Littler and Humphries enjoy emphatic opening wins at the European Championship as Pietreczko punishes Rock

Luke Littler and Luke Humphries romped into the second round of the 2025 European Championship with dominant wins over Raymond van Barneveld and Krzysztof Ratajski on Friday.

The world’s top two ranked stars each put down a marker on a largely one-sided night of action in Dortmund.

World number one Humphries averaged 110 as he emphatically whitewashed Ratajski in little over ten minutes of play, sealing victory with a magnificent 161 checkout.

“I’m really pleased with that performance,” said Humphries. “My scoring was strong from the start and I think that was really important.

“If I start well, I’m always a far more dangerous player and I think those first few legs set the tone. I didn’t really give Krzysztof a sniff tonight, and that’s what you need to do against a player who is so solid.”

Littler, who is hunting down Humphries’ world number one spot this weekend, booked his place in Saturday’s Last 16 by brushing aside Van Barneveld 6-1.

The game turned in a key fourth leg, with Van Barneveld missing five darts at doubles to level at two-all before Littler put his foot to the floor to pull clear.

The World Champion also sealed his victory in style, landing a 115 checkout to set up a clash with former European Champion James Wade – who demolished Mike De Decker 6-1.

“It might have looked comfortable, but up there it wasn’t,” admitted Littler. “Me and Raymond both struggled in the first few legs, but I had to kick on and I got the job done.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow now. I’ve got a very good record against James, and it should be a good contest.

“I know the world number one spot is in sight, but I’ve just got to take it game by game and focus on James first.”

Wade eased past a struggling De Decker with a 97.7 average and 50% on the doubles to continue his consistent form in ranked majors this season.

Meanwhile, Nathan Aspinall lived up to his billing as the number one seed by hammering two-time European Champion Rob Cross 6-1.

Fresh from winning his third European Tour title of the year at the German Championship last weekend, Aspinall continued his clinical run of form, averaging 100.5 with the aid of four 180s.

“I’m coming into this tournament off the back of a fantastic win last weekend, and I’m enjoying my darts at the minute,” said Aspinall.

“It was a tough draw – playing Rob Cross when you’re the number one seed is not ideal, but I handled it well and I think I put a good performance in.

“I’ve suffered a lot over the last three or four years, but when I’ve got a clear mind I’m a very tough opponent, and I think my darts are showing that.”

Aspinall will now face Danny Noppert – who saw off Dutch rival Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 with a magnificent seven maximums to his name.

Josh Rock’s disappointing run of results continued as he was sent packing by German number two Ricardo Pietreczko – who punished several costly missed darts at doubles from the eighth seed to prevail 6-4.

Cameron Menzies pulled off a memorable 6-3 victory over former finalist Gary Anderson, punishing the veteran’s eight missed darts at doubles to mark a dream debut at the Westfalenhallen.

German debutant Niko Springer found himself on the wrong end of another majestic display from last year’s runner-up Jermaine Wattimena – who averaged 106.8 and hit four 180s and 55 per cent on the outer ring.

European Darts Championship 2025 Day Two Results

Friday October 24

First Round

Jermaine Wattimena 6-3 Niko Springer
Gary Anderson 3-6 Cameron Menzies
James Wade 6-1 Mike De Decker
Josh Rock 4-6 Ricardo Pietreczko
Luke Humphries 6-0 Krzysztof Ratajski
Luke Littler 6-1 Raymond van Barneveld
Nathan Aspinall 6-1 Rob Cross
Danny Noppert 6-3 Dirk van Duijvenbode