Luke Littler stayed on target to grow to be world No 1 after thumping legend Raymond van Barneveld 6-1 to progress to the final 16 on the European Championship.
The world champion is now simply three wins away from being No 1 after a 99 common, three 180s and a excessive checkout of 115.
Littler loved an excellent burst, profitable back-to-back legs in 11 and 10 darts respectively to guide 5-1, earlier than sealing victory in beneath 13 minutes.
There was additionally a press release win for Luke Humphries, who continued his report of by no means dropping within the opening spherical of the European Championship after 5 years.
Humphries averaged simply shy of 110 on his option to a whitewash victory over Krzysztof Ratajski, sealing it with a wonderful 161 checkout to advance.
“At the start of 2024, I was called the worst world No 1 ever, or the worst world champion… I think I’ve done it justice to be honest,” mentioned Humphries.
“If Luke [Littler] does take it, he’d be a worthy world No 1.”
High seed Nathan Aspinall reached final 16 for the second time within the final 4 years, seeing off Rob Cross in snug trend 6-1.
An emotional Cameron Menzies upset Gary Anderson 6-3 in an all-Scottish affair, pinning a magical Shanghai end (120) to finish an enormous win on debut.
The Ayrshire thrower capitalised on a dismal show of ending (27 per cent) from the Flying Scotsman with a powerful 60 per cent on the outer ring.
Skilled James Wade – the 2018 champion – overcame a below-par Mike De Decker to guide his place within the subsequent spherical on the Westfalenhalle, whereas Josh Rock’s poor report on the European Championship continued towards Ricardo Pietreczko.
The World Cup winner from Northern Eire missed two darts to take the sport to a decider, and it was the German No 2 who pinned D10 to win 6-4.
‘Rocky’ has now received simply certainly one of his 5 matches, dropping within the first spherical three years operating.
One other residence favorite, Niko Springer, went up towards 2024 runner-up Jermaine Wattimena within the opening match of the night time.
Springer, marking his debut within the event, was sunk by Wattimena who continued his blistering run of type with a shocking 106.8 common, 4 180s and 55 per cent on the doubles.
Danny Noppert was the ultimate participant by means of on Friday, because the Dutchman beat compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 to wrap up the session.
‘The Freeze’ averaged a powerful 104.88 and took out a superb 110 checkout on his option to victory.
What’s occurring on Saturday in Dortmund?
![Luke Littler, Luke Humphries [PA images]](https://e0.365dm.com/25/10/768x432/skysports-darts-luke-humphries_7048655.jpg?20251011193953)
Littler and Humphries are again in motion on a bumper Saturday in Germany
4-time winner Michael van Gerwen headlines the afternoon session towards ‘Hollywood’ Chris Dobey, whereas residence favorite and German No 1 Martin Schindler takes on Ryan Joyce.
World Youth Champion Gian van Veen faces Ryan Searle after which two-time semi-finalist Daryl Gurney meets former champion Ross Smith.
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Highlights of the World Grand Prix remaining match between Littler and Humphries
Littler continues his bid with a tasty conflict towards 2018 European Champion Wade, whereas Humphries tackles Scottish debutant Menzies.
High-ranked Aspinall goes up towards current European Tour finalist Noppert and residential hero Pietreczko takes on Wattimena within the night session.
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