Luke Littler Dazzles on Day Two in Poland “I definitely needed to put on a performance tonight”
Luke Littler Dazzles on Day Two in Poland “I definitely needed to put on a performance tonight”
Luke Littler delivered a sensational statement performance to launch his challenge for the SUPERBET Poland Darts Open title on Saturday, while Luke Humphries held his nerve to extinguish local hopes by overcoming Krzysztof Ratajski in a dramatic contest in Kraków.
The second day of action at the inaugural Poland Darts Open saw the tournament’s seeded stars enter the competition at the EXPO, and Littler wasted no time in making his mark. Facing Belgian number one Mike De Decker, Littler produced a display of remarkable precision and scoring power to surge into the last 16 in emphatic fashion.
The world number one averaged an astonishing 113.84 and was flawless on the outer ring, converting all six of his attempts at double in a commanding 6-1 victory over the former World Grand Prix champion. Littler’s dominance was underlined by the manner in which he closed out the contest, reeling off the final four legs in just 47 darts to leave his opponent with little opportunity to respond.
“I definitely needed to put on a performance tonight,” admitted Littler afterwards.
“It’s not gone my way in the first three weeks of the Premier League, but I certainly want to be the first winner here in Poland this weekend.”
While Littler dazzled with a near-perfect display, Humphries was forced to dig deep in a tense and emotionally charged encounter against Polish star Ratajski. Roared on by a passionate home crowd, Ratajski threatened to produce one of the comebacks of the tournament. Trailing 5-2, the Polish number one mounted a stirring revival, winning three consecutive legs to force a decider and raise the volume inside the arena to fever pitch.
However, Humphries demonstrated his class and composure under pressure. The former world champion produced a clinical 15-dart break in the deciding leg to silence the crowd and secure his passage into the last 16, bringing an end to home hopes in the process.
Another seed who required a deciding leg to progress was Gian van Veen. The reigning European Champion edged past Andrew Gilding in a tightly fought contest, setting up an intriguing third-round clash with Nathan Aspinall.
Aspinall, who topped the European Tour rankings last season, began his 2026 campaign in solid fashion. He recorded a 6-3 victory against Darryl Pilgrim, who averaged 101 despite ending up on the losing side. Aspinall’s consistency at key moments proved decisive as he booked his spot in Finals Day.
Elsewhere, Jonny Clayton and Michael Smith set up a compelling showdown after both came through challenging ties. Clayton displayed his trademark efficiency on the doubles to overcome Adam Gawlas 6-4, while Smith lit up the stage with seven maximums in a thrilling encounter against Joe Cullen. Smith sealed victory with an 11-dart break in the deciding leg to edge through.
There were notable upsets during a packed round two schedule, with several high-profile names exiting the tournament. Gary Anderson was eliminated by Wessel Nijman, who claimed his fourth successive win over the two-time World Champion. Nijman averaged 103.46 in a convincing 6-2 triumph.
“I don’t know how I keep beating him,” admitted Nijman after his latest victory.
“Against Gary, I think it’s just a good rhythm. I’m very happy with the way I played today, and I hope I can bring the same game as I did today into tomorrow.”
Nijman will now meet Anderson’s fellow Scot Cameron Menzies, who was equally impressive in dispatching James Wade. Menzies completed a comprehensive whitewash, marking his fifth win in six meetings against the experienced left-hander.
Chris Dobey also enjoyed a dominant outing, easing past Connor Scutt without dropping a leg. Dobey’s sharp finishing — converting 67% of his chances at double — earned him a place in the last 16, where he will face Luke Woodhouse. Woodhouse staged an impressive recovery from 4-1 down to defeat Callan Rydz, winning five straight legs and sealing the turnaround with a superb 118 checkout.
Spanish star Cristo Reyes continued his resurgence by advancing to Finals Day in a European Tour event for the first time since 2018. Reyes averaged over 99 in a 6-2 success against Ryan Searle, setting up a clash with Josh Rock. Rock opened his campaign with authority, brushing aside William O’Connor 6-1 with a 103 average.
Ross Smith was another to post a ton-plus average in his emphatic win over Daryl Gurney, and he will now take on Littler in one of the headline ties of Finals Day.
Rounding out the last 16 line-up, Stephen Bunting overcame Niels Zonneveld in a hard-fought 6-4 contest, while Jermaine Wattimena survived multiple match darts to defeat Danny Noppert. Croatia’s Boris Krcmar completed the line-up after knocking out Martin Schindler, earning a meeting with Humphries in round three.
The year’s opening Winamax European Tour event reaches its climax on Sunday, with the afternoon session featuring the third round, before the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final decide who will lift the title in Kraków.
Luke Littler Dazzles on Day Two in Poland
2026 SUPERBET Poland Darts Open
Saturday February 21
Round Two
Afternoon Session
Boris Krcmar 6-4 Martin Schindler
Chris Dobey 6-0 Connor Scutt
Nathan Aspinall 6-3 Darryl Pilgrim
Jermaine Wattimena 6-5 Danny Noppert
Wessel Nijman 6-2 Gary Anderson
Cameron Menzies 6-0 James Wade
Ross Smith 6-1 Daryl Gurney
Cristo Reyes 6-2 Ryan Searle
Evening Session
Josh Rock 6-1 William O’Connor
Jonny Clayton 6-4 Adam Gawlas
Michael Smith 6-5 Joe Cullen
Luke Littler 6-1 Mike De Decker
Luke Woodhouse 6-4 Callan Rydz
Luke Humphries 6-5 Krzysztof Ratajski
Stephen Bunting 6-4 Niels Zonneveld
Gian van Veen 6-5 Andrew Gilding
Sunday February 22
Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 GMT)
Round Three
Luke Littler v Ross Smith
Cristo Reyes v Josh Rock
Luke Woodhouse v Chris Dobey
Jonny Clayton v Michael Smith
Luke Humphries v Boris Krcmar
Stephen Bunting v Jermaine Wattimena
Gian van Veen v Nathan Aspinall
Wessel Nijman v Cameron Menzies
Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 GMT)
Quarter-Finals
Semi-Finals
Final
