Humphries Upset in Hungarian Darts Trophy Second Round

Luke Humphries experienced a surprising 6-3 loss to Dirk van Duijvenbode in the second round of the Hungarian Darts Trophy, ending the tournament favourite's run in Budapest on Saturday night. Humphries entered the event as the clear favorite after world No. 2 status, a recent Players Championship victory in Leicester, and a strong showing at the Belgian Darts Open earlier in March.

However, his first European Tour appearance since that March triumph was cut short, falling just one day before the finals. Van Duijvenbode, who reached the World Matchplay semi‑finals earlier in the summer, turned the tide with a spectacular 140 finish on a double‑top to bring himself within a leg of victory. He then sealed the match, putting an end to a nine‑match losing streak against the world No. 2.

The Dutchman produced a remarkable run of four straight legs after trailing 3-2, finishing with an average of 98. "Luke is a phenomenal player, but I think I'm okay as well," Van Duijvenbode said, noting his recent personal improvements. "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." The tournament also featured other notable storylines. Michael van Gerwen rallied from 3-1 down to beat James Hurrell 6-4, keeping his hopes alive for a second Hungarian Darts Trophy crown and securing a place in Sunday's finals day.

He will meet Nathan Aspinall in the last‑16 after Aspinall dispatched Ryan Joyce 6-4 despite being out‑averaged, hitting five 180s and converting more doubles to claim the 15th seed. Gian van Veen delivered a dominant performance, whitewashing Hungarian qualifier Nandor Major 6-0 while missing just three darts at a double and finishing with a superb 167 checkout. Josh Rock also posted a 6-0 victory, overcoming an off‑form Joe Cullen.

Fourth seed Jonny Clayton beat home hopeful László Kadar 6-3, while Keane Barry surged back with five consecutive legs to defeat Madars Razma 6-2, earning his first European Tour finals day in three years. Razma, however, left Budapest with the night’s most impressive checkout—a 158 finish on the bull. The event made history earlier in the weekend when Beau Greaves became the first woman to compete in a European Tour event, pushing 2018 world champion Rob Cross to a deciding leg before falling 6-5.

Cross needed a second successive last‑leg escape, surviving two 136 finishes and missed match darts from Luke Woodhouse before clinching the win with a 130 bull checkout. Defending champion Niko Springer saw his reign end quickly as Ryan Searle beat him 6-4 in a match that lasted just 14 minutes.

Searle hit a 121 break by pinning the bull, while Springer missed a bull for a 164 checkout that would have forced a decider. Gary Anderson announced his return to form with a first European Tour win of 2026, posting a 105.27 average in a 6-2 demolition of Krzysztof Ratajski. Dave Chisnall also posted a ton‑plus average, eliminating 13th seed Wessel Nijman 6-2.

Chris Dobey staged a comeback from 4-0 down to beat Tom Sykes 6-5, keeping his maiden European Tour title hopes alive, and Ross Smith averaged over 101 in a 6-2 win over William O'Connor. Jermaine Wattimena carried his Leicester title momentum into a 6-4 victory over Andrew Gilding, while Danny Noppert survived six missed match darts to edge Ritchie Edhouse 6-4.

The afternoon session on Sunday, August 30, featured matchups such as Dirk van Duijvenbode vs. Rob Cross, Michael van Gerwen vs.

Nathan Aspinall, Ross Smith vs. Jonny Clayton, Ryan Searle vs.

Danny Noppert, Stephen Bunting vs. Gary Anderson, Chris Dobey vs. Josh Rock, and Jermaine Wattimena vs. Gian van Veen.

Saturday’s round two saw Ross Smith defeat William O'Connor 6-2, Dave Chisnall beat Wessel Nijman 6-2, and Jermaine Wattimena overcome Andrew Gilding 6-4. The evening session delivered a 6-3 win for Dirk van Duijvenbode over Luke Humphries, a 6-4 victory for Michael van Gerwen against James Hurrell, and a 6-0 whitewash by Gian van Veen over Nandor Major. Friday’s opening round highlighted Jonas Masalin’s 6-4 win over Kevin Doets, Andrew Gilding’s 6-0 triumph over Milan Biro, and a 6-5 upset as Rob Cross edged Beau Greaves. The event concluded with a reminder of upcoming darts action: World No.

1 Luke Littler will defend his BoyleSports World Grand Prix title from September 28 to October 4, with live coverage on Sky Sports. Fans can stream darts and other top sports without a contract via NOW, while highlights, podcasts, and schedules remain available for enthusiasts worldwide.