Stunned darts fans call Luke Littler ‘criminal’ after spotting what he did in first set against Nathan Aspinall

Fans watching Luke Littler's clash against Nathan Aspinall were left stunned after spotting what the 17-year-old did in the first set.

On Wednesday night, the eight remaining players in the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship battled for a semi-final spot at the Alexandra Palace, London.

In the afternoon session, Chris Dobey and Michael van Gerwen sealed their place in the next round after beating Gerwyn Price and Callan Rydz respectively.

Stephen Bunting then kicked off the evening session with a 5-2 win over Peter Wright before tournament favourite Littler went up against Aspinall.

During the first set, which Littler won 3-0, fans spotted the unconventional way the teenage sensation checked out in the final leg.

With 11 remaining, the popular route would have been to hit three and then double four, however, Littler decided to go for seven and double two.

Speaking on Sky Sports, commentator Rod Studd said: "Double two the pick, interesting pick, pins it."

Reacting on social media, one fan said: "Who goes 7 double 2 man."

Another tweeted: "F***ing criminal man."

A third fan added: "Taking the absolute p*** hahahaha." You can watch the third leg of the first set below.

'The Nuke' eventually proved too good for 'The Asp' as he came away with a comfortable 5-2 win.

Speaking after beating Aspinall, Littler said: "I think we both played very well there. I'm so glad to win. The crowd were chanting for Nathan, they wanted the comeback, but I had to finish it.

"The Ryan Meikle game was very tough but ever since it has felt like last year. I'm just playing with absolute confidence. When they're going in I'm playing with freedom, but now I'm looking on to the semi-finals."

He added: "They've [the crowd] been good for me tonight. They've also been good to Stephen.

"They can take their pick and support whoever they want to tomorrow. I can see quite a few Nuke shirts in here, so I think I've got on the better!"

In the semi-finals, Littler will be up against Bunting, with Dobey taking on Van Gerwen.