The 2026 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace delivered a pulse-pounding day of third-round action on December 28, 2025, as the tournament’s biggest names battled for a place in the last 16. With the stakes higher than ever, fans were treated to a series of high-octane matches, including a vintage display from two-time world champion Gary Anderson, a clinical performance by Rob Cross, and a dominant run from Ryan Searle. The drama, tension, and sheer quality on show left the crowd—and viewers around the world—buzzing with excitement.
Gary Anderson’s clash with Jermaine Wattimena quickly emerged as the headline act, with both men producing darting fireworks in a match that had everything: tension, respect, and moments of brilliance. Anderson, a two-time world champion, was pushed to the brink by Wattimena in a gripping seven-set thriller that saw both players trading blows, maximums, and high checkouts in front of a raucous Alexandra Palace crowd.
The match began with Anderson edging ahead, but Wattimena refused to back down. Anderson’s scoring power was on full display, as he racked up a staggering fourteen 180s throughout the encounter. Not to be outdone, Wattimena fired in ten maximums of his own, keeping the pressure firmly on the Scotsman. The relentless pace saw the pair combine for twenty-one 180s, a testament to the high standard and intensity of the contest.
Anderson’s ability to produce under pressure was evident as he landed classy 101 and 124 checkouts—key moments that kept him in front during the early exchanges. Wattimena, however, showcased his own nerve, saving four match darts and producing a superb 124 finish on the bull to force a dramatic tie-break. The Dutchman’s resilience earned him widespread applause, with the crowd roaring both men on as the match reached its crescendo.
As the tension mounted, Anderson had a chance to seal the win with a nine-dart finish, only to agonizingly miss double 12. “I bottled the nine-darter, like I bottled a lot of doubles. I was getting excited, I don’t often do that up there. But I got it done,” Anderson admitted to Sky Sports after the match. The Scotsman’s relief was palpable as he finally closed out the deciding set, securing a 4-3 victory and booking his spot in the last 16. “It’s no good for my age. It’s hard, especially with Jermaine on you. What a game. The last two games, 4-0, 4-0. I hope that’s made up for it. I’m going to lie down now,” he added with a wry smile.
The mutual respect between the two players was clear for all to see. When Anderson was throwing for the nine-darter, Wattimena gestured to the crowd to quieten down, allowing his opponent to concentrate. At the match’s conclusion, Wattimena lifted Anderson’s arm aloft, and the two men shared a heartfelt hug on stage—a fitting end to a contest that many fans and pundits hailed as one of the matches of the tournament.
Elsewhere on a packed day of action, Rob Cross delivered a statement performance against Australian number one Damon Heta, thrashing his opponent 4-0 to set up a mouthwatering last-16 showdown with reigning champion Luke Littler. Cross, who famously beat Phil Taylor to win the world title in 2018, lost only two legs in a one-sided affair, averaging 94.11 and landing 46% of his checkouts. Heta, by contrast, struggled on the doubles, converting just 31.6% of his opportunities and failing to capitalize on key moments in the second and third sets.
“Sometimes it will be pretty, sometimes not. The big factor was I held myself together at the right times. I’m really glad to get through. I’m one step closer. I’ve not played my best. I’ve been clinical in the important moments, but I’ve not hit the heights I wanted to hit,” Cross reflected after his victory. Looking ahead to his clash with Littler, Cross added, “There’s no shackles, no worries. He’s fantastic. From a lovely family and a lovely boy. But the pressure isn’t on me. What does it matter? If Rob Cross loses to Luke Littler, who cares? Hopefully I can take the shackles off and get a good tune out of myself.”
Cross’s route to the last 16 has been impressive—he has dropped just one set in the tournament so far and will need to maintain his clinical edge if he is to overcome Littler, who enters the next round as the defending champion and fan favorite.
Ryan Searle also produced a dominant display, dispatching German number one Martin Schindler 4-0 in a match that saw the Devonian win nine consecutive legs. Searle’s relentless scoring and finishing saw him average 102.29, underlining his credentials as a dark horse in the competition. The victory set up a fourth-round clash with James Hurrell, and with Searle yet to drop a set at this year’s World Championship, his confidence will be sky-high.
“What a sensational sport this is! Excitement is enthralling,” commented Emma Smith, echoing the sentiments of many fans who witnessed the day’s drama unfold. Andy from Dundee declared, “This is probably the match of the tournament, never mind the day,” while Steve from Kent added, “More drama than Dallas!” The electric atmosphere at Alexandra Palace, fueled by passionate supporters and world-class darts, made for an unforgettable day.
The evening session promised even more fireworks, with Gian van Veen taking on Madars Razma, Luke Humphries facing Gabriel Clemens, and three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen meeting Arno Merk. As the tournament heads into its business end, the field is narrowing, and the intensity is only set to increase.
With Gary Anderson, Rob Cross, and Ryan Searle all progressing in style—and the reigning champion Luke Littler waiting in the wings—the 2026 World Darts Championship is shaping up to be one for the ages. The action at Alexandra Palace is far from over, and fans will be eagerly watching to see who can hold their nerve and produce the magic required to claim the sport’s ultimate prize.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on the heroes of December 28, 2025—Anderson, Cross, and Searle—each having written another memorable chapter in the storied history of the World Darts Championship. As the tournament marches on, the only certainty is that more drama, more brilliance, and more unforgettable moments await.
