Littler survives scare to progress at World Series Finals

Luke Littler, the 19‑year‑old world number one, survived a first‑round scare to defeat Danny Noppert and advance at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam. He was chasing a second World Series Finals title after his 2024 victory. Littler whitewashed the former UK Open champion Noppert 6‑0 en route to winning the Czech Darts Open. Noppert rallied, taking three straight legs to lead 3‑1. Littler levelled at 3‑3, responded to the crowd by tapping his ears. Despite Littler busting his score, Noppert could not seize the advantage. At 4‑4, Littler unleashed a passionate roar after a 95‑checkout that left Noppert on 46, putting him one leg from victory which he closed out to win 6‑4. Littler will now meet Nathan Aspinall, who earlier defeated Raymond Smith 6‑4. Gerwyn Price overcame Brody Klinge 6‑4 after recovering from a 5‑0 lead; Klinge avoided a whitewash and narrowed the gap to one leg before Price secured the win. Price will face Jim Long next. Motomu Sakai edged England’s Callan Rydz 6‑5, while James Wade defeated Damon Heta by the same score. Wales’ Jonny Clayton is set to play Sakai after beating Maik Kuivenhoven 6‑3. Defending champion Michael van Gerwen lost 6‑5 to Daryl Gurney on Thursday, and world number two Luke Humphries will meet Dirk van Duijvenbode having prevailed over Wattimena.