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Luke Littler vs Ryan Searle Betting Tips & Live Stream - The Nuke to reach third successive final

jon-vine
Jon Vine
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Last updated: Fri 02 Jan 2026 09:01
The 2026 PDC World Darts Championships semi-final features defending champion Luke Littler against Ryan Searle. Littler, currently the world's number one seed, has shown remarkable form, making 105 averages appear standard. Facing off against Searle, who has exceeded expectations by reaching his first semi-final, Littler is predicted to win comfortably, likely 6-2. Although Searle's finishing has been impressive, Littler's performance remains unmatched. Fans can catch the match live via streaming links for an exciting showdown. Specialists recommend betting on Littler's victory with over 7.5 total sets.
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Jon Vine 02 Jan 2026
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  • Free tips for Luke Littler vs Ryan Searle
  • This semi-final match takes place on Friday 2nd January
  • We're backing Littler to win the match 6-2, Over 7.5 Total Sets, and 5+ 100 Checkouts
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luke littler
Luke Littler of England acknowledges the fans during the Quarter-final match between Luke Littler and Krzysztof Ratajski. (Getty)

The first of Friday's two semi-finals at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championships sees defending champion, Luke Littler take on 20th seed Ryan Searle.

Here are our free darts tips for Luke Littler vs Ryan Searle, plus how you can stream the match live on Friday.

Luke Littler vs Ryan Searle - Tale Of The Tape


Luke Littler Name Ryan Searle
England Nation England
18 Age 38
The Nuke Nickname Heavy Metal
1 World Ranking 20
Winner (2025) PDC World Champs Best Semi-Finals (2026)
1/9 Match Odds 8/1
1/2 Tournament Odds 16/1

Head To Head


Luke Littler has won all five games that he's played against Ryan Searle in the PDC. "The Nuke" thrashed Searle 10-2 in the World Matchplay earlier this year, and won their most recent clash on the European Tour in August 6-3.

Luke Littler Form


Luke Littler has been imperious so far during these World Championships. The only difficulties the defending champion has faced have been from the crowd, who - for some unknown reason - have booed their 18-year-old champion during his last two matches.

Only Rob Cross has managed to take a set off Littler during his five games thus far. "The Nuke" whitewashed Darius Labanauskas, David Davies and Mensur Suljovic, before a 4-2 victory over the 2018 World Champion. On Thursday evening, Littler dropped just five legs to Krzysztof Ratajski, averaging bang on 100 for the match while hitting 55% of his checkouts.

The World Champion actually seemed disappointed with his quarter-final performance when he spoke in the studio afterwards, which shows you the sort of standard that Littler expects from himself. The world number one makes 105 averages seem like standard practice. He's on another level to any player in the world at the moment.

Ryan Searle Form


In my pre-tournament betting preview, I put Ryan Searle up as a 10/1 shot to win Quarter 2. I'm not surprised at all to see "Heavy Metal" playing in his first semi-final, but what has shocked me is the ease with which the 20th seed has reached this stage of the tournament.

Like Littler, Ryan Searle has only lost two sets in making it to the final four. The 38-year-old romped to easy victories over Chris Landman, Brendan Dolan, Martin Schindler and James Hurrell, before a 5-2 victory over Jonny Clayton on Thursday afternoon.

Searle is renowned for being a prodigious 180 hitter. Yet, it's his finishing that's helped him reach the final four for the first time. The world number 20 has hit over 50% of his checkouts during this tournament - but sadly, the only player to record a higher tournament doubles percentage will be standing next to him on the oche on Friday night.

Verdict


LUKE LITTLER is going to win. It's almost impossible to see any other outcome. The only challenge when betting on Luke Littler matches is to find value in the special betting markets.

Although this is Ryan Searle's first semi-final appearance, all the pressure will be on the defending champion. The 20th seed is playing well enough to pounce on any chances he's afforded by the number one seed, so I expect "Heavy Metal" will take a set or two off his all-conquering opponent.

I'm going to back Luke Littler to win the match 6-2. Over 7.5 Total Sets in the match - meaning Searle has to win at least two sets - offers decent value at 4/6. Given how proficient both players have been on the outer ring, backing over 5+ 100+ Checkouts seems a safe bet too.

Live Stream


Visit our PDC World Championships Live Stream page if you want to watch this match via a mobile or tablet.

Verdict

Correct Score - Luke Littler 6-2
Total Sets - Over 7.5
100+ Checkouts - 5+

Best Bet1: Luke Littler 6-2 Correct Score @4/1 at bet365 - 5 Units
Best Bet2: Over 7.5 Total Sets @2/3 at bet365 - 5 Units
Best Bet3: 5+ 100+ Checkouts @4/5 at bet365 - 5 Units
Luke Littler 6-2
Correct Score
@4/1 - 5 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365
Over 7.5
Total Sets
@2/3 - 5 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365
5+
100+ Checkouts
@4/5 - 5 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

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