Van Gerwen Sets Up Humphries Clash After Another Thriller in Amsterdam

Michael van Gerwen continued his pursuit of a sixth World Series of Darts Finals title on Saturday night, surviving another nerve-shredding contest in Amsterdam to reach the quarter-finals. The Dutchman once again showed his trademark grit on home soil, edging past Rob Cross in a dramatic last-leg decider at AFAS Live.

The atmosphere was electric as Van Gerwen, roared on by a partisan crowd, dug deep when it mattered most. The turning point came in leg ten, when he rescued himself with a spectacular 122 checkout on the bull to level the contest. Then, with everything riding on the decider, he produced a clinical 111 finish on tops to seal the win, punishing Cross who had missed a dart at the same target moments earlier.

“It’s always tough when you’re up against Rob because he’s one of the very best,” Van Gerwen admitted afterwards. “I didn’t make it easy for myself and I had to scrap, but to come through games like that shows my fight. It’s a big win, but I’ve only made the quarter-finals, so I’ve got to focus again tomorrow.”

The victory echoed his opening-round escape against Wessel Nijman on Friday, when he also survived a match dart. It means Van Gerwen is still alive in his quest to extend his record haul of World Series Finals titles, and his reward is a blockbuster showdown with world number one Luke Humphries.

Humphries Lays Down Marker

Humphries booked his place in the last eight by ending the run of Kevin Doets, another of the Dutch hopefuls. The reigning world champion averaged just under 102 and landed seven 180s in a 6-4 victory that showcased his scoring power. Doets had threatened a comeback by drawing level at 4-4, but Humphries closed strongly to keep his bid for a first World Series crown intact.

“I really enjoyed the support here in Amsterdam, and I know it will be the same against Michael,” Humphries said. “He’s a good friend of mine and he always rises in these big atmospheres, but I’ve beaten him before in front of his home fans. Hopefully I can use that experience again.”

The meeting between Van Gerwen and Humphries now looks set to be the standout tie of the quarter-finals – a clash between the sport’s dominant force of the past decade and its current world number one.

Price Battles Past Van Barneveld

Elsewhere, Gerwyn Price kept his hopes alive of lifting a third World Series of Darts Finals title. The Welshman was forced to fight from behind against Raymond van Barneveld, who rolled back the years in front of an adoring Dutch audience.

Van Barneveld, buoyed by an earlier win over Cor Dekker, stormed into a 3-1 lead with heavy scoring. Yet Price, showing his trademark steel, took advantage of missed doubles to turn the tide. He ended with a 102.97 average and six successful checkouts from nine attempts, just enough to edge out the Dutch legend who averaged over 100 himself.

“That was a brilliant game,” Price reflected. “Raymond had the crowd and he pushed me hard, but I stayed calm and my finishing was the key. Matches like that give you confidence.”

Price now faces Chris Dobey, who has quietly impressed so far. Dobey dropped only three legs across victories against Luke Woodhouse and Cameron Menzies, underlining his credentials as a dangerous dark horse.

Littler Survives Double Scare

Defending champion Luke Littler remains on course to retain his crown, but not without enduring two testing encounters. He opened his campaign by defeating Simon Whitlock 6-4, before coming through by the same scoreline against Jonny Clayton in round two.

The latter clash was especially tense. Clayton, the 2021 champion, established a commanding 3-0 lead but faltered in the finishing department, missing eight darts to force a deciding leg. Littler, as he so often does, seized his chance and closed the match to the delight of a packed Amsterdam crowd.

The teenager now faces Ross Smith, who impressed with wins over Jonny Tata and Dave Chisnall. Smith showed composure under pressure to see off Chisnall 6-4 in Saturday’s late session, setting up a mouth-watering clash with the reigning champion.

Rock Produces Tournament’s Standout Display

Josh Rock was arguably the star of the second round. The Northern Irishman demolished Dutch number two Danny Noppert in just ten minutes, storming to a 6-0 victory with a 107.36 average. It was the highest standard seen so far in Amsterdam and a reminder of Rock’s enormous potential on the big stage.

He now takes on Belgian talent Mike De Decker, who showcased his doubling prowess to overcome Damon Heta and record a third straight win over the Australian. De Decker has been one of the season’s surprise packages, and victory on Finals Day would elevate his growing reputation further.

The Road Ahead

The quarter-finals are set for Sunday afternoon, with Van Gerwen against Humphries leading a stellar line-up that also features Littler, Price, Rock and Smith. The semi-finals and final will then take place on Sunday evening in front of what promises to be another raucous Amsterdam audience.

With the mix of proven champions, rising stars, and home favourites still in contention, the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals is building towards a thrilling conclusion.

Van Gerwen Sets Up Humphries Clash After Another Thriller in Amsterdam

2025 Jack’s Casino World Series of Darts Finals

Saturday September 13

Afternoon Session

First Round x8

Chris Dobey 6-2 Luke Woodhouse

Cameron Menzies 6-3 Peter Wright

Ross Smith 6-4 Jonny Tata

Raymond van Barneveld 6-5 Cor Dekker

Gerwyn Price 6-1 Danny Lauby

Luke Littler 6-4 Simon Whitlock

Jonny Clayton 6-0 Jason Brandon

Dave Chisnall 6-2 Nathan Aspinall

Evening Session

Second Round

Mike De Decker 6-4 Damon Heta

Josh Rock 6-0 Danny Noppert

Luke Humphries 6-4 Kevin Doets

Michael van Gerwen 6-5 Rob Cross

Gerwyn Price 6-4 Raymond van Barneveld

Chris Dobey 6-1 Cameron Menzies

Luke Littler 6-4 Jonny Clayton

Ross Smith 6-4 Dave Chisnall

Sunday September 14

Afternoon Session

Quarter-Finals

Josh Rock v Mike De Decker

Luke Humphries v Michael van Gerwen

Luke Littler v Ross Smith

Gerwyn Price v Chris Dobey

Best of 19 legs

Evening Session (1900 local time)

Semi-Finals

Rock/De Decker v Humphries/Van Gerwen

Littler/Smith v Price/Dobey

Best of 21 legs