Luke Littler moved a step closer to his first clean sweep of majors in one year with a hard-fought win over Nathan Aspinall in Amsterdam.
Littler, the 2024 champion who was beaten 11-7 by Michael van Gerwen in last year’s final, edged out Aspinall 10-9 in the World Series of Darts Finals second round, taking the last two legs in a see-saw contest.
Following the win in the Dutch capital, Littler said: “Nathan pushed me all the way tonight; 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.
Luke Littler celebrates during his victory over Nathan Aspinall at the World Series of Darts Finals (credit: Kelly Deckers/PDC)
“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.”
Earlier on Saturday, Gerwyn Price defeated Jim Long 10-5 and James Wade saw off Wessel Nijman 10-7.
Luke Humphries crashed out with 10-9 defeat to Dirk van Duijvenbode, in the afternoon session, while Josh Rock secured a 10-7 win over Ryan Searle and Ross Smith beat Daryl Gurney 10-5.
An emotional Van Duijvenbode, who was joined by young son Levi on stage after the match, said: “Having my kid here is the best thing in my life.
“I won this game because he was here. When you are playing against the world number two you are always nervous.
Dirk van Duijvenbode celebrates his victory over Luke Humphries (credit: Kelly Deckers/PDC)
“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.”
Gian van Veen prevailed 10-7 against Karel Sedlacek and Jonny Clayton battled past Motomu Sakai 10-8.
The semi-finals and final will take place from 6pm on Sunday, following the quarter-finals in the afternoon.
Saturday September 19
Afternoon Session
Round Two x4
Josh Rock 10-7 Ryan Searle
Daryl Gurney 5-10 Ross Smith
Gian van Veen 10-7 Karel Sedlacek
Luke Humphries 9-10 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Evening Session
Round Two x4
Jonny Clayton 10-8 Motomu Sakai
Gerwyn Price 10-5 Jim Long
James Wade 10-7 Wessel Nijman
Luke Littler 10-9 Nathan Aspinall
Sunday September 20
Afternoon Session – From 12pm
Quarter-finals
Ross Smith vs Josh Rock
Dirk van Duijvenbode vs Gian van Veen
Gerwyn Price vs James Wade
Luke Littler vs Jonny Clayton
Evening Session – From 6pm
Semi-Finals
Final
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