Luke Littler loses to Luke Humphries for the first time since World Championship final… as world No 1 beats teenage sensation 6-5 in European Darts Grand Prix in Germany
By Pa23:11 BST 20 Apr 2024, updated 23:11 BST 20 Apr 2024
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Littler came up short of shocking the world in World Championship final this year
He has since had success against his new-formed rival, winning seven of seven
Humphries though won on Saturday to set up last 16 tie versus Stephen Bunting
World No 1 Luke Humphries beat teen sensation Luke Littler for the first time since their World Championship final in a thrilling 6-5 European Darts Grand Prix second-round meeting in Germany.
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It was the eighth clash between the world champion and ‘the Nuke’ since Humphries took the world title, and the 17-year-old pushed his opponent to the brink in Saturday’s blue riband match.
Humphries prevailed, surviving a final leg match dart and enjoying an 11-dart break in the decider to advance to the last 16 where he will face Stephen Bunting, who survived five match darts of his own to beat Ryan Searle 6-5 in the afternoon session.
Rob Cross remained on course to defending his 2023 title with a 6-5 victory over Martin Schindler – who averaged 106.08 to his 102.64 – and on Sunday will face Danny Noppert, who beat Daryl Gurney by the same scoreline in the afternoon session.
Josh Rock and world number three Michael Smith will open Sunday’s first session after the former triumphed 6-2 over Jeffrey Sparidaans and Smith spoiled Raymond Van Barneveld’s 57th birthday party after the Dutchman bounced back from a 5-2 deficit only to be defeated in a deciding-leg showdown.
Luke Littler (pictured) lost to Luke Humphries for the first time since the World Championship final
Humphries (L) had lost seven consecutive games to his rival since becoming a world champion
The Brit prevented Littler from shocking the world and winning the world title at the start of the year
Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson will meet in what should be an enticing encounter after ‘the Iceman’ cruised to a comfortable 6-1 triumph over Brendan Dolan after Anderson defeated Christian Perez 6-3.
World number two Michael Van Gerwen made quick work of Swedish opponent Johan Engstrom with a 6-1 victory to set up a last-16 matchup with Jonny Clayton, who edged out Chris Dobey 6-5.
Ross Smith and Ritchie Edhouse will meet after comfortably securing wins over Luke Woodhouse (6-2) and Dirk Van Duijvenbode (6-1) respectively.
Damon Heta’s (pictured) 117.48 average on Saturday was the third-highest in the history of the European Tour
Damon Heta’s 117.48 average in his 6-2 victory over Mickey Mansell was good enough for the third-highest ever posted on the Euro Tour.
The Australian will face Scott Williams, who beat Krzysztof Ratajski 6-4 in the afternoon session, while Dave Chisnall will take on Gabriel Clemens, the last German remaining after his 6-2 triumph over countryman Ricardo Pietreczko to close the curtain on Saturday night.
Luke HumphriesGermanyLuke Littler
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