PDC World Darts Championship LIVE: Results, scores and updates from Alexandra Palace

The PDC World Darts Championship continues this afternoon with a host of round two fixtures. Yesterday, 16-year-old Luke Littler lit up the Alexandra Palace to reach the third round having defeated 20th seed Andrew Gilding 3-1. The teenager is a rising star in the sport and one to watch as the tournament progresses.

Elsewhere, Rob Cross avoided an upset with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Thibault Tricole and Damon Heta reached the third round following his win over Martin Lukeman.

Today’s afternoon session saw four round two matches being played. First up is Brendan Dolan and Mickey Mansell played out a five set thriller with Dolan edging it in a sudden death leg.

Jose de Sousa was blown away by Jeffrey de Graaf who came from a set down to win 3-1. Jamie Hughes put up a strong fight but couldn’t over Krzysztof Ratajski and Dirk van Duijvenbode’s shoulder issue causes him problems as Boris Krcmar raced into the third round.

Relive the action below plus find the latest tips and offers right here:

PDC World Darts Championship live

• Four round two matches take place in Friday’s afternoon session:

• Brendan Dolan defeats Mickey Mansell 3-2 in five set thriller

• Jose de Sousa blown away by Jeffrey de Graaf who wins 3-1

• Krzysztof Ratajski fights back to defeat Jamie Hughes 3-1

• Dirk van Duijvenbode beaten by impressive Boris Krcmar

Brendan Dolan claims dramatic sudden-death win over compatriot Mickey Mansell

18:08 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan progressed through to round three of the PDC World Darts Championship after winning a sudden-death decider against compatriot Mickey Mansell.

The Northern Irish pair – former World Cup team-mates – produced a combined nine 180s as they remained level-pegging heading into the first tie-break of the tournament.

Brendan Dolan claims dramatic sudden-death win over compatriot Mickey Mansell

Teenage sensation Luke Littler to ditch Xbox for darts practice on Christmas Day

17:56 , Mike Jones

Teenage sensation Luke Littler will ditch his Xbox for the practice board on Christmas Day as he bids to keep his World Championship dream alive.

The 16-year-old debutant has taken the tournament by storm and booked his spot in the third round with an impressive win over UK Open champion Andrew Gilding on Thursday night.

He will now head home to Runcorn for the festive period, but the usual fun and games after Christmas dinner will be replaced by a tough practice session.

Teenage sensation Luke Littler to ditch Xbox for Christmas Day practice

Dirk van Duijvenbode 1-3 Boris Krcmar

17:22 , Mike Jones

Dirk van Duijvenbode 1-3 Boris Krcmar

17:09 , Mike Jones

Boris Krcmar wins the match! He gets into full flow and takes out 102 to finish off in exceptional fashion and book a place in the third round.

Krcmar gets there for the first time in his career and he’ll be playing Gary Anderson.

Dirk van Duijvenbode 1(0) - 2(2) Boris Krcmar

17:07 , Mike Jones

Van Duijvenbode misses double 15 to hold his own throw to give Krcmar a chance of a break. He’s got 82 to go and sets up one dart to take out double 20.

Krcmar hits it and moves within one leg of victory now.

Dirk van Duijvenbode 1(0) - 2(1) Boris Krcmar

17:04 , Mike Jones

Krcmar starts perfectly with 180, backs it up with 100 then lands 137 to leaves 84. He almost tidies up a 12 dart leg but slides past the double 11.

With 22 left on his next trip to the oche, Krcmar checks out and moves two legs away from victory.

Dirk van Duijvenbode 1-2 Boris Krcmar

17:02 , Mike Jones

Yes!

Boris Krcmar smokes double 18 to move in front for the first time in the match and he’s now got the darts as he throws to secure a place in the third round.

Dirk van Duijvenbode 1(1) -1(2) Boris Krcmar

17:01 , Mike Jones

The third leg is a tense affair but Krcmar nicks it after taking out 52 with a single 20 and double 16 to move back in front with a break of throw.

Can he win the set now?

Dirk van Duijvenbode 1(1) -1(1) Boris Krcmar

16:57 , Mike Jones

Krcmar can’t make his advantage count as Van Duijvenbode nails his first maximum 180 before working his way down to 32 and landing double 16 on the first attempt.

ll square again.

Dirk van Duijvenbode 1(0) -1(1) Boris Krcmar

16:55 , Mike Jones

Van Duijvenbode definitely went from hot to cold in the first and second sets. Can he recover to hold his throw here or has is his shoulder too sore?

Krcmar breaks throw in the first leg and increases the worry that the Dutchman is struggling.

Dirk van Duijvenbode 1-1 Boris Krcmar

16:49 , Mike Jones

No fuss at all for Boris Krcmar who takes the second set with three straight legs in what is the perfect response to going behind.

Van Duijvenbode left the stages rubbing his shoulder, he may be feeling a bit of pain there which could play into Krcmar’s favour when they come back out.

Dirk van Duijvenbode 1(0) - 0(2) Boris Krcmar

16:45 , Mike Jones

The Dutchman’s massive 108 average from the opening set hasn’t been replicated here. Krcmar nails another maximum and senses the opportunity to break with Van Duijvenbode struggling.

Krcmar leaves double 18, misses it with his first effort but then switches and takes out double 9. He’s now two legs up.

Dirk van Duijvenbode 1(0) - 0(1) Boris Krcmar

16:43 , Mike Jones

Van Duijvenbode’s first set victory was a hold of serve, having lost the opening leg, but now he needs to break Krcmar. The Croation won’t make things easy and there’s the chance Van Duijvenbode’s shoulder plays up later in the match.

Krcmar pings in the first 180 of the match and takes the leg with a confident double 6 finish.

Dirk van Duijvenbode 1- 0 Boris Krcmar

16:37 , Mike Jones

Bang, bang!

Van Duijvenbode takes the first set with a treble 17, double 18 to clean up 87 and banish all doubts that his shoulder was cause problems.

His average was over 100 in that set and he moves confidently into the lead.

Dirk van Duijvenbode 0(2) - 0(1) Boris Krcmar

16:35 , Mike Jones

Krcmar can’t take advantage of a missed checkout from Van Duijvenbode who goes on to clean up double 20 to edge ahead in the set.

It’s back-to-back legs for him now. Not bad for someone with a reported shoulder issue.

Dirk van Duijvenbode 0(1) - 0(1) Boris Krcmar

16:33 , Mike Jones

The response is perfect though. Van Duijvenbode signs off with bullseye to break back immediately and leave Krcmar looking to the heavens at the realisation that the leg has gone.

The Dutchman took out 124 for the win.

Dirk van Duijvenbode 0(0) - 0(1) Boris Krcmar

16:31 , Mike Jones

The seeded players have seemingly struggled to get into rhythm in the early stages of these second round match and Van Duijvenbode continues that trend.

Boris Krcmar takes the opening leg against the throw!

Krzysztof Ratajski 3-1 Jamie Hughes

16:21 , Mike Jones

Krzysztof Ratajski 3-1 Jamie Hughes

16:18 , Mike Jones

Krzysztof Ratajski has been given a real fight by Jamie Hughes but the Pole responded brilliantly and makes his way into the third round.

He finishes off with a favoured double 16 gives a nod of acknowledge to his opponent who made him work for that win.

Krzysztof Ratajski 2(2) - 1(1) Jamie Hughes

16:16 , Mike Jones

Ratajski is now throwing for the match!

He gets ahead on the scoring and leaves himself a finish of 64. Aiming for the treble 16 he lands on the wrong side of the wire but stays there to hit the single.

One dart for the same double and he nails it to take the break.

Krzysztof Ratajski 2(1) - 1(1) Jamie Hughes

16:14 , Mike Jones

First chance to Ratajski on 122 as Hughes’ touch seems to have deserted him in the fourth set. Ratajski gets down to 66 before Hughes misses his attempt to take out 154.

After missing out on his next trip he goes again and Ratajski breaks with double 8.

However, Hughes fires back with a 14-dart leg to bring the set level against the throw.

Krzysztof Ratajski 2-1 Jamie Hughes

16:06 , Mike Jones

Ratajski proves why he’s a seeded player. It takes him nine darts to set up a 121 finish and with Hughes miles back he utilises five darts to win the leg and the set.

Hughes isn’t playing badly, Ratajski is just playing better.

Krzysztof Ratajski 1(2) - 1(2) Jamie Hughes

16:05 , Mike Jones

Hughes holds his nerve again. He almost takes out 120 but undershoots the double. On his next trip a couple of wayward throw almost cost him but he nails double 5 and forces a final leg shootout for the third set.

Krzysztof Ratajski 1(2) - 1(1) Jamie Hughes

16:01 , Mike Jones

There’s no sign on fear from Ratajski who checks out 111 having lost control of the leg. He goes back in front in the set and is one leg away from taking it.

Wonderful darts.

Krzysztof Ratajski 1(1) - 1(1) Jamie Hughes

15:59 , Mike Jones

Smart, confident stuff from Jamie Hughes who answers with a 15 dart leg to hodl his own throw and keep Ratajski on his toes.

Krzysztof Ratajski 1(1) - 1(0) Jamie Hughes

15:58 , Mike Jones

The momentum is firmly with Ratajski as he takes a third leg in a row by cleaning out 32. The immediate break back of set puts him with the advantage once again and he’ll be hoping to rattle off a quick win here to pile the pressure on Jamie Hughes.

Krzysztof Ratajski 1-1 Jamie Hughes

15:53 , Mike Jones

Break of set!

Ratajski hopes to take out 86 after Hughes misses a 170 checkout. He’s got one dart at bullseye, but it’s well off target.

Hughes then misses his finish of 65 and Ratajski hits double top to draw level in sets.

Krzysztof Ratajski 0(2) - 1(2) Jamie Hughes

15:49 , Mike Jones

Ratajski holds his nerve and his throw to keep the second set on level terms. He checks out double 4 to level the set, but Hughes has the darts for the second-set decider.

Krzysztof Ratajski 0(1) - 1(2) Jamie Hughes

15:47 , Mike Jones

Here comes Jamie Hughes again!

Hughes fails his attempt to finish 104 but Ratajski can’t finish from 144. That leaves Hughes to take out 59 to even things up and he does.

The first two legs of the second set have gone against the darts, but Hughes manages to hold this time to edge back in front with a 48 checkout.

Krzysztof Ratajski 0(1) - 1(0) Jamie Hughes

15:40 , Mike Jones

Break of throw for Ratajski.

Hughes’ finish to the last set was a blinder but a few mistakes creep into his game here and he’s made to pay as Ratajski takes out 74 with treble 14, double 16.

Krzysztof Ratajski 0-1 Jamie Hughes

15:33 , Mike Jones

Go on Jamie!

From two legs down, Hughes comes back to win three legs in a row, including two against the throw, and he nicks the opening set. Ratajski had the chance to close it out but missed the bull and Hughes nails double 20 for the win.

Game on.

Krzysztof Ratajski 0(2) - 0(2) Jamie Hughes

15:30 , Mike Jones

And again! This leg is in Hughes’ favour as he has the throw but the sheer scale of his scoring sees him dominate. He lands double 4 to leave the Pole nervous as the first set goes down to the final leg.

Krzysztof Ratajski 0(2) - 0(1) Jamie Hughes

15:29 , Mike Jones

Great comeback from Jamie Hughes. Ratajski has the darts as he throws for the set, but Hughes applies the pressure to leave himself 60 with his opponent needing 110.

Hughes’ next trip sees him take out double top and keep the set alive.

Krzysztof Ratajski 0(2) - 0(0) Jamie Hughes

15:25 , Mike Jones

Ratajski is on a nine darter! A 177 and a 180 leaves him with 144 but he pings his seventh dart into the 1 in a poor throw. He’s not too bothered though as he’s got the chance to break throw.

Jamie Hughes needs to checkout 164. He hits one of the two treble 19s but misses the next.

Ratajski hits double 4 and now gets to throw for the set.

Krzysztof Ratajski 0(1) - 0(0) Jamie Hughes

15:23 , Mike Jones

The opening set and leg is being thrown by Krzysztof Ratajski who, as the 24th seed, should be the favourite to win this one. Jamie Hughes puts pressure on with a fine 180 - the first of the match.

He can’t take out 152 and leaves 108. He hits treble 19, then 11 but misses the only chance of winning the leg by missing double 20.

Ratajski takes it.

Krzysztof Ratajski vs Jamie Hughes

15:18 , Mike Jones

Two matches down in the afternoon session. Two to go. Krzysztof Ratajski and Jamie Hughes stride onto the stage in a medley of music and dance.

It’s a good start to what should be an interesting match.

Jose de Sousa 1-3 Jeffrey de Graaf

15:11 , Mike Jones

Jose de Sousa 1-3 Jeffrey de Graaf

15:09 , Mike Jones

Jeffrey de Graaf take a bow.

He has blown Jose de Sousa away at the Ally Pally. He takes the match after fourth sets. He’d never won a match here before this year and now has two in a row.

Impressive stuff.

Jose de Sousa 1(0) - 2(2) Jeffrey de Graaf

15:07 , Mike Jones

Insane! Jeffrey de Graaf - looking to close out the match - hits a 180 then a 177 to set up a potential nine dart finish. His next throw lands in the treble 1 to end those hopes.

However, De Graaf closes out the leg with his next dart and moves within one leg of winning the match.

Jose de Sousa 1(0) - 2(1) Jeffrey de Graaf

15:05 , Mike Jones

There it is!

De Graaf is keeping himself ahead in this match due to his ability to hold his own throw. De Sousa ups the pressure massively as he almost takes out 167 only to miss the bull.

De Graaf has too attempts at hitting double 16 and takes the second one.

Jose de Sousa 1-2 Jeffrey de Graaf

15:04 , Mike Jones

It’s De Graaf! With the darts he takes the set now. He hits a brilliant 139 to leave 36 but he can’t find the double 9.

De Sousa has a chance at 116 but then he misses the single he needs.

De Graaf tidies up and wins a set against the throw.

Jose de Sousa 1(1) - 1(2) Jeffrey de Graaf

15:01 , Mike Jones

Jose de Sousa fights back and checks out 58 under threat from another break to keep the third set alive. De Graaf is still in a strong position though and knows a hold of throw will earn him a break.

Jose de Sousa 1(0) - 1(2) Jeffrey de Graaf

14:58 , Mike Jones

De Graaf is flying! A second 180 for him puts him of De Sousa but a 58 follow up isn’t good enough to set up a finish. He gets away with the error and leaves himself 70 to take the leg.

He hits 18, hits 20 but misses double 16. He gets another crack at the double and this time takes it out!

Jose de Sousa 1(0) - 1(1) Jeffrey de Graaf

14:56 , Mike Jones

Both opening sets went the distance. Will there be a change of fortunes as one of the players starts to take control? De Sousa will look to hold throw here as the third set gets underway.

De Graaf leaves a 170 finish after nine darts. He misses the first treble 20 but will have a chance to take out 90. He doesn’t manage it.

De Sousa misses 90 of his own too leaving 36 for De Graaf. He lands double 18 and breaks the throw!

Jose de Sousa 1-1 Jeffrey de Graaf

14:49 , Mike Jones

Jeffrey de Graaf takes the second set with a brilliant double 9 finish. All square as the players head into another break.

Jose de Sousa 1(2) - 0(2) Jeffrey de Graaf

14:47 , Mike Jones

De Sousa is insanely good at hold his own throw. He records a second 180 maximum before closing out a 138 finish with double 12 to secure the leg in 12 darts.

Jose de Sousa 1(1) - 0(2) Jeffrey de Graaf

14:46 , Mike Jones

A very surprising but pleasant thing is how confident De Graaf seems to be on his own throw. He scores well and needs the buffer that creates after missing three darts at double 8.

The pressure mounts on his next trip up as he sends his first two wide of the mark as well. Finally De Graaf lands the double and moves back ahead in the set.

Jose de Sousa 1(1) - 0(1) Jeffrey de Graaf

14:43 , Mike Jones

De Graaf has one dart at tops to nick the second leg but slides it over the top to increase the pressure on De Sousa who doesn’t seem to feel it at all.

He lands double 20 himself and holds his throw.

Jose de Sousa 1(0) - 0(1) Jeffrey de Graaf

14:41 , Mike Jones

Things pick up where they left off in the first set. Jeffrey de Graaf puts in a few good trips to the oche to leave himself with 32 as De Sousa is still in triple figures.

De Graaf nails the double 16 and takes the first leg.

Jose de Sousa 1-0 Jeffrey de Graaf

14:35 , Mike Jones

Well that was all regulation wasn’t it. Jose de Sousa doesn’t hang around and takes the fifth leg before Jeffrey de Graaf gets into rhythm.

Five holds of throw and the set goes to De Sousa.

Jose de Sousa 0(2) - 0(2) Jeffrey de Graaf

14:33 , Mike Jones

Jeffrey de Graaf adjusts well after a couple of dodgy trips but manages to land double 16 and hold his throw. The first set is coming down to the final leg.

Can De Graaf nick it against the throw?

Jose de Sousa 0(2) - 0(1) Jeffrey de Graaf

14:31 , Mike Jones

De Sousa has come to play. He hits the first 180 of the match in the third leg and then cleans out 103, ending with a one dart shot at double 20, to take the leg.

Jose de Sousa 0(1) - 0(1) Jeffrey de Graaf

14:30 , Mike Jones

De Graaf starts the second leg in better form but De Sousa finds a timely 134 then a visit of 59 to leave 160.

De Graaf misses his second attempt at bull trying to close out 132 but De Sousa goes wide at tops so de Graaf pins double 18 for a hold.

Jose de Sousa 0(1) - 0(0) Jeffrey de Graaf

14:27 , Mike Jones

Jose de Sousa gets off to an almost perfect start having secured a 15 dart leg with a three dart finish to tidy off a checkout of 60. De Graaf wasn’t really in the leg at all.

Slow start for him.

Jose de Sousa vs Jeffrey de Graaf

14:25 , Mike Jones

Okay.

After a barnstorming opening match Jose de Sousa and Jeffrey de Graaf go head to head in this afternoon’s second encounter.

Who will be advancing to the third round?

Brendan Dolan 3-2 Mickey Mansell

14:13 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan 3-2 Mickey Mansell

14:10 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan has the darts for this sudden death leg. Mickey Mansell’s accuracy slips and Dolan takes his time setting up a 68 finish after 12 darts.

Mansell is nowhere to be seen. Dolan can only take 36.

32 left, three darts for Dolan... he hits!

Brendan Dolan is through to round three after a cracker.

Brendan Dolan 2(5) - 2(5) Mickey Mansell

14:08 , Mike Jones

Mansell forces the one-leg shootout!

He cleans out 148 with a treble 20, another treble 20 and a double 14.

One leg to play to decide the winner.

Brendan Dolan 2(5) - 2(4) Mickey Mansell

14:05 , Mike Jones

Close! With 120 left as the checkout, Dolan hits the single 20, he hits the treble. He misses the double to leave 40.

Mansell can’t clean up and leaves 40 himself in a repeat of the previous leg.

Dolan is up first though this time and he hits double 20 with his first dart!

Brendan Dolan 2(4) - 2(4) Mickey Mansell

14:03 , Mike Jones

Mikey Mansell has been a deadeye for double 20 all match. Both players go toe-to-toe in the leg and each leaves 40 to win. Mansell has the throw and takes the first attempt.

He hits with his first dart. The match is level again. A maximum of three more legs to play.

Brendan Dolan 2(4) - 2(3) Mickey Mansell

13:59 , Mike Jones

On we go. It takes Dolan 15 darts this time to see out the leg as he competently holds his throw.

Brendan Dolan 2(3) - 2(3) Mickey Mansell

13:57 , Mike Jones

Whatever Dolan can do. So can Mansell.

Treble 12, double 20 and the pressure moves back onto Dolan who must hold throw.

Brendan Dolan 2(3) - 2(2) Mickey Mansell

13:56 , Mike Jones

Fantastic stuff from Brendan Dolan who throws down a 12 dart leg to with the next leg having slotted a cool finish into double 12 with Mickey Mansell still on his tail.

At five legs each, the match will be decided by a one leg shootout.

Brendan Dolan 2(2) - 2(2) Mickey Mansell

13:53 , Mike Jones

Mansell forces a tie break! A 13 dart leg from the Northern Irishman ends with him hitting double 20 and the winner of the match must now go clear by two legs.

Brendan Dolan 2(2) - 2(1) Mickey Mansell

13:52 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan hangs on. Mickey Mansell almost checks out 151 but misses his dart at double top.

Dolan cleans up by hitting double 4 and will have another crack at taking the match. He needs to break Mansell’s throw though.

Brendan Dolan 2(1) - 2(1) Mickey Mansell

13:48 , Mike Jones

Missed! Almost from Dolan. He had two darts to break in the second leg but missed double 12 and double 6. The pressure is still on Mansell but he stays calm and claims the leg.

Brendan Dolan 2(1) - 2(0) Mickey Mansell

13:46 , Mike Jones

Brendan Dolan strikes first in the final set. He’s forced to check out 7 but nails 3 and double 2 in consecutive darts. The next leg is important now.

Can Dolan break and take control?

Brendan Dolan 2-2 Mickey Mansell

13:43 , Mike Jones

We’re going to a decider!

Mickey Mansell signs off with a 12 dart leg to take the fourth set and force the match into a fifth. There’s been very little to separate these two.

Brendan Dolan 2(1) - 1(1) Mickey Mansell

13:41 , Mike Jones

Dolan is back in it! He takes advantage of a couple wayward throws from Mansell before checking out a three dart finish of 62. He only had one shot to hit double 16 and took it.

Dolan is back in this set.

Brendan Dolan 2(0) - 1(2) Mickey Mansell

13:37 , Mike Jones

The opportunity comes and goos for Mickey Mansell to take the leg but his misses three darts at double top. With 20 left Dolan gives him another crack at the checkout and this time he takes it!

He’s now throwing to force a set decider.

Brendan Dolan 2(0) - 1(1) Mickey Mansell

13:34 , Mike Jones

Mansell needs to win this set and gets off to a wonderful start as the darts abandon Dolan. He tidies up by landing double 10 to move ahead in the set.

Brendan Dolan 2-1 Mickey Mansell

13:32 , Mike Jones

What a time to score a maximum! Dolan pulls off his third 180 of the match to take control of the leg and the set. Can he finish it off?

Yes he can. Mansell is out of the leg as Dolan sets up a shot at double 18. He only needs one dart and sees it land!

Brendan Dolan 1(2) - 1(2) Mickey Mansell

13:29 , Mike Jones

Mansell fights back again and takes the fourth leg with a checkout of 40 but he missed six darts at a double before that. The high scoring is the only reason this set is going to a deciding leg.

Brendan Dolan 1(2) - 1(1) Mickey Mansell

13:27 , Mike Jones

Now we’re talking!

Both men are on for nine darters after Dolan hits a 180 and Mansell immediately does the same! Mansell’s follow up is better as he hits a 140 and then 100.

Dolan doesn’t checkout 108 leaving a massive chance for Mansell to break! He’s got a dart at double 12 - missed. One more at double 6 - missed again!

Dolan gets away with one and takes the leg.

Brendan Dolan 1(1) - 1(1) Mickey Mansell

13:24 , Mike Jones

Dolan’s incredible opening leg is followed up by a terrible one. Mansell takes control earlier on and checks out with double 10 before Dolan even leaves a finish.

Brendan Dolan 1(1) - 1(0) Mickey Mansell

13:22 , Mike Jones

Dolan starts off the third set with a fine 140 before recording a 137, a third trip of 100 leaves him with 124 for a checkout as Mansell languishes in the mid 200s.

Dolan tidies it up by hitting the checkout. The perfect start to set three.

Brendan Dolan 1-1 Mickey Mansell

13:16 , Mike Jones

Close! Dolan almost breaks back immediately and leaves bull for a finish. He slides it wide by Mansell can’t checkout from the mid 130s.

Dolan’s next trip sees him waste the opportunity to keep the leg going and Mansell capitalises by taking out 56.

The second set is his.

Brendan Dolan 1(0) - 0(2) Mickey Mansell

13:14 , Mike Jones

Bang, bang, miss! Dolan almost takes out 118 but misses his final effort at double top. Mansell still has a lot of work to do with 157 on the board.

He hits treble 20, he hits treble 19, he hits double 20! What a finish. Incredible scenes.

Brendan Dolan 1(0) - 0(1) Mickey Mansell

13:11 , Mike Jones

After coming so close in the opening set can Mickey Mansell get back on level terms here? The first leg could be key.

Brendan Dolan gets down to a finish first but it’s a tough 132. He hits the bullseye but misses treble 14 to end his attempt at nicking a leg.

Mansell needs 78. He cleans up in two darts. Clinical.

Brendan Dolan 1- 0 Mickey Mansell

13:05 , Mike Jones

Consistent scoring means Brendon Dolan gets the first crack at winning the set but he’s way off hitting the bull and has to set up.

Mansell’s reply sees him hit 19, then the treble and has one dart to land double top... it goes wide!

Dolan comes back to the oche and checks out to win the first set!

Brendan Dolan 0(2) - 0(2) Mickey Mansell

13:03 , Mike Jones

Oh yes!

The first 180 of the match lands for Mansell who leaves himself with a 40 finish. Dolan’s reply is to send two darts into the treble 20 before the third bounces out of the board.

Mansell lands the double with his first attempt. The opening set is going down to the wire.

Brendan Dolan 0(2) - 0(1) Mickey Mansell

13:00 , Mike Jones

And again.

The Northern Irishman is starting to flex his muscles as he rattles off a second successive leg to get in front for the first time in the match.

Can Mansell respond?

Brendan Dolan 0(1) - 0(1) Mickey Mansell

12:58 , Mike Jones

Dolan responds immediately.

He checks out 32 with Mansell still having three figures on the board. This match is Dolan’s first of the tournament and he’s starting to settle into it.

Brendan Dolan 0(0) - 0(1) Mickey Mansell

12:56 , Mike Jones

Mickey Mansell strikes first!

A 15 dart leg was measured and composured as he took advantage of some poor scoring from Brendan Dolan. Mansell sets up a finish of 161 but he’s so far ahead he chooses to set up with a trip of 95.

Leaving two darts at double 18 to take the first leg he undershoots his first attempt before switching over and nailing double 9!

Brendan Dolan vs Mickey Mansell

12:47 , Mike Jones

Here come the players. Friday’s darts action is about to get underway...

PDC World Darts Championship

12:42 , Mike Jones

What is the prize money?

12:37 , Mike Jones

As well as the Sid Waddell Trophy, there is £2.5m in prize money on offer for the World Darts Championship with the champion netting £500,000.

The runner-up earns a cool £200,000 while semi-finalists will pocket £100,000 each and those that reach the quarter-finals winning £50,000.

Fourth-round and third-round losers earn themselves £35,000 and £25,000 respectively while there is £15,000 on offer for the 32 players knocked out in the second round and the 32 first-round losers will take away £7,500.

Brendan Dolan vs Mickey Mansell

12:33 , Mike Jones

The action is just starting on Sky Sports Darts. Brendan Dolan faces a second round showdown against Mickey Mansell and the players will be heading onto the stage shortly to get the afternoon session underway.

How the darts took over Christmas and New Year

12:30 , Mike Jones

It’s 8pm on the opening night of the World Darts Championship and Michael van Gerwen is sinking a pint to raucous roars at Alexandra Palace. It’s not the Michael van Gerwen, admittedly, although from a distance there is the same pink bald head, the same iconic lime green shirt, and if you discount the slightly smaller, rather rounder frame it makes for a convincing double.

Van Gerwen, the three-time world champion and last year’s beaten finalist, didn’t play here until Tuesday but as the man wearing his costume finishes his beer and the room erupts to chants of “Oooooh, Michael van Gerwen!”, the party at Ally Pally is underway. It is utter carnage already.

Later, Michael Smith, the world No 1 and conqueror of Van Gerwen in last year’s final, will take to the stage at the front of the packed hall and begin his title defence. Smith is returning to Ally Pally for the first time since his victory over Van Gerwen, a match that changed his life and produced the greatest leg of darts the sport has ever seen.

Smith’s historic nine-darter in the World Championship final, which came just seconds after Van Gerwen had his own shot at immortality, became the leg that was heard around the world: Wayne Mardle’s iconic commentary – “I CAN’T SPAKE, I CAN’T SPAKE” – helped create the sport’s first genuinely global viral moment, racking up over 30m views on social media.

How the darts continues to produce magic after its greatest moment

Gerwyn Price almost withdrew from World Darts Championship over crowd fears

12:25 , Mike Jones

Gerwyn Price almost pulled out of the World Darts Championship over concerns that he would face a hostile reception from the Alexandra Palace crowd.

Price wore ‘ear defenders’ last year in an attempt to block out the jeers at Ally Pally and the Welshman admitted he expected to be booed on his return this month.

The 2021 world champion opened his campaign with a swift 3-0 victory over Conor Scutt on Monday night before thanking the “brilliant crowd” after deciding to play.

The Welshman told Sky Sports he was sat at home until Sunday night and “probably wasn’t going to play“ until changing his mind.

Gerwyn Price almost withdrew from World Darts Championship over crowd fears

Michael van Gerwen hits 167 in opening World Championship win

12:20 , Mike Jones

Michael van Gerwen began his bid for a third World Championship title by easing into the third round.

The Dutchman has not won the biggest tournament in darts since 2019 and is ready to end that drought, opening his campaign with a 3-0 win over Keane Barry.

The highlight was an impressive 167 checkout, finishing with an average of 98.17 at Alexandra Palace.

Michael van Gerwen hits 167 in opening World Championship win

Unbeelievable! Ross Smith stung by wasp on stage during World Darts Championship

12:15 , Mike Jones

Ross Smith was stung by a wasp on stage at the World Darts Championship after avoiding second-round pain to Niels Zonneveld.

Number 16 seed Smith eased to a 3-1 victory over Zonneveld before running into problems at Alexandra Palace.

“There’s the wasp,” Smith said in his post-match Sky Sports interview as he noticed the insect. The Englishman then recoiled in pain and said: “He’s just stung me like a good one.”

Unbeelievable! Ross Smith stung by wasp on stage during World Darts Championship

Peter Wright crashes out of World Darts Championship while dressed as the Grinch

12:10 , Mike Jones

Two-time winner Peter Wright crashed out of the World Darts Championship in the second round after a 3-0 defeat to Jim Williams at Alexandra Palace.

The 53-year-old, who was dressed as the Grinch complete with lime-green hair, ensured a miserable Christmas after posting a dismal three-dart average of less than 84.

Williams, a BDO runner-up in 2020, was also far from his best in a poor quality clash, admitting afterwards: “I was fighting myself all the way and it’s a little bit frustrating – but hopefully we’ll get there.”

Peter Wright crashes out of World Darts Championship while dressed as the Grinch

Meet Luke Littler – the 16-year-old darts prodigy lighting up the World Championship

12:05 , Mike Jones

Teenager Luke Littler continued his dream PDC World Championship debut by defeating Andrew Gilding to reach the third round.

The 16-year-old was the toast of Alexandra Palace after beating Christian Kist on Wednesday and he was at it again 24 hours later with a 3-1 success against 20th seed Gilding.

The UK Open champion is 37 years older than Littler but it was the youngster showing the greater composure in the first two sets, with Gilding twice missing a pair of darts at double in the second.

Littler suffered a blip in the third but Gilding was unable to take his opportunities and the teenager clinched a spot in the last 32 against Matt Campbell.

Meet Luke Littler – the 16-year-old darts prodigy lighting up the World Championship

Afternoon Session starts at 12.30pm

12:00 , Mike Jones

Round Two: Brendan Dolan v Mickey Mansell

Round Two: Jose de Sousa v Jeffrey de Graaf

Round Two: Krzysztof Ratajski v Jamie Hughes

Round Two: Dirk van Duijvenbode v Boris Krcmar

PDC World Darts Championship

11:15 , Mike Jones

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Friday’s afternoon session from the PDC World Darts Championship.

There are four matches going ahead at the Ally Pally as Brendan Dolan takes on Mickey Mansell before Jose de Sousa plays Jeffrey de Graaf. Krzysztof Ratajski will then test himself against Jamie Hughes before the headline match has Dirk van Duijvenbode facing Boris Krcmar.

All eight players are hoping to emulate 16-year-old Luke Littler and reach the third round. The teenager defeated Andrew Gilding last night on his World Championship debut.

We’ll have the latest updates throughout the afternoon so stick with us.