Luke Littler, the top-ranked player, defeated Danny Noppen in the first round of the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam. The Englishman avoided an early exit and continues his quest for a second title at the series, following his victory in 2024.
Noppen, the UK Open champion, proved to be a formidable opponent. He took a 3-1 lead, but Littler responded to level the score at 3-3. At that moment, Littler addressed the crowd, tapping his ears in response to the booing from the stands. He then made an error, overstepping, but Noppen failed to capitalise on the advantage to retake the lead.
With the score at 4-4, Littler celebrated the finish of a 95-point break with a flourish, while Noppen remained on 46. That finish brought Littler to the brink of victory, which he then secured.
In the next round, Littler faces compatriot Nathan Aspinall, who defeated Ray Smith 6-4 in his match. In other matches, Gerwyn Price from Wales beat Brody Klena 6-4, after leading 5-0. Klena avoided total humiliation, rallying to turn what looked like a routine win into a tight contest, but Price calmly brought the match to a close and now faces Jim Long.
Motomu Sakai defeated Callan Rydz 6-5, and James Wade beat Damon Heta 6-5. Jonny Clay will face Sakai after defeating Maik Kuivenhoven 6-3. The defending champion, Michael van Gerwen, was defeated 6-5 by Daryll Gurney on Thursday, while second-ranked Luke Humphries will play Dirk van Duijvenbode after defeating Wayne Warren.
