Luke Littler defies Danny Noppert at the World Series Finals to silence Amsterdam
Luke Littler survived a tough test from Danny Noppert to kick-start his challenge at World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam on Friday.
Littler silenced the partisan crowd at the AFAS Live to maintain his quest for an unprecedented clean sweep of major titles in 2026.
The world number one was forced to overturn a 3-1 defeat as he defied a bout of double trouble to see off the former UK Open champion 6-4.
An inspired 95 finish on tops-tops proved pivotal for Littler as he went on to clinch victory with a 12-darter and set up a second round clash with Nathan Aspinall on Saturday.
“Coming back from a losing position to win is always a great feeling,” said Littler, who averaged 98.2 despite missing 14 darts at doubles.
“I’m not putting pressure on myself. I am just focusing on round by round.
“Nathan always throws everything at me. He produces his best, I perform at my best, and hopefully it’s another great game tomorrow.
“It would be one of the best darts achievements if I could pull it off [the clean sweep], but it’s still a very long way away.”
Former World Matchplay champion Aspinall had earlier reeled off four legs on the spot to see off Australian ace Raymond Smith 6-4.
Former champion Gerwyn Price fended off a spirited fightback from Brody Klinge to close out a 6-4 victory with six from seven on the doubles.
Price had roared into a 5-0 lead, only for Australian Masters runner-up Klinge to reply with four on the spin – including two ton-plus finishes – but the Welshman held on to seal the deal with a 14-darter.
“I started off well and then dropped off and let Brody back into the game,” said Price, who will face Canada’s Jim Long in the Last 16
“He took out of a couple of big checkouts which hurt a little bit, so then it was about trying to fall across the winning line.
“We’re going into the back end of the season now and I believe there are some majors that I can win, and some that I’m targeting as well.”
Long secured his progress by recovering from 4-0 down and surviving a match dart to dispatch Australia’s Adam Leek in a deciding leg.
Former champion James Wade also survived a match dart against Damon Heta to edge out the Australian number one in a last-leg decider, defying five 180s from his opponent.
Wessel Nijman awaits Wade in Round Two, after the Dutchman delighted his home crowd with a 6-4 victory over Australian icon Simon Whitlock with a 98 average.
“I didn’t think it was as good as that, but my scoring got me over the line in the end,” admitted Nijman, an eight-time ranking title winner in 2026.
“All the titles I’ve won this year makes everything feel different. It gives you more confidence and I definitely feel more confident coming into this weekend.”
Motomu Sakai became the first Japanese player to win a match at the World Series Finals as he knocked out world number 40 Callan Rydz in a last-leg shootout with a 97.4 average and three 180s to his name.
Sakai will now face Jonny Clayton in Sunday’s Last 16 after the 2021 champion overcame Tour Card holder qualifier Maik Kuivenhoven 6-3 in a scrappy encounter.
World Series of Darts Finals 2026 Day Two Results
Friday September 18
First Round
Adam Leek 5-6 Jim Long
Motomu Sakai 6-5 Callan Rydz
Wessel Nijman 6-4 Simon Whitlock
Nathan Aspinall 6-4 Raymond Smith
James Wade 6-5 Damon Heta
Gerwyn Price 6-4 Brody Klinge
Luke Littler 6-4 Danny Noppert
Jonny Clayton 6-3 Maik Kuivenhoven
