 whitewash at the hands of Chris Dobey on Friday night at Alexandra Palace.

Smith, who claimed the Sid Waddell Trophy for the first time in January, was humbled by ‘Hollywood’ with a 102.5 average and three ton-plus checkouts to claim a huge win.

World Darts Championship: Friday Evening Results

Boris Krcmar	1-4	Gary Anderson (R3)
Michael van Gerwen	4-0	Stephen Bunting (R4)
Michael Smith	0-4	Chris Dobey (R4)

Dobey dumped out Smith after producing an exceptional performance on the Ally Pally stage

Dobey signalled his intent with a stunning 130 checkout to kick off proceedings, and after wrapping up set one, he doubled his lead after Smith missed a dart at tops to level the contest.

The Bedlington star then moved a set away from glory with clinical 100 and 87 combinations, before Smith struck back with a magnificent 140 finish to open set four.

However, Dobey was unfazed, following up a 14-dart break with back-to-back 12-darters to cap off another imperious display.

Watch all Dobey’s ton-plus finishes from his superb win over Smith

“Michael is a great lad. I’ve got all the time in the world for him, but there could only be one winner and I’m pleased it was my night tonight,” said Dobey.

“I don’t think anybody underestimates me; they know what I can do. I’ve been pretty consistent in this competition, and I’m going all out. I want to be the champion.”

Michael van Gerwen was in bullish mood ahead of his quarter-final clash against either Scott Williams or Damon Heta after thumping Stephen Bunting

Three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen whitewashed Stephen Bunting 4-0 with a 99.8 average and nine 180s to become the first man through to the quarter-finals.

The Dutchman has won all 11 sets he played so far in the tournament and 33 out of 45 legs with Damon Heta or Scott Williams set to challenge him in the quarter-finals next.

“There was definitely fire in the belly. We all know what Stephen Bunting can do. You have to show your best game,” said Van Gerwen.

It wasn’t vintage, but Gary Anderson ddid more than enough to defeat Boris Krcmar and make the last 16 of the Worlds

Two-time World Champion Gary Anderson put on a convincing display as the Scot proved too strong for Boris Krcmar with a 4-1 demolition job.

‘The Flying Scotsman’ put on the afterburners after losing the first set by winning 12 out of next 16 legs with a 99.3 average and nine 180s to set up a meeting against Brendan Dolan.

“When Boris won the first set I thought this was going to be a struggle,” admitted the 53-year-old.

“I got it back to 1-1 and the next two sets, the third set was tight but fourth set comfortable. The last set, I kind of had him.”

World Darts Championship: Friday Afternoon Results

Damon Heta	4-3	Berry van Peer (R3)
Jonny Clayton	4-2	Krzysztof Ratajski (R3)
Jim Williams	1-4	Raymond van Barneveld (R3)

Raymond van Barneveld says he’s not worried about facing anyone including Luke Littler and believes he has the form to beat him

Raymond van Barneveld set up a mouth-watering clash with teenage sensation Luke Littler after fighting through to the last 16 of the Worlds.

Van Barneveld was far from at his best but still beat Jim Williams 4-1 to secure a Saturday clash with 16-year-old Littler, who was born 21 days after the Dutchman won the most recent of his five world titles in 2007.

Van Barneveld told Sky Sports: “I will love to play Luke Littler. When I was 16 I was playing with Lego and Playmobile, we didn’t have the internet or whatever.

“This guy is amazing, and I am looking forward so much to that game. He is a quality player and I can’t wait to meet him tomorrow night.”

Ahead of their last-16 meeting at the Alexandra Palace, Littler proves he’s always been a fan of Van Barneveld! Credit:@LukeTheNuke180

Littler, the world youth champion, is the youngest player to reach the last 16 after reeling off three impressive victories, including averaging over 106 in his first round win over Christian Kist.

Jonny Clayton joined Van Barneveld in the last 16 as he saw off Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski 4-2, while Australia’s Damon Heta edged to a 4-3 win over Dutchman Berry van Peer.

Damon Heta sealed a stunning 4-3 victory over Berry van Peer by taking out this epic 151 checkout

What’s happening on Saturday at the World Darts Championship?

Raymond van Barneveld says he’s not worried about facing anyone including Luke Littler and believes he has the form to beat him

The fourth round will conclude with Scott Williams and Dave Chisnall in action, while 2018 World Champion Rob Cross takes on ‘The Ferret’ Jonny Clayton.

Live World Darts Championship

December 30, 2023, 12:30pm

Live on

World Darts Championship: Saturday Afternoon Fixtures

Scott Williams	vs	Damon Heta
Daryl Gurney	vs	Dave Chisnall
Rob Cross	vs	Jonny Clayton

On Saturday evening, five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld faces teenage sensation Luke Littler with Luke Humphries up against ‘The Rockstar’ Joe Cullen.

The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final take place from January 1-3.

Live World Darts Championship

December 30, 2023, 7:30pm

Live on

World Darts Championship: Saturday Evening Fixtures

Brendan Dolan	vs	Gary Anderson
Raymond van Barneveld	vs	Luke Littler
Luke Humphries	vs	Joe Cullen

Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months

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World Darts Championship: Nathan Aspinall and Josh Rock suffer shock early exits at Alexandra Palace

Ricky Evans stuns Nathan Aspinall, while Josh Rock is knocked out by Berry van Peer; the World Darts Championship runs all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – we’re back on Wednesday 27 at 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports Darts

By Raz Mirza at Alexandra Palace, London

Last Updated: 23/12/23 11:07pm

Ricky Evans stunned World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall at the World Darts Championship

Ricky Evans produced the upset of the World Darts Championship by crushing World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall in straight sets on Saturday night.

Evans averaged close to 100 in annihilating Aspinall 3-0, while Josh Rock saw his hopes go up in smoke as the youngster suffered a shock second-round exit to Dutch debutant Berry van Peer.

World Darts Championship: Saturday Evening Results

Ryan Searle	3-1	Tomoya Goto (R2)
Josh Rock	1-3	Berry van Peer (R2)
Stephen Bunting	3-0	Ryan Joyce (R2)
Nathan Aspinall	0-3	Ricky Evans (R2)

Evans got the Ally Pally crowd into the festive spirit by walking on with the Christmas hit ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ by Shakin’ Stevens

Aspinall became the 11th seeded player to exit the Worlds at the hands of ‘Rapid’ Ricky.

Following his traditional festive walk-on, Evans secured the first break of throw for a 2-1 lead, and he pinned double 10 to seal an impressive opening set before storming to a sixth leg on the spin to double his lead with a 104 checkout to leave Aspinall on the brink of an early exit.

Evans ended up losing just two legs in the contest, and averaged 99.38 with a 60 per cent checkout success to go through.

Berry van Peer stunned Josh Rock in the second round of the World Darts Championship

Former world youth champion, Rock, went down 3-1 to the world No 107 Van Peer.

Rock was punished for six missed darts at doubles as Van Peer clinched the first set 3-1 despite an average of 84.

The Northern Ireland thrower then fired in a 107 checkout to force a second set decider, but Van Peer replied with a sensational 121 for a 12-darter to move within a set of a major upset.

Van Peer landed this epic 121 checkout en route to a famous victory against Rock

However, 22-year-old Rock showed pure class to produce finishes of 101, 112 and 82 with Van Peer failing to land two match darts in the third set decider to halve the deficit.

But the debutant, who has racked up four Challenge Tour titles over the last 12 months, set up a clash with Damon Heta by taking out 48 to finish off 23rd seed Rock and continue his dream run.

Bunting praises the crowd after crushing Ryan Joyce 3-0 in a stunning performance

Stephen Bunting put on a show with a magnificent 107.28 average – the highest of the tournament – five maximums and 9/19 on the doubles as he put Ryan Joyce to the sword in a whitewash victory.

“I’m so happy to play like that and show my potential,” said the former Lakeside champion, who faces German Florian Hempel next. “I’ve come here with a lot of confidence from my last two events, but I’ve played nowhere near like that.

“I’m a bit speechless, but I can enjoy Christmas now, go home, regroup and get ready for the next game.”

Stephen Bunting conducted the crowd during his entrance song ‘Titanium’ by David Guetta feat. Sia

Luke Littler’s 106.12 was the 30th highest average ever at the PDC World Championship when he hit it the other night.

Bunting has just averaged 107.28 – the 23rd highest.

It beats Jamie Lewis’ titanic effort when he blitzed Peter Wright 4-1 in the 2018 event by 0.01 .

— Dan Dawson (@DanDartsDawson) December 23, 2023

Ryan Searle overcame Tomoyo Goto 3-1 as he set up a mouth-watering meeting with Joe Cullen

Ryan Searle set up an intriguing meeting with Joe Cullen after making it through to the last 32 for the sixth year running.

‘Heavy Metal’ hammered in four 180s and a spectacular ‘Shanghai’ 120 finish in his 3-1 victory against a gutsy Tomoyo Goto from Japan.

“I got there in the end. I was throwing back stage and thought I was going to come out and break some records…but it didn’t quite happen,” revealed Searle. “I got over the line, can enjoy my Christmas now, and I’ll be back.”

World Darts Championship: Saturday Afternoon Results

Kim Huybrechts	0-3	Richard Veenstra (R2)
Callan Rydz	2-3	Ricardo Pietreczko (R2)
Jonny Clayton	3-1	Steve Lennon (R2)
Daryl Gurney	3-1	Steve Beaton (R2)

Two-time quarter-finalist Daryl Gurney produced consecutive ton-plus checkouts to clinch a 3-1 win over Steve Beaton in the afternoon session, while there were also victories for Jonny Clayton, Ricardo Pietreczko and Richard Veenstra.

Gurney pinned successive checkouts of 132 and 136 to defeat Beaton 3-1 and end the hopes of ‘The Bronzed Adonis’.

‘SuperChin’ averaged 100.79, winning seven of the first eight legs before Beaton – who has announced his intention to walk away from the sport following the 2024 season – rallied, taking the third set after his opponent had missed a match dart on double 19 attempting a 155 checkout.

Daryl Gurney nailed two massive checkouts against Steve Beaton, including a 136 finish to win the match

Beaton, 59, had the throw in the fourth set but it was Gurney who closed it out to set up a post-Christmas meeting with Evans.

Well that was a massive win for me 🎯👍 not been the easiest back end to the season, but very happy to be heading back after the Xmas break 🎯🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Huge thanks for all the support, and Merry Christmas to everyone 🎄🎯👍 pic.twitter.com/7H0vFu0ych

— Jonny Clayton (@JonnyClay9) December 23, 2023

Earlier on, ninth seed Clayton won a match of ample missed doubles, defeating Steve Lennon 3-1 – Clayton’s doubling success was only 28 per cent but Lennon, who is now in danger of losing his Tour Card, was way worse on 15 per cent, squandering 34 darts out of 40.

Ricardo Pietreczko and Callan Rydz exchanged some big finishes during their clash

Elsewhere, ‘Pikachu’ Pietreczko pipped the seeded Callan Rydz 3-2, while the session began with Veenstra sweeping 2012 quarter-finalist Kim Huybrechts 3-0 in sets and 9-0 in legs as he set up a showdown with fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen.

Clayton will face ‘The Polish Eagle’ Krzysztof Ratajski after the festive break, while German star Pietreczko plays title favourite Luke Humphries.

Richard Veenstra thrashed Kim Huybrechts without dropping a single leg

What’s happening after Christmas at the World Darts Championship?

Teenage sensation Luke Littler is back in action on Wednesday night when he takes on Canadian Matt Campbell with three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen and reigning champion Michael Smith also playing on a bumper evening.

World Darts Championship: Wednesday Afternoon Fixtures

Scott Williams	vs	Martin Schindler (R3)
Dave Chisnall	vs	Gabriel Clemens (R3)
Rob Cross	vs	Jeffrey de Graaf (R3)

Elsewhere, 2018 champion Rob Cross, Scott Williams and last year’s semi-finalist Gabriel Clemens will be among the high-profile names taking to the stage in the afternoon.

World Darts Championship: Wednesday Evening Fixtures

Matt Campbell	vs	Luke Littler (R3)
Michael van Gerwen	vs	Richard Veenstra (R3)
Michael Smith	vs	Madars Razma (R3)

The sport’s biggest event sees 96 players compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize money at Alexandra Palace. You can watch all the action live on our dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel.

Watch the World Darts Championship all the way until the final on January 3, 2024 – live on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months

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