Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Martin Schindler all secured their spots in the last 16 at the Czech Darts Open in Prague, delivering stunning performances that kept the crowd at the edge of their seats. One of the standout moments came from Littler, who produced a record-breaking display, achieving a jaw-dropping average of 110.43 in his dominant 6-1 win against Nathan Aspinall. This remarkable showing not only set the tone for the tournament but also placed Littler firmly among the favorites for the title.
The 18-year-old Premier League champion, Luke Littler, continues to impress during his debut season as a professional, and his performance in Prague was nothing short of spectacular. Having already claimed two European Tour titles this season, Littler looked unstoppable as he opened his campaign for a third title in emphatic fashion. After experimenting with a new design of darts earlier in the week during the Players Championship events, Littler decided to revert to his trusted setup for the Czech Darts Open, and the decision paid off handsomely.
“I’m happy with that,” Littler said in his post-match interview. “I know what I can throw with these darts, and that’s why I didn’t play with the gold ones.” His confidence in his equipment was matched by his brilliant form on the oche, as he delivered a masterclass in finishing. With checkouts of 91, 128, 88, and 124, Littler left Aspinall with little chance of mounting a comeback. The young star’s relentless pace and precision showed why he’s been one of the breakout players of the year.
Looking ahead, Littler faces a challenging third-round match against Australia’s Damon Heta, who booked his place in the last 16 with a solid 6-3 victory over Gabriel Clemens. Heta himself averaged over 102 in a strong showing, setting up what promises to be a thrilling encounter with Littler in Sunday’s afternoon session. Littler, however, remained unfazed by the task ahead. “If I play like this again tomorrow, I’ll be very happy,” he remarked confidently.
Meanwhile, other big names in the world of darts also made their presence felt. Luke Humphries, the reigning World Champion and a top contender for another European Tour title, showed flashes of brilliance in his 6-2 win over Ritchie Edhouse. Despite dropping only two legs, Humphries admitted that he still wasn’t at his peak form. “It was a decent performance, but I know I can improve,” said Humphries. “I feel like there’s another level in me. I’m not playing my best, but I’m doing the right things at the right time.”
Humphries now faces a clash with Gian van Veen, who is riding high after securing a place in the PDC Winmau World Youth Championship final earlier in the week. Van Veen continued his strong run of form with an impressive 6-2 win over former world number two, James Wade. With both players in excellent shape, their upcoming battle promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament’s third round.
The evergreen Michael van Gerwen, a 37-time European Tour winner, also made his mark in Prague with a hard-fought 6-4 win against Krzysztof Ratajski. Van Gerwen, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, averaged 104.56 and produced two 11-dart breaks of throw, alongside five 180s, in a performance that showcased his ability to find an extra gear when it matters most. “Mighty Mike” is no stranger to the pressures of the European Tour, and his clinical finishing will make him a formidable opponent as the tournament progresses.
Van Gerwen’s next challenge comes in the form of Alan Soutar, who has been quietly making his way through the tournament. Soutar’s composure and steady scoring will be tested to the fullest when he faces the Dutchman in the third round, as van Gerwen looks to add another title to his already glittering career.
In another dominant performance, Mike De Decker continued his superb run of form, whitewashing Danny Noppert 6-0 in a clinical display. The BoyleSports World Grand Prix champion was in ruthless mood, averaging 102.48 and nailing a brilliant 150 checkout to seal the victory. Noppert, who has been a consistent performer on the tour, was simply outclassed, managing just one dart at a double in the entire match. De Decker’s emphatic win sees him join the last 16, where he will face Martin Schindler, another player who has been in great form throughout the tournament.
As the tournament heads into Finals Day on Sunday, the third round matches promise plenty of drama and excitement. The action will kick off in the afternoon, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final all set to be played in a blockbuster evening session. The Czech Darts Open has already seen some exceptional performances, but with so many top players still in contention, the best may be yet to come.
The third-round draw sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion, with matches such as Niels Zonneveld vs Ricardo Pietreczko, Jonny Clayton vs Michael Smith, and Raymond van Barneveld vs Jermaine Wattimena, ensuring that fans are in for a treat. With high stakes, elite competition, and players delivering on the big stage, the Czech Darts Open is living up to its reputation as one of the premier events on the European Tour. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the PVA Expo in Prague to see who emerges as the champion.