Michael van Gerwen vs Callan Rydz – World Darts Championship: Live score and set-by-set updates as MVG takes early advantage in quarter final clash at Ally Pally

MVG is under a bit of pressure here as Rydz begins this leg well.

136 for the set for Rydz and he leaves tops, meaning MVG needs to checkout 112.

He has a dart at double 16 but can’t quite take it and Rydz is ruthless to level this enthralling match.

A dominant leg and he leaves himself 40.

Cool, calm and collected as he makes no mistake to take the lead.

MVG takes a march but Rydz hits back with his eighth 180 of the match.

The Dutchman is on it today though and he takes out 72 to level this set.

This really is a brilliant game of darts.

Rydz is not going away in this game.

He checks out 52 to take an early lead in the fourth set.

This has been neck and neck in every leg.

MVG has 124 for the set, but struggles to make a fist of it as he leaves 68.

Rydz is down to 127, but MVG will have another go. What an opportunity.

And he only needs one shot at double as the Dutchman takes the third set to go 2-1 up in the match.

MVG is lining this up nicely for the set, but Rydz has an opening on 133.

He can’t quite do it, leaving the Dutchman 79.

MVG leaves himself one dart at tops but is unable to take it and Rydz levels the set, although MVG will have the throw.

MVG has one chance at tops, but can’t do it.

76 for Rydz. He needs the bull, but misses it.

40 for MVG to take the lead in this third set.

NO, he misses double 20, double 10 and double 5.

25 for Rydz but he fails to capitalise and MVG punsihes him on the fifth attempt.

This is another high quality leg of darts.

MVG can’t take out 138, leaving Rydz with a golden chance on 72.

Ooh, he’s so close but can’t quite take out double tops.

80 for MVG but he can’t do it either.

What an opportunity for Rydz now… but he messes it up and busts.

A golden chance for MVG and the experienced man makes no mistake.

He’s averaging over 100 and he’s just checked out 111.

He looks absolutely unstoppable and MVG has no answer right now. That’s four legs he’s lost in a row.

Rydz can’t quite take out 44, but Van Gerwen is unable to punish him to finish 54.

Rydz can the second time though as he whitewashes MVG in this second set.

What a set from the Englishman and the Dutchman knows he’s in a real battle here.

Five perfect darts from Rydz, but he narrowly misses the sixth.

He’s still in pole position to break MVG’s throw though and Rydz is absolutely cooking here.

81 for Rydz to check out. No mistake. Back-to-back 12 darters. Rydz is on fire.

What a brilliant start from Rydz to the set to put the pressure on MVG straight away.

135 to checkout for the Englishman and wow, he completes it with a bull.

This is really good from Rydz and MVG is in a game!

Top class. Rydz hits 180 to put the pressure on, but MVG responds with a 180 of his own and lets out a huge ‘BOOM’.

130 to checkout for MVG. Two treble 20s but he just misses double five for the set.

No, he can’t! 10 for the set for MVG and he does it.

A big celebration and what a first set that was!

Another impressive leg of darts.

Rydz has one shot at tops to take the set, but he can’t quite manage it and MVG levels the game.

Another break of throw and MVG is serving for the set.

This is already a high-quality game of darts.

126 for Rydz and he almost does it. Wow, that would have been good.

76 for MVG to lead in this game. He misses two attempts at double eight though and Rydz can break for the third successive game.

No mistake and he does do just that.

Rydz is firing out of the blocks as he looks to take control of the early stages of this game.

72 to check out this time, although he narrowly misses tops.

WOW! What a checkout. There’s a reminder to Rydz of all of his quality and the Dutchman bounces straight back.

Rydz has been in inspired form in this tournament so far and puts pressure on Van Gerwen’s throw straight away.

MVG needs to check out 104 and narrowly misses double top.

Rydz is on 78 and he does it. A super start and an early break from Rydz.

There is no rest for the wicked and we’re straight into our second quarter-final of the afternoon.

Michael van Gerwen is up against Callan Rydz.

Both players are on stage and if this game is anything like the previous one, we are in for a treat.

(On his comeback from 2-0 down) Yes honestly when I get my first dart to sit I’ll be alright. First dart wasn’t sitting in first two sets. He (Price) didn’t give it as much as thought he would and that might have helped me as well. I’m buzzing to get the win and I woudn’t have done it without these guys (the fans).

(On his 92 checkout to win) That’s what we do in practice. We practice these kinds of shots and when they come off in big moments it’s brilliant.

Just look at that relief from Dobey.

What a win and he did thoroughly deserve it.

Price will be made to rue all of those missed doubles!

A delighted Chris Dobey has just been speaking to Sky Sports.

Here’s what he had to say.

It’s definitely at the top (of my achievements). Getting over the line. It means a lot, once again the fans have been fantastic and I’ve never been so nervous throwing at a winning double like today. And I’m just pleased I grinded it out and got the win.

On the late drama – Honestly, it reminded us of exactly the same as last year. I thought just keep going, you will get another chance and luckily I got over the line. Honestly I’m overhwlemed.

A poor first few visits from Dobey and Price can take the initiative in this set.

Price needs a big score, but he can only hit 43. What drama.

Can Dobey get over the line finally… Price is struggling to punish his errors.

20, double 18… double 18 for the match. AND HE DOES IT!

Dobey is through to the semi-final after missing five match darts.

He looks elated and relieved. What a victory and he’s into the final four for the first time ever!!

Price is in the hotseat to take this game to another leg.

He needs 75, while Dobey is left on 56.

Price just about finishes it, by taking out the double 6 to ensure there’s another leg in this epic and exhausting game.

This has been a brilliant recovery from Dobey after that cruel blow at the end of the seventh set.

Price is too far behind to put any real pressure on and Dobey needs 16.

He does it at the first attempt and once again, Dobey is one leg away from the semi-finals!

A rapid and fabulous response.

This is a real test of Dobey’s mental strength now after being so close to victory.

And surely Price will have received a big boost from his lucky escape there.

Price has the throw to start an epic eighth set, but Dobey almost checks out 164.

Price needs double 13. He misses and splits. Double four to win, but he misses again – another double blown.

Dobey needs 42. He does, and breaks the throw. Huge from the Englishman.

This game is still alive and look at those celebrations from Price!

Dobey starts with a 180 and Price is in his wake, but can he put some pressure on?

He can’t and Dobey needs 145, before taking it down to 20 to reach the World Championship semi-finals.

This is it, this is his moment!!!

He hits 10 on the first attempt, then decides to split.

Double 4 to win, but he MISSES, although Price is still on 184 yet he puts the pressure on with 134.

Two match darts missed already for Dobey… and he makes that 5!

It’s on Price now to take this to another set. Wow, what drama!

Tops for Price and he does it on the second attempt.

What a set and Price cannot believe it. He’s still alive in this game!

Price is fighting to stay in the match here, but he can have no complaints if he loses.

He was electric in the first two sets but has completely dropped off since then and his ability to hit doubles has deserted him.

He leaves 150, but Dobey ramps up the pressure with 100.

Price can’t manage it though and only strikes 55, but Dobey can’t take 130 either.

95 for Price required and he levels it up at double 10 and he gives a big celebration and ‘COME ON’ to the crowd.

It all comes down to this.

Dobey takes control of this leg and has 90 to check out, with Price not yet on a finish.

Price fails to put the pressure on as he can only hit 45.

Is this the moment for Dobey? 40 to get and 40 he gets!

One leg away from the biggest win of his life.

Price has been much better here, but he still can’t take out 24.

This is unbelievable. He’s now missed 37 darts at double.

But fair play to him as he takes out double 3 and does an ironic big celebration and stare to the sky.

A few boos fired back at him from the crowd.

Does he still have life left in this match? He has to break Dobey’s throw here!

This is all going very quickly now.

Six consecutive legs for Dobey and he takes out 87 with ease.

He’s two legs away from his first ever semi-final at a World Championship.

Price has completely lost all of his form here and it would take something special to rescue this game.

Price has a chance with double tops, but he misses again.

Dobey makes no mistake with his checkout and makes sure he wins his fifth leg and fourth set in a row!

What a turnaround and Dobey has the darts in this set to complete a remarkable victory.

Dobey is taking control of this match.

Price trails in his wake and Dobey takes out 25.

Price’s form has dipped and his head has dipped too.

2-0 to Dobey and he’s well on his way to making it four sets in a row.

Dobey has just been far more clinical than Price on the doubles, but can he turn that around?

Price puts up some big scores early in this set to try and regain some control in the match.

But the Welshman misses double 18 and double 9 to win the leg.

And then he misses three more attempts at double 9. This is costing him.

Dobey himself misses three attempts at double. What is going on?!

And Price misses three attempts again – that’s now 8 darts to win this leg. He has completely lost his rhythm.

Dobey eventually gets there with double 2.

Price has missed 33 darts at double in this match! He needs to turn that around quick or he’ll be out of this tournament before he knows it.

Dobey is the firm favourite here.

He’s down to 100, while Price is only on 283 after three visits.

Can Dobey checkout and complete his turnaround?

Double 10? He just misses, but Price is miles back.

And Dobey does it on the second attempt on his next turn!

Dobey is now 3-2 up! What a rip-roarer of a quarter-final.

Both players are down to 170, but Dobey has the initiative.

Treble 20, treble 20… can he get the big fish?

No, he’s just on 25. Price can’t do it either, with Dobey needing 25 to level this set again!

Nine, double eight. Another break of throw!

What a game we have on here.

Price’s scoring has been exceptional. He’s missed 25 darts at double, but he’s averaging 99.

He needs 100 to break Dobey’s throw again.

The Welshman hits treble 20 and FINALLY hits tops. No celebrations again, you can tell he’s frustrated with himself.

Price is now throwing for the set!

Great set up play from Price to put himself in prime position for this set.

He needs 35. He’s on course with 11, but he’s miles off double 12 then double 6.

Dobey needs double 10 and he gets it on the second attempt.

Two breaks of throw now in this fifth set.

Price is really struggling with his doubles. What has happened to him?

A brilliant visit from Price leaves himself 40.

Dobey is miles off when attempting to checkout 154.

Price misses tops, double 10 and double 5. He’s really struggling to finish now, but Dobey can’t checkout 90.

Price then misses double two, but finally takes out double 1.

Not a flicker of emotion from the Ice Man. A break of throw though.

Dobey makes sure to put the pressure on Price to check out 88.

Price goes 20, treble 18, he needs double 7 for the set, but no, he can’t do it.

76 for Dobey to break and win the set.

He does it. Dobey and Ally Pally erupts as the Englishman levels this game.

Price only has himself to blame and this is building up into a cracker!

He leaves himself one dart at bull and he does it!

From the verge of losing the set, he’s given himself a chance, although Price has the darts.

A huge few minutes in store.

Brilliant from Price who goes 20, 20, tops to check out 80 and take a 2-1 lead in this set.

Can he break to go 3-1 up?

Meanwhile, take a look at Dobey halving the deficit in the last set below…

This really is a quarter-final full of quality.

Both players are averaging almost 100 now.

Dobey narrowly misses the bull, but can Price get 130? No, he can’t.

The Englishman then can’t check out 25 and Price then fails to finish off 41 on his throw.

Dobey hits double two to hold his throw… just!

A bit of pressure on Price here to hold throw.

He needs 112 and he gives himself one chance at tops, but he just misses.

Dobey needs 30, but can’t quite get it. What a chance that was!

The first one misses, the second one bounes out, but the third one he hits.

Huge under pressure from Price and he gives it large with the celebrations.

Dobey is starting to tick here as he hits his seventh 180 of the match.

Price reponds with a 140 and ensures he’s in control of this game.

85 to check out, but he can’t make it.

Dobey needs 107 to win the third set.

19, 60, double 14. Absolutely brilliant and he’s back in the game!

An average of 113 in that set.

Dobey misses two attempt at double 14 to win the game, but he’s well clear of Price.

The Welshman can’t put enough pressure on and Dobey makes no mistake this time.

The first three games of this set have all gone with the throw.

Price is a man on a mission today.

He had 40 to check out but missed double 20 then double 10, before taking out double five.

Good composure from the Welshman to level the third set.

Dobey has experience from this tournament fighting back in games and he will need to call on all of that mental strength again here.

Price is playing brilliantly though to leave Dobey needing to check out 80.

And he does so on the second attempt. A cracker from Chris Dobey.

Price has been in this position before though, controlling a match until he was pegged back.

He will be desperate to avoid a similar situation, especially given he is averaging 99.89 as supposed to Dobey’s 93.10

Dobey is just not scoring heavily enough here. There have been seven 140+ scores for Price and just one for Dobey.

Prices makes his way onto a finish and could break Dobey and win the set.

But Price misses a dart at the bull, although he will have another chance… 38 to get.

He splits, and hits double 12.

A huge ‘BOOYAH’ from the Welshman. He’s in total control here!

Price becoming a little bit sloppy here. He’s missed seven darts at double in a row.

However, he does get the job done and takes a 2-1 lead in the second set.

Look at the focus in those eyes!

A big moment in the game?

Price misses two shots at double to break Dobey’s throw.

He then hits a single five instead of double and misses a fourth attempt to win. Will he be made to rue those opportunities?

Yes, he will. Dobey takes out double 12 to level this set.

Ooh, Price hits 60 first up – that break came at a bad time for him.

He recovers well with 140 in his next visit, before hitting a 180.

Dobey puts the pressure on, but Price checks out double tops on the second attempt.

A blistering set of darts and look at what it means to him!

Four dominant holds of throw, but is Price stealing a march here?

He hits a 180 first up and now he’s in crusie control. 82 to check out.

Dobey keeps the pressure on, but the first big moment of the match is here.

Bull, double 16 and Price takes a 1-0 lead.

A brilliant leg of darts and boy does Price look up for this. A huge celebration and he’s in the mood.

The perfect start as Dobey heads off stage looking frustrated with himself.

A first roar of emotion from Price as he levels the game up again.

Decent from both on the doubles so far and we’re all set for a final leg to settle this first set.

Both players are looking good here.

Dobey checks out 16 to ensure the first set continues to go with the throw.

Impressive stuff, as he looks to finally reach a semi-final at this tournament.

Wow, stunning from Price.

He checks out 128 to level things straight back up, with Dobey nowhere near a finish.

A good response from the Welshman and the atmosphere is building up at Ally Pally.

Dobey starts with a 180 to put himself in control in this first leg.

It’s a little bit scrappy from Price and Dobey punishes him by checking at 80.

A good start from the Englishman.

A reminder that it is first to five sets today.

Both players are out and Alexandra Palace is bouncing.

Chris Dobey is lapping this up and ooks really focused as he comes out to ‘Let’s get ready to rumble’.

Meanwhile, Price comes out to his classic Ice Ice Baby, although he’s copping a few boos from the crowd.

What a game we have in store.

Dobey will get us underway by throwing first.

They’ve just been speaking to Sky Sports ahead of things getting underway and here’s what they had to say.

Last year (the quarter-final) was a disaster, but it’s a new year and a new beginning so hopefully I can get over the line. I’ve been practicing last night and (double 16) seems to be going, and as long as it goes on the day.

It’s (playing against Price) good. I remember playing him in one of my first semi-finals on TV and I probably should’ve won that game. He’ll hopefully bring the best out of me and I’m looking forward to it.

You’re probably seeing 50 per cent of me. Half the game I’m playing great, then I’m dropping off. There are no mind games here, everytime I’ve played him, he’s played really well.

It’s not been easy for both Gerwyn Price and Chris Dobey so far at Alexandra Palace, but what have their journeys been to the quarter-final stage?

2nd round – 3-0 vs Keane Barry

3rd round – 4-3 vs Joe Cullen

4th round – 4-2 vs Jonny Clayton

2nd round – 3-1 vs Alexander Merkx

3rd round – 4-2 vs Josh Rock

4th round – 4-3 vs Kevin Doets

It was a huge shock on Sunday night when reigning world champion and world No 1 Luke Humphries was beaten 4-1 by Peter Wright.

It must be acknowledged that Wright was on fire, averaging more than 100 and hitting 70 per cent of his doubles, but it still left punters hugely suprised given Humphries’ brilliant year.

The 29-year-old may not be in contention at Alexandra Palace any longer, but he still revealed who he would like to lift the trophy.

Read the full story below…

Let’s see what 2025 brings…

We saw Tottenham stars Brennan Johnson and James Maddison, Man City’s Kyle Walker and Southampton and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in attendance on Monday night.

I expect there will be plenty more big names there today so we’ll keep an eye out across the crowd for you.

Some great fancy dress outfits have been spotted already on New Year’s Day at Alexandra Palace.

That’s one way to deal with a New Year’s hangover…

After Dobey vs Price, Michael van Gerwen is set to take on Callan Rydz, who has been one of the stories of the tournament.

It’s fair to say it’s been a tough year for van Gerwen, but the Dutchman has shown signs of being back to his best over the past few weeks.

And with the likes of Luke Humphries and Gary Anderson out, has the door been left open for the 35-year-old to win his fourth World Championship – and first since 2019?

He wrapped up a 4-2 victory against Jeffrey de Graaf in the last-16 stage on Monday.

Who can forget this incredible moment from the quarter-finals two years ago?

We mentioned about Price being somewhat of a pantomine villain at Alexandra Palace, but at the 2023 tournament it seemingly got too much for the Welshman.

At 3-1 down to Gabriel Clemens, he came out for the fifth set with ear defenders on in a remarkable sign of defiance – or maybe protest – towards a hostile crowd.

Unfortunately, the unprecedented move didn’t work as Price was unable to prevent being knocked out in a shock result by the German.

First up, we’ve got Chris Dobey vs Gerwyn Price which sees the world No 15 up against the world No 10.

Price has always been somewhat of a pantomine villain at Alexandra Palace, although we haven’t seen the Welshman receive too much stick this year.

It promises to be a fantastic encounter against Dobey, who always finds a way to compete in these big TV tournaments, although he’s never gone past this stage before.

We really do have a fantastic day in store today in north London, with four mouthwatering match-ups on the oche.

Below is the full schedule with expected start times for each match.

12:40PM – Chris Dobey vs Gerwyn Price

2.10PM – Michael van Gerwen vs Callan Rydz

7:10PM – Peter Wright vs Stephen Bunting

8:40PM – Luke Littler vs Nathan Aspinall

And welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of the World Darts Championship quarter-finals.

We’ve got a blockbuster day of action in store, so be sure to stick with us throughout the afternoon and evening for all the updates from Alexandra Palace.