James Wade dumps Luke Littler out of the European Championship as Humphries survives Menzies scare

James Wade ended Luke Littler’s European Championship dream to book his place in the quarter-finals in Dortmund on Saturday, while Luke Humphries edged past Cameron Menzies.

Wade crushed Littler’s hopes of clinching a maiden European Championship title and with it the world number one spot as he sealed a memorable 10-7 success in front of more than 7,000 fans at the Westfalenhalle.

The duo remarkably boasted identical averages of 97.75 in a closely-fought contest, but Wade’s superior finishing saw him inflict Littler’s first ever defeat in the Last 16 of a televised ranking event.

Littler recovered from 2-0 and 6-4 down to level against the experienced left-hander, yet Wade was unperturbed, winning each of the last three legs to secure his first victory against the teenager in a TV major and avenge his defeats in the UK Open and World Matchplay finals earlier this year.

“Luke didn’t play his A-game there, but I’m really happy with that win,” claimed 2018 champion Wade, who was aided by a trio of ton-plus checkouts.

“I don’t think Luke played very well in comparison.

“I think I probably should have run away with the game earlier than I did, but it’s a big positive to move forwards.”

Littler’s early exit means Humphries will retain the world number one spot following this weekend after he came from behind to narrowly deny Menzies in a decider.

Menzies looked to be on the cusp of a famous win at 8-6 in front, but Humphries dug deep when it mattered, following up an 11-dart break with an 83 finish on the bull to turn the tide before double 18 sealed the comeback.

“I’m proud of my performance, but I think I’m more proud of the way I held myself together,” admitted Humphries.

“Cameron is a fantastic player. When he’s in full flow he’s amazing and I had to really work hard to stay with him at times in that game.

“It’s great to average 110, but when you’re winning games when you are really under the cosh and things are going against you, it’s quite pleasing.”

Meanwhile, Ricardo Pietreczko maintained home hopes on Day Two in Dortmund to set up a quarter-final showdown with Danny Noppert, in a repeat of their clash at the same stage of last year’s event.

Pietreczko delighted his partisan home crowd with a 10-6 victory over 2024 runner-up Jermaine Wattimena, punishing a staggering 24 missed darts at double from the Dutchman.

The German number two will now renew his rivalry with Noppert, who averaged 101 to topple top seed Nathan Aspinall 10-7.

Aspinall fired in eight 180s but still found himself 9-5 behind, and his late fightback came in vain as Noppert landed a superb 130 checkout on the bull to reach the quarter-finals for the fifth consecutive year.

Noppert’s compatriot Gian van Veen also remains in the hunt for a maiden major title after producing a clinical display to dismantle Ryan Searle 10-2.

The World Youth Champion was imperious from start to finish at the Westfalenhalle, averaging 110, landing seven 180s and producing a show-stopping 170 checkout to book a place in his second European Championship quarter-final.

“This was one of my best performances on TV,” admitted 2023 semi-finalist Van Veen.

“I always knew I had this in the locker, and maybe a big title is around the corner.

“To see where I came from in the last three years is amazing. I’m in the top 16 now and I feel even more comfortable than I did last year. I’m really enjoying it.”

Michael van Gerwen maintained his quest for a record fifth European Championship title following a 10-5 victory over Chris Dobey, despite an average of 101 from the former Masters champion.

Dobey was punished for a profligate start as Van Gerwen raced into a 5-1 lead, and although the Bedlington star responded with a three-leg spell to reduce the arrears, Van Gerwen regained control to advance with a 100.8 average.

“I wasn’t at my best, but I think I was solid and I did the right things at the right moments,” reflected the Dutchman, who survived seven match darts in his opening clash against Wessel Nijman.

“My scoring power wasn’t too great, but my doubles at the beginning of the game got me through.

“I’ve been in these situation more than anybody in this tournament, so I know exactly what you have to do on days like tomorrow. We’re only in the quarter-finals now, so nothing is done yet.”

Van Gerwen’s reward for that victory is a last eight showdown against Daryl Gurney, who produced checkouts of 116, 122 and 124 in the latter stages of his 10-6 victory against 2022 champion Ross Smith.

Van Veen, meanwhile, will face debutant Ryan Joyce, who delivered a typically clinical display to dump out German number one Martin Schindler – aided by a superb 67 per cent checkout success rate.

European Darts Championship 2025 Day Three Results

Saturday October 25

Second Round

Afternoon Session
Gian van Veen 10-2 Ryan Searle
Daryl Gurney 10-6 Ross Smith
Martin Schindler 7-10 Ryan Joyce
Michael van Gerwen 10-5 Chris Dobey

Evening Session
Ricardo Pietreczko 10-6 Jermaine Wattimena
Nathan Aspinall 7-10 Danny Noppert
Luke Littler 7-10 James Wade
Luke Humphries 10-9 Cameron Menzies