Dirk Van Duijvenbode ends Humphries hoodoo as Anderson shines in Budapest
Dirk Van Duijvenbode ends Humphries hoodoo as Anderson shines in Budapest
Dirk van Duijvenbode ended his nine-match losing run against Luke Humphries to book his place at Finals Day of the Hungarian Darts Trophy, while Gary Anderson delivered a vintage performance at the MVM Dome.
Van Duijvenbode produced a superb display on Saturday to defeat top seed Humphries 6-3, reeling off four consecutive legs from 3-2 down to maintain his impressive resurgence on the European Tour.
The Dutchman averaged 98 and produced a spectacular 140 checkout in the closing stages to complete a memorable victory over the world number two.
“Luke is a phenomenal player, but I think I’m okay as well,” quipped Van Duijvenbode, a three-time European Tour runner-up.
“I’m happier in life at the moment. I’ve had a lot of struggles, but I feel better, life is better and I’m getting better now hopefully.”
Van Duijvenbode will face former World Champion Rob Cross on Finals Day after the Englishman produced a dramatic finish to deny Luke Woodhouse.
Cross landed a crucial 130 checkout in the deciding leg to edge past Woodhouse and set up an intriguing last-16 clash in Budapest.
Gian van Veen also advanced in impressive fashion, whitewashing home favourite Nandor Major 6-0 with a 67% success rate on his doubles.
The Dutch number one also produced the biggest checkout of the afternoon, converting a superb 167 during a dominant performance.
Michael van Gerwen, meanwhile, survived a scare against James Hurrell after recovering from 3-1 down to complete a comeback victory.
Anderson delivers in Budapest
Anderson marked his return to big-stage action with a statement performance, averaging 105.27 in a convincing 6-2 victory over Krzysztof Ratajski.
The Scottish legend ended Ratajski’s hopes of following up his recent European Tour success with another title challenge, setting up a mouthwatering showdown against Stephen Bunting.
Bunting also impressed in his opening match, sweeping aside Finland’s Jonas Masalin 6-1 to advance.
Ross Smith joined Anderson among the standout performers, averaging over 100 in a 6-2 victory against William O’Connor.
The former European Champion will now face Jonny Clayton, who overcame home representative Laszlo Kadar 6-3.
Nathan Aspinall also survived his opening assignment, defeating Ryan Joyce 6-4 after landing five maximums.
The Stockport star now faces a blockbuster meeting with seven-time Premier League champion Van Gerwen for a place in the quarter-finals.
Chisnall ends Nijman’s run
Dave Chisnall boosted his hopes of qualifying for the World Grand Prix with an impressive 6-2 victory over Wessel Nijman.
The 2023 Hungarian Darts Trophy champion averaged 100.47 to end Nijman’s challenge in emphatic fashion.
There was also disappointment for defending champion Niko Springer, whose title defence came to an end against Ryan Searle.
Searle prevailed 6-4 in a rapid contest lasting just 14 minutes and will now meet Danny Noppert in the last 16.
Noppert defeated former European Champion Ritchie Edhouse 6-4 to continue his own title challenge.
Chris Dobey produced one of the biggest fightbacks of the day, recovering from 4-0 down to defeat Tom Sykes in a deciding leg.
The Englishman will now face sixth seed Josh Rock, who completed a dominant 6-0 victory over Joe Cullen in Saturday evening’s finale.
Jermaine Wattimena also progressed after overcoming Andrew Gilding in a hard-fought contest and will now meet Van Veen.
Keane Barry, meanwhile, ended a lengthy wait to reach the last 16 of a European Tour event, defeating Madars Razma to advance to Sunday’s Finals Day.
The 2026 Hungarian Darts Trophy reaches its climax on Sunday, with the remaining 16 players returning to the MVM Dome to compete for the £35,000 top prize.
With a host of established stars still in contention, Finals Day promises another dramatic conclusion to the European Tour weekend in Budapest.
Dirk Van Duijvenbode ends Humphries hoodoo as Anderson shines in Budapest
2026 Hungarian Darts Trophy
Saturday August 29
Round Two
Afternoon Session
Ross Smith 6-2 William O’Connor
Dave Chisnall 6-2 Wessel Nijman
Jermaine Wattimena 6-4 Andrew Gilding
Danny Noppert 6-4 Ritchie Edhouse
Ryan Searle 6-4 Niko Springer
Rob Cross 6-5 Luke Woodhouse
Gary Anderson 6-2 Krzysztof Ratajski
Chris Dobey 6-5 Tom Sykes
Evening Session
Stephen Bunting 6-1 Jonas Masalin
Jonny Clayton 6-3 Laszlo Kadar
Keane Barry 6-2 Madars Razma
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 Luke Humphries
Michael van Gerwen 6-4 James Hurrell
Gian van Veen 6-0 Nandor Major
Nathan Aspinall 6-4 Ryan Joyce
Josh Rock 6-0 Joe Cullen
Sunday August 30
Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 BST)
Round Three
Dirk van Duijvenbode v Rob Cross
Danny Noppert v Ryan Searle
Jonny Clayton v Ross Smith
Keane Barry v Dave Chisnall
Gian van Veen v Jermaine Wattimena
Stephen Bunting v Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen v Nathan Aspinall
Josh Rock v Chris Dobey
Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 BST)
Quarter-Finals
Semi-Finals
Final
