Pre-tournament favourite, Luke Littler continues his quest for darting history with an exceptional performance in a high quality encounter to overcome ZXF stable-mate Nathan Aspinall 5-2.

The Prince of the Palace remained on course in becoming the youngest player ever to wear the World Championship crown with a regal display of power scoring as edged closer to a possible jubilant coronation.

And it was the teenager who began the stronger, galloping into an early two set lead courtesy a single leg concession and clinical finishing on the outer ring.

But in face of adversity, Nathan Aspinall once again proved the ideal sparring partner as he battled tenaciously to half his compatriot’s lead with a much improved showing.

With his double accuracy slightly wavering, Littler relied on his persistent pondering of the trebles to surge into an almost unsurmountable 4-1 advantage despite “The Asp” also banging in the big scores.

The Stockport slinger was able to claw another set back to add a few question marks on the outcome. However, the reigning Premier League champion ended any conversations of a sensational turnabout minutes later to get the job done.

After sharing a colossal twenty-six maximums between them, “The Nuke” will be the player returning to face Stephen Bunting as he eyes up a second consecutive PDC World Championship final.

"It’s an amazing feeling to reach another semi-final and start 2025 with a win,” claimed Littler, who will go head-to-head with Bunting for a place in Friday’s final.

“Overall it was a good performance. We all know Nathan never gives up, but I pinged my doubles when it mattered tonight.

“That was the best I’ve felt in this tournament, and now I want to go that step closer and hopefully get the win tomorrow night.

“Me and Stephen are good friends, but all that’s in my head now is trying to make that second final.”