World Darts Championship LIVE RESULTS: Action ON NOW as Searle goes through while Gary Anderson plays TONIGHT – updates
THE World Darts Championship action is expected to bring even more drama today after Luke Littler broke down in TEARS following his opening win last night.
Teen sensation Littler, 17, started his darts campaign with a superb win over Ryan Meikle - but then had to cut short an interview after becoming emotional at the support he'd been shown.
Two-time PDC World Champion Gary Anderson faces Jeffrey De Graaf tonight and he'll be hoping to join Ryan Searle in the next round following his whitewash against Matt Campbell.
- Start time: From 12.40pm GMT
- Live stream: NOW / Sky Sports app
- TV channel: Sky Sports Darts
- Explainer: What is the prize money?
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More from Dobey
I don’t know, they were just throwing wigs on. Ginger wigs. It was literally just at the end of the game.
“Huw [Ware, referee] came over and said: ‘Just come off. They are starting to throw stuff’.
“I just booted one back into the crowd! It was just a wig. There wasn’t any dangerous side to it, it was just wigs.
“I didn’t know if the fans wanted me to put one on or not. I thought Ed Sheeran was back in!”
More in-depth look
Dobey match stats
Afternoon's results
Dobey reaction
All credit to Alex, he played a great game. He probably missed a couple of doubles to put me under pressure.
"Luckily, I had a good last let so I'm delighted to get that win.
"If I could hit a double I definitely would be up there with the best! I'm going to work on that.
"That 122 was a massive shot, I think it was a game-changer."
Dobey wins!
Dobey can go off and enjoy Christmas now.
He's won 3-1 and will play the winner of Josh Rock or Rhys Griffin.
The 2023 Masters champion will be delighted with that.
Dobey 1-1 Merkx (2-1 in sets)
A huge release of emotion from Dobey as he takes away a brilliant 122.
He roars to the crowd - turning point in the slide?
Dobey 0-1 Merkx (2-1 in sets)
It's four legs on the spin for the Dutchman.
Dobey can't buy a double all of a sudden and after missing tops, Merkx comes in to snatch it.
Dobey 0-3 Merkx (2-1 in sets)
A complete meltdown from Chris Dobey.
Merkx takes full advantage and he has romped to the third set.
It definitely is game on now.
Dobey 0-2 Merkx (2-0 in sets)
A shocker from Dobey.
He misses six darts for the leg, allowing Merkx to inexplicably come in and steal it.
Just when the match looked done and dusted, Dobey has let the Dutch qualifier back in.
Credit: Getty Dobey 0-1 Merkx (2-0 in sets)
Just the second leg won by Merkx, as he takes out D12 to hold his throw.
Comeback on? A long way to go yet if the Dutchman is to threaten anything like.
Dobey 3-0 Merkx (2-0 in sets)
We're heading towards a fourth whitewash of the afternoon.
Dobey has this game in the palm of his hand and is outclassing the Dutch qualifier.
Another easy leg, wrapped up with a checkout of 87.
Credit: PA Dobey 2-0 Merkx (1-0 in sets)
Relentless darts from the 15th seed.
Dobey in full control of this match as he breaks the Merkx throw.
It's all a little bit too easy at the moment.
Dobey 1-0 Merkx (1-0 in sets)
Dobey strides back out after the break and wakes up the Ally Pally crowd.
He's on a nine-darter before putting his fifth into the 1. A wry smile from the Geordie.
Merkx misses out on a 170 moments later, allowing Dobey to hold. What a leg!
Dobey 3-1 Merkx (1-0 in sets)
Class from Dobey and he has romped to this first set.
He requires 69, going the T19 route.
Double 6, game shot for Hollywood.
Dobey 2-1 Merkx (0-0 in sets)
It's a must-win leg for Merkx to keep the set alive.
And he finds his trebles nicely, taking out 52 to make Dobey work for this opener.
Dobey 2-0 Merkx (0-0 in sets)
Some nerves on show from Merkx?
He's yet to settle and Dobey taking full advantage.
Despite missing three leg darts on D8, he returns on his next visit to finish the job.
Dobey 1-0 Merkx (0-0 in sets)
It's Merkx to get us underway in this final match of the afternoon session.
But Scott Dobey looks like a man on a mission.
What a first leg, blitzing through to break with an easy shot on D18.
Next up - Chris Dobey vs Alexander Merkx
Dolan just too good there for Lee.
Could we be about to see a fourth straight whitewash of the afternoon?
Let's hope this is more of a contest. Dobey vs Merkx coming up shortly.
DOLAN BEATS LEE 3-0!
Never in doubt for Brendan Dolan.
He cruises into Round 3 and will face three-time champ MVG next.
Credit: Getty Dolan 2-1 Lee (2-0 in sets)
Bullseye for the match for Dolan - but he can't wrap it up.
A break back for Lee. The comeback had to start somewhere...
Dolan 2-0 Lee (2-0 in sets)
There doesn't appear to be any stopping Brendon Dolan right now.
Another 180 to start the leg and he doesn't look back.
He's now one way from a third-round showdown with Michael van Gerwen.
Dolan 1-0 Lee (2-0 in sets)
Are we going to see a third-straight 3-0 win in this afternoon session?
The crowd singing "Is this a library?" - a Lee comeback would liven things up.
But Dolan is really in the groove. He's on throw in this set and holds to start things off.
Dolan 3-0 Lee (2-0 in sets)
Lee can't stop the bleeding and Dolan now has the match by the scruff of the neck.
Left with tops for the set, he makes absolutely no mistake.
Dolan 2-0 Lee (1-0 in sets)
Big miss on the D6 for Lee leaves the door open for Dolan.
The veteran makes no mistake. Brilliant finishing and right now, all the momentum with the World No. 30.