Wade Ends Littler’s Run to Set Up Quarter-Final Clash with Humphries in Dortmund

James Wade produced a vintage display at the 2025 Machineseeker European Championship on Saturday, defeating World Champion Luke Littler 10–7 to secure a place in the quarter-finals — where he will face world number one Luke Humphries.

The Westfalenhalle crowd in Dortmund, numbering over 7,000, had expected a Humphries–Littler showdown later in the competition, but Wade had other ideas. In a typically clinical display, the 2018 European Champion held his nerve at the key moments to hand Littler his first-ever last-16 defeat in a televised ranking event.

Both players ended with identical match averages, yet Wade’s composure on the doubles proved decisive. After surrendering early leads of 2–0 and 6–4, the English left-hander kept his cool as Littler battled back to parity. With the score at 7–7, Wade found another gear, winning three straight legs to close out the victory.

“Luke didn’t play his A-game there, but I’m really happy with that win,” Wade said afterwards. “I think I probably should have run away with the game earlier than I did, but it’s a big positive to move forwards.” His triumph was built on precision finishing — including three ton-plus checkouts that swung the momentum back in his favour.

Wade’s next test will be against Humphries, who survived a scare of his own against Scotland’s Cameron Menzies. The world number one trailed 8–6 but launched a determined comeback to prevail 10–9 in a high-class affair, averaging 103.64. Humphries produced his best under pressure, reeling off three consecutive legs with finishes of 11 darts, 83 on the bull, and a cool double 18 to seal victory.

“I’m proud of my performance, but I think I’m more proud of the way I held myself together,” said Humphries. “Cameron is a fantastic player. When he’s in full flow he’s amazing, and I had to really work hard to stay with him at times in that game. It’s great to average 110, but when you’re winning games when you are really under the cosh and things are going against you, it’s quite pleasing.”

The win not only booked Humphries’ place in Sunday’s Finals Day but also guaranteed he will retain his world number one ranking after the tournament.

There was plenty for the home fans to cheer as Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko continued his impressive run, dispatching 2024 finalist Jermaine Wattimena 10–6 to reach the quarter-finals for the second consecutive year. Pietreczko capitalised on 24 missed doubles from his Dutch opponent to send the Westfalenhalle into raptures and now faces Danny Noppert in a repeat of their 2024 clash at the same stage.

Noppert delivered a superb display to end Nathan Aspinall’s campaign, winning 10–7 with a 101.23 average. Despite Aspinall firing in eight 180s and mounting a late surge, Noppert remained composed, sealing the match with a spectacular 130 checkout on the bull. The result marked Noppert’s fifth straight appearance in the European Championship quarter-finals.

Earlier in the evening, Gian van Veen continued his breakout year with a commanding 10–2 win over Ryan Searle. The young Dutchman produced one of the performances of the tournament so far, averaging just under 110, hitting seven 180s, and landing a stunning 170 finish.

“This was one of my best performances on TV,” said Van Veen, a semi-finalist in 2023. “I always knew I had this in the locker, and maybe a big title is around the corner. To see where I came from in the last three years is amazing. I’m in the top 16 now and I feel even more comfortable than I did last year. I’m really enjoying it.”

Meanwhile, Michael van Gerwen’s hunt for a record fifth European Championship crown remains alive. The Dutch great saw off Chris Dobey 10–5, maintaining a 100.76 average despite admitting he wasn’t at his fluent best.

“I wasn’t at my best, but I think I was solid and I did the right things at the right moments,” Van Gerwen said. “My scoring power wasn’t too great, but my doubles at the beginning of the game got me through. I’ve been in these situations more than anybody in this tournament, so I know exactly what you have to do on days like tomorrow. We’re only in the quarter-finals now, so nothing is done yet.”

Van Gerwen’s reward is a meeting with Daryl Gurney, who impressed in a 10–6 victory over 2022 champion Ross Smith. Gurney showcased his trademark scoring flair with checkouts of 116, 122, and 124 in the closing stages to seal his place in the last eight.

Elsewhere, debutant Ryan Joyce continued his dream run with a composed 10–7 win over Martin Schindler, ending German number one’s hopes of a home triumph. Joyce’s finishing was outstanding, taking out 67% of his doubles in one of the most efficient displays of the evening.

Finals Day at the Westfalenhalle will see the eight remaining players battle for the £120,000 top prize. The quarter-finals take place on Sunday afternoon, followed by the semi-finals and final in the evening, as the race for the 2025 European Championship crown reaches its conclusion.

Wade Ends Littler’s Run to Set Up Quarter-Final Clash with Humphries in Dortmund

2025 Machineseeker European Championship

Saturday October 25

Afternoon Session

Round Two x4

Gian van Veen 10-2 Ryan Searle

Daryl Gurney 10-6 Ross Smith

Ryan Joyce 10-7 Martin Schindler

Michael van Gerwen 10-5 Chris Dobey

Evening Session

Round Two x4

Ricardo Pietreczko 10-6 Jermaine Wattimena

Danny Noppert 10-7 Nathan Aspinall

James Wade 10-7 Luke Littler

Luke Humphries 10-9 Cameron Menzies

Sunday October 26

Afternoon Session (1245-1700 CEST, 1145-1600 GMT)

Quarter-Finals

Ryan Joyce v Gian van Veen

Michael van Gerwen v Daryl Gurney

Danny Noppert v Ricardo Pietreczko

James Wade v Luke Humphries

Best of 19 Legs