European Darts Grand Prix: Luke Humphries ends Luke Littler drought with thrilling win in Germany

It was the eighth clash between the world champion and “the Nuke” since Humphries took the world title, and the 17-year-old pushed his opponent to the brink in Saturday’s blue riband match.

Humphries prevailed, surviving a final leg match dart and enjoying an 11-dart break in the decider to advance to the last 16 where he will face Stephen Bunting, who survived five match darts of his own to beat Ryan Searle 6-5 in the afternoon session.

Rob Cross remained on course to defending his 2023 title with a 6-5 victory over Martin Schindler – who averaged 106.08 to his 102.64 – and on Sunday will face Danny Noppert, who beat Daryl Gurney by the same scoreline in the afternoon session.

Josh Rock and world number three Michael Smith will open Sunday’s first session after the former triumphed 6-2 over Jeffrey Sparidaans and Smith spoiled Raymond Van Barneveld’s 57th birthday party after the Dutchman bounced back from a 5-2 deficit only to be defeated in a deciding-leg showdown.

Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson will meet in what should be an enticing encounter after “the Iceman” cruised to a comfortable 6-1 triumph over Brendan Dolan after Anderson defeated Christian Perez 6-3.

World number two Michael Van Gerwen made quick work of Swedish opponent Johan Engstrom with a 6-1 victory to set up a last-16 matchup with Jonny Clayton, who edged out Chris Dobey 6-5.

Ross Smith and Ritchie Edhouse will meet after comfortably securing wins over Luke Woodhouse (6-2) and Dirk Van Duijvenbode (6-1) respectively.

Damon Heta’s 117.48 average in his 6-2 victory over Mickey Mansell was good enough for the third-highest ever posted on the Euro Tour.

The Australian will face Scott Williams, who beat Krzysztof Ratajski 6-4 in the afternoon session, while Dave Chisnall will take on Gabriel Clemens, the last German remaining after his 6-2 triumph over countryman Ricardo Pietreczko to close the curtain on Saturday night.