Littler closes in on world No 1 after opening win at European Championship

Luke Littler stayed on course to become world No 1 after thumping legend Raymond van Barneveld 6-1 to progress to the last 16 at the European Championship.

The world champion is now just three wins away from being No 1 after a 99 average, three 180s and a high checkout of 115.

Littler enjoyed a brilliant burst, winning back-to-back legs in 11 and 10 darts respectively to lead 5-1, before sealing victory in under 13 minutes.

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There was also a statement win for Luke Humphries, who continued his record of never losing in the opening round of the European Championship after five years.

Humphries averaged just shy of 110 on his way to a whitewash victory over Krzysztof Ratajski, sealing it with a fabulous 161 checkout to advance.

"At the start of 2024, I was called the worst world No 1 ever, or the worst world champion... I think I've done it justice to be honest," said Humphries.

"If Luke [Littler] does take it, he'd be a worthy world No 1."

Top seed Nathan Aspinall reached last 16 for the second time in the last four years, seeing off Rob Cross in comfortable fashion 6-1.

An emotional Cameron Menzies upset Gary Anderson 6-3 in an all-Scottish affair, pinning a magical Shanghai finish (120) to complete a big win on debut.

The Ayrshire thrower capitalised on a dismal display of finishing (27 per cent) from the Flying Scotsman with an impressive 60 per cent on the outer ring.

Experienced James Wade - the 2018 champion - overcame a below-par Mike De Decker to book his place in the next round at the Westfalenhalle, while Josh Rock's poor record at the European Championship continued against Ricardo Pietreczko.

The World Cup winner from Northern Ireland missed two darts to take the game to a decider, and it was the German No 2 who pinned D10 to win 6-4.

'Rocky' has now won just one of his five matches, losing in the first round three years running.

Another home favourite, Niko Springer, went up against 2024 runner-up Jermaine Wattimena in the opening match of the night.

Springer, marking his debut in the tournament, was sunk by Wattimena who continued his blistering run of form with a stunning 106.8 average, four 180s and 55 per cent on the doubles.

Danny Noppert was the final player through on Friday, as the Dutchman beat compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 to wrap up the session.

'The Freeze' averaged an impressive 104.88 and took out a fine 110 checkout on his way to victory.

What's happening on Saturday in Dortmund?

Four-time winner Michael van Gerwen headlines the afternoon session against 'Hollywood' Chris Dobey, while home favourite and German No 1 Martin Schindler takes on Ryan Joyce.

World Youth Champion Gian van Veen faces Ryan Searle and then two-time semi-finalist Daryl Gurney meets former champion Ross Smith.

Littler continues his bid with a tasty clash against 2018 European Champion Wade, while Humphries tackles Scottish debutant Menzies.

Top-ranked Aspinall goes up against recent European Tour finalist Noppert and home hero Pietreczko takes on Wattimena in the evening session.

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