Luke Littler survives Nathan Aspinall scare at the World Series Finals as Van Duijvenbode dumps out Humphries

Luke Littler continued his pursuit of a clean sweep with a dramatic deciding-leg win over Nathan Aspinall at the World Series of Darts Finals, as Dirk van Duijvenbode dispatched Luke Humphries.

Day Three of the £450,000 event saw eight second round ties take place in Amsterdam, as 2024 champion Littler fought back from the brink to edge out Aspinall in a last-leg thriller despite 22 missed darts at doubles.

Aspinall produced a typically tenacious display in his bid to derail Littler’s title challenge at the AFAS Live, winning three straight legs in establishing a 5-3 advantage.

Despite missing chances to lead 6-3 and 7-5, the Stockport star refused to relent, finishing 78 to move to the cusp of victory at 9-8.

However, an unflappable Littler responded with a 14-dart hold to level proceedings at nine apiece, before landing a seventh 180 en route to a 12-dart break in the decider preserves his title hopes.

“Nathan pushed me all the way tonight,” admitted Littler, who will now face 2021 champion Jonny Clayton in Sunday’s quarter-finals.

“I didn’t feel confident in the first two sessions, but I managed to make it 6-6 and I was very good in the final session.

“When I came here two years ago, Ross Smith missed darts to beat me and then I went on to win the title, but I know it will be a good test against Jonny tomorrow.

“I’m glad that the streak is still on, but it’s going to be very tough.”

Clayton survived a major scare in overcoming Japanese star Motomu Sakai, overturning a 6-4 deficit to reach the quarter-finals for the fourth time in his career.

Meanwhile, Van Duijvenbode and Gian van Veen will lock horns in the Last Eight, after coming through high quality encounters in the afternoon session.

Van Duijvenbode denied world number two Luke Humphries in another deciding-leg epic, having also prevailed in their recent meeting at the Hungarian Darts Trophy.

The 2022 runner-up recovered from 8-6 down to triumph in front of a partisan Dutch crowd, firing in eight maximums and averaging 101 in the process.

Van Duijvenbode was supported in the crowd by his young son Levi, who joined his father on stage post-match after inspiring him to a memorable victory.

“Having my kid here is the best thing in my life,” reflected an emotional Van Duijvenbode.

“I won this game because he was here. When you are playing against the world number two you are always nervous.

“When I looked up at him he made so happy every time. It made me so relaxed. In the end that is the reason I won it.”

Van Veen was similarly impressive in his 10-7 success against Karel Sedlacek, defying a 103 average from Czechia’s number one to confirm his place in the quarter-finals.

The Dutch number one was merciless on the outer ring, producing spectacular checkouts of 160 and 147 to progress with a 101.5 average.

“Karel played a phenomenal game today, but luckily I found a way to win,” insisted the reigning European Champion.

“It was a really tricky game. At the back end I was scoring a little bit better on his throw, and that’s how I got the job done.

“I’m looking forward to playing Dirk because I’m playing him in the World Grand Prix, so it would be nice to get a taste of that game!”

Gerwyn Price and James Wade will also lock horns in a battle of the former champions, as two of the sport’s premier players go head-to-head in Amsterdam.

Price maintained his pursuit of a third World Series Finals crown with a comfortable 10-5 win over Canadian number one Jim Long.

2018 champion Wade accounted for home favourite Wessel Nijman in another enthralling contest, defying the Dutchman’s mid-match fightback to prevail with a 101 average and 63 per cent on the outer ring.

Josh Rock, a semi-finalist 12 months ago, landed a trio of ton-plus checkouts in his 10-7 victory over Ryan Searle to set up a Last Eight clash with in-form Ross Smith.

Smith produced a late surge to topple Rock’s World Cup partner Daryl Gurney, pinning 63 per cent of his attempts at doubles and averaging 100.30 to cap off another terrific all-round performance.

World Series of Darts Finals 2026 Day Three Results

Saturday September 19

Second Round

Afternoon Session
Josh Rock 10-7 Ryan Searle
Ross Smith 10-5 Daryl Gurney
Gian van Veen 10-7 Karel Sedlacek
Luke Humphries 9-10 Dirk van Duijvenbode

Evening Session
Jonny Clayton 10-8 Motomu Sakai
Gerwyn Price 10-5 Jim Long
James Wade 10-7 Wessel Nijman
Luke Littler 10-9 Nathan Aspinall