Ally Pally is back in full swing after the Christmas break, as the climax of this year’s  PDC World Darts Championship starts to heat up. The 128-player field continues to be narrowed down with just four days left until one player lifts the Sid Waddell Trophy and bags the £1m winner’s cheque.

While the elusive nine-dart finish remains unachieved, fans have been treated to a festive spectacle of 180s, stunning checkouts, unlikely cult heroes and a fair share of controversy. Here’s a summary of all the key points from recent action on the Alexandra Palace stage.

Littler vents at Ally Pally boos

World number one Luke Littler should have been grinning from ear to ear after overcoming a tough challenge from former world champion Rob Cross to secure his spot in the quarter-finals. The 18-year-old triumphed 4-2 with an impressive 106.58 average and 17 maximums but was left fuming and venting his frustration in a remarkable tirade against the Ally Pally crowd.

The capacity audience backed underdog Cross throughout the match, with some sections booing ‘The Nuke’ as he stepped up to the oche – and the hostility seemed to get under the skin of the teenage prodigy.

Speaking to Sky Sports on stage following the match, a clearly frustrated Littler addressed the crowd, saying: “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!”

During his post-match press conference, the teenager acknowledged he’d lost his composure on stage. He said: “I think I lost it, I think it’s still on there!” when asked what it would take for him to completely lose his temper.

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

Youngster reeling after girlfriend darts snub

Charlie Manby, a rising talent in the arrows game, has proven to be the tournament’s biggest shock so far. The 20-year-old, who doesn’t hold a PDC Tour card, has overcome more seasoned rivals to set up a last-16 encounter with world No.10 Gian van Veen this evening.

However, the Huddersfield bricklayer revealed he was left “heartbroken” when his girlfriend couldn’t make it to his third-round fixture against ‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans. When questioned about the significance of having loved ones present after his 4-2 victory over Evans, 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 added: “I think it was a bit out of order to be honest.”

Fortunately, his 78-year-old grandfather was present in the audience. “That meant more to me than anything,” he said.

Rock confident as ever after victory

Josh Rock entered this year’s tournament on a high note and effortlessly advanced to the last 16 with a comfortable 4-1 triumph over Callan Rydz. The 24 year old star from Northern Ireland will take on England’s Justin Hood next and didn’t mince his words post-match.

In an interview with Sky Sports, the World Cup of Darts champion declared: “I’m not here to makeup the numbers – I’m here to win the title.”

Following a wave of seeded players exiting the competition, Rock is now viewed as one of the favourites in north London, albeit at quite attractive odds. With the two Lukes leading the betting market, Gian van Veen is available at 9/1, followed by Rock, who is fourth favourite at 12/1.