Littler shines as van Gerwen survives a scare in Munich on an action packed second day

On Sunday, World Champion Luke Littler put on a spectacular performance to advance to the third round of the Elten Safety Shoes German Darts Grand Prix, while Michael van Gerwen also advanced to the final round.

Day Two of the year’s fourth European Tour tournament saw 16 second-round matches spread across two sessions, with Littler dominating in his debut in Munich.

The 18-year-old phenom defeated Cam Crabtree 6-1, posting an average of over 107 and limiting his opponent to only three darts at double.

“Everything went well there, I’m very happy,” said top seed Littler, having won all his legs in 15 darts or fewer.

“It’s my first time in Munich and hopefully I can pick up another trophy by tomorrow.

“If I play like this again tomorrow, I will be happy.”

Littler faces Joe Cullen tomorrow afternoon, after the Yorkshireman defeated Mickey Mansell 6-2 earlier in the day.

Van Gerwen defeated Kim Huybrechts 6-5 despite missing three match darts and having an average of more than 102.

Van Gerwen, who nearly blew a 3-1 lead, rallied from 5-4 down owing to Huybrechts’ botched doubles and finished the game with a 13-darter.

“It was definitely a rollercoaster,” reflected Van Gerwen post-match.

“I’m not going through the easiest patch in my life, so I’m battling for every win I can.

“When things are hard and things are not going your way, it’s a tough game, but I’m glad I battled through; it was a really important win for myself.”

Martin Schindler was also ecstatic at home, as he put on a great performance on the outside ring to secure his second consecutive 6-1 victory over Jonny Clayton on the European Tour.

Ryan Joyce delivered the lone clean sweep of the day, defeating ninth seed Damon Heta with a 101 average in his third straight victory against the Australian number one.

Meanwhile, Josh Rock averaged over a tonne in his ninth consecutive triumph over Scott Williams, while Gian van Veen overcame Andrew Gilding to avenge his Players Championship 13 setback on Monday.

Gerywn Price crashed Raymond van Barneveld’s 58th birthday party, defeating the Dutch veteran 6-3, while Ross Smith recovered from a 3-0 deficit to defeat Jermaine Wattimena 6-4.

Rob Cross defeated Ricardo Pietreczko 6-4, and Krzysztof Ratajski defeated former German Darts Grand Prix winner Michael Smith 6-4 as well.

Peter Wright won 6-3 over Mike De Decker with two ton-plus finishes, while Madars Razma and Ryan Searle defeated Danny Noppert and Cameron Menzies 6-2, respectively.

Niels Zonneveld defeated James Wade 6-2 to advance to his third European Tour Finals Day, while Dave Chisnall finished 6-3 against Dirk van Duijvenbode with a 147 checkout.

Littler shines as van Gerwen survives a scare in Munich on an action packed second day 

German Darts Grand Prix

Sunday April 20

Second Round

Afternoon Session

Madars Razma 6-2 Danny Noppert

Ryan Joyce 6-0 Damon Heta

Gian van Veen 6-4 Andrew Gilding

Ryan Searle 6-2 Cameron Menzies

Josh Rock 6-2 Scott Williams

Rob Cross 6-4 Ricardo Pietreczko

Krzysztof Ratajski 6-4 Michael Smith

Joe Cullen 6-2 Mickey Mansell

Evening Session

Niels Zonneveld 6-2 James Wade

Gerwyn Price 6-3 Raymond van Barneveld

Dave Chisnall 6-3 Dirk van Duijvenbode

Michael van Gerwen 6-5 Kim Huybrechts

Luke Littler 6-1 Cam Crabtree

Peter Wright 6-3 Mike De Decker

Martin Schindler 6-1 Jonny Clayton

Ross Smith 6-4 Jermaine Wattimena