Darts news: Luke Littler fires shot at Ally Pally crowd as star is left 'heartbroken'

Ally Pally has roared back into top gear after the Christmas break as the business end of this year’s PDC World Darts Championship begins to heat up. The 128-strong field continue to be whittled down with four days remaining until one player lifts the Sid Waddell Trophy and pockets the £1m winner’s cheque.

While no one has yet pinned the elusive nine-dart finish, fans have been treated to a festive feast of blood, sweat and tears from 180s and stunning checkouts galore to unlikely cult heroes and a hefty dose of controversy. Here’s a rundown of all the key talking points from recent action on the Alexandra Palace stage.

Littler fumes at Ally Pally boos

World number one Luke Littler should have been all smiles after coming through a stern test against former world champion Rob Cross to book his place in the quarter-finals.

The 18-year-old won 4-2 with a jaw-dropping 106.58 average and 17 maximums but was left seeing red and spitting feathers as he unleashed an astonishing rant at the Ally Pally faithful.

• Luke Littler told in no uncertain terms 'you can't act like that' after Ally Pally outburst

• Luke Littler SLAMS Ally Pally crowd in angry statement after Rob Cross win

The capacity crowd backed underdog Cross throughout the match with some sections booing ‘The Nuke’ as he took to the oche – and the hostility appeared to get under the teenage sensation’s skin.

Speaking to Sky Sports on stage post-match, a visibly annoyed Littler turned to fans and said: “I’m not bothered, I’m not bothered, really, I’m not bothered. Can I just say one thing? You guys pay for tickets and pay for my prize money so thank you for money, thank you for booing me!”

In his post-match press conference, the teenager admitted he'd lost his cool up on the stage. He said: "I think I lost it, I think it's still on there!" he said when prompted about what id' take for him to fully lose his head.

"The fans have done what they done and I've reacted as any other player would really," he added.

Youngster heartbroken at darts snub

Young arrowsmith Charlie Manby has emerged as the standout surprise package of the tournament so far. Despite not holding a PDC Tour card, the 20-year-old has brushed aside more experienced opponents to secure a last-16 clash with world No.10 Gian van Veen tonight

But the Huddersfield-born bricklayer admitted he was left “heartbroken” after his girlfriend was unable to attend his third-round match against ‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans.

Asked about the importance of family support after defeating Evans 4-2, Manby said: “You want your close family there. My girlfriend’s not here today, that was heartbreaking enough. She works for Ford in Huddersfield in admin. She was absolutely gutted. Her manager has been good letting her have a couple of days off here and there but I think it was too much this time.”

He continued: “I think it was a bit out of order to be honest.” Thankfully, his 78-year-old grandfather was in the crowd. “That meant more to me than anything,” he said.

Rock defiant after convincing win

Josh Rock came into this year’s tournament in fine form and cruised into the last 16 with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Callan Rydz. The 24-year-old Northern Ireland star will face England’s Justin Hood in the next round and pulled no punches after the match.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the World Cup of Darts winner said: “I’m not here to make up the numbers – I’m here to win the title.”

After a flurry of seeds departed the competition, Rock is now considered among the favourites in north London, albeit at a fairly generous price. With the two Lukes at the head of the market, Gian van Veen is available at 9/1 before Rock, who is fourth in the betting at 12/1.