Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jonathan Veal

Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen win last-leg deciders in Amsterdam

Luke Humphries Michael Van Gerwen Van Gerwen Amsterdam Kevin Doets Luke Littler James Wade Josh Rock
Luke Humphries scraped through to the second round of the World Series of Darts Finals (John Walton/PA) - (PA Wire)

Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen both won last-leg deciders to make it through the first round of the World Series of Darts Finals.

World number one Humphries was the closest to going out in the last 32 as James Wade had a match dart to send him home but he crucially missed a double eight.

Humphries, looking to win the title for the first time, took advantage to steal a 6-5 victory in Amsterdam and set up a last-16 meeting with Kevin Doets on Saturday.

It was an emotional night for home favourite Van Gerwen who survived against fellow Dutchman Wessel Nijman.

The five-time World Series champion is having a tough season but secured a morale-boosting win by breaking Nijmen’s throw to claim a 6-5 victory.

Stephen Bunting, the top seed due to performances in previous World Series events this year, fell at the first hurdle.

‘The Bullet’ went down 6-4 to Dutchman Danny Noppert.

There were wins for Josh Rock, Rob Cross, Damon Heta and Mike De Decker, while defending champion Luke Littler begins his campaign on Saturday.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
The Sweet Reason Why Taylor Swift Let The Summer I Turned Pretty Use Her Music
The Sweet Reason Why Taylor Swift Let The Summer I Turned Pretty Use Her Music
Marie Claire
Marie Claire
‘Raising roofs and canes’: Woman goes to Raising Cane’s in Times Square. Then she sees a DJ inside. Why?
Under the right circumstances, a DJ can take an experience to the next level. How many weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and parties go from memorable to unforgettable with just a few songs?
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
8 Reasons Research Says You Should Stop Eating Processed Meat
Processed meat is everywhere—from the bacon in your breakfast sandwich to the deli ham in your lunch wrap. But while these foods are convenient and tasty, more studies are showing that processed meat might be doing more harm than good. The health risks go far beyond just extra calories or…
Grocery Coupon Guide
Grocery Coupon Guide
‘America, are we dating?’: Oasis finally wins over the US with triumphant tour
As the rock band played the final stop of their sold-out reunion tour near LA, it was clear: Liam and Noel Gallagher have become icons stateside
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
How many domestic dogs are there and do flies see in slow motion? The kids’ quiz
Five multiple-choice questions – set by children – to test your knowledge, and a chance to submit your own junior brainteasers for future quizzes ​
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
How to avoid seeing disturbing content on social media and protect your peace of mind
When graphic videos go viral, like the recent fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, it can feel impossible to protect yourself from seeing things you did not consent to see. But there are steps you can take.
The Conversation
The Conversation
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play