Luke Littler inched nearer to completing a remarkable clean sweep of major titles within a single year after securing a tightly contested victory over Nathan Aspinall in Amsterdam. The 2024 champion, who fell 11-7 to Michael van Gerwen in last year’s final, managed to outlast Aspinall 10-9 in the second round of the World Series of Darts Finals, clinching the match by winning the final two legs in a seesaw battle and sealing the win with a decisive 12‑dart break. After the triumph in the Dutch capital, Littler reflected on his performance: "Nathan pushed me all the way tonight; I didn’t feel confident in the first two sessions, but I managed to make it 6‑6 and I was very good in the final session. When I came here two years ago, Ross Smith missed darts to beat me and then I went on to win the title, but I know it will be a good test against Jonny (Clayton) tomorrow (Sunday).
I’m glad that the streak is still on, but it’s going to be very tough." Littler’s comments underline the pressure he feels as he chases an unprecedented run of major victories. Having already taken the 2024 World Series title, he now aims to add the World Series of Darts Finals to his growing trophy cabinet, a feat that would place him among the sport’s elite.
The match against Aspinall was a textbook example of high‑level darts: both players exchanged legs, the scoreboard swinging back and forth until Littler found a rhythm in the final segment, delivering a flawless 12‑dart finish that left the crowd roaring. The same Saturday saw other notable results. Gerwyn Price dispatched Jim Long 10-5, while James Wade edged past Wessel Nijman 10-7, both victories reinforcing their status as seasoned contenders. In the afternoon session, Luke Humphries suffered a narrow 10-9 defeat to Dirk van Duijvenbode, a match that proved heartbreaking for the Englishman.
Meanwhile, Josh Rock recorded a solid 10-7 win over Ryan Searle, and Ross Smith comfortably beat Daryl Gurney 10-5, keeping his own campaign alive. Dirk van Duijvenbode’s win was especially emotional.
After the match, the Dutch player was joined on stage by his young son Levi, who had travelled with him to the tournament. Van Duijvenbode said, "Having my kid here is the best thing in my life.
I won this game because he was here. When you are playing against the world number two you are always nervous. When I looked up at him he made me so happy every time. It made me so relaxed.
In the end that is the reason I won it." His heartfelt words highlighted the personal side of professional darts, where family support can become a crucial factor in performance. In other quarter‑final match‑ups, Gian van Veen overcame Karel Sedlacek 10-7 and will now face van Duijvenbode in an all‑Dutch clash, promising a thrilling encounter between two home‑grown talents. Jonny Clayton survived a tense battle with Motomu Sakai, prevailing 10-8 to set up a showdown with Littler in the next round. The stage is set for a compelling semi‑final lineup that will determine who advances to the championship match on Sunday evening.
The tournament schedule continues on Sunday, September 20. The afternoon session, beginning at noon, will feature three quarter‑finals: Ross Smith versus Josh Rock, Dirk van Duijvenbode against Gian van Veen, and Gerwyn Price taking on James Wade. The final quarter‑final will see Luke Littler meet Jonny Clayton. The evening session, starting at 6 p.m., will host the semi‑finals followed by the final, where the winner of the Littler‑Clayton match will vie for the title.
Beyond the World Series of Darts Finals, Sky Sports remains the primary broadcaster for the sport’s marquee events. The network will continue to air the World Grand Prix from September 28 to October 4, the Grand Slam of Darts in mid‑November (14‑22), and the World Darts Championship, which runs from December 10 through January 3. Fans can also stream all of these competitions, along with additional darts content, via the NOW platform without the need for a long‑term contract, ensuring easy access to live action for viewers worldwide. Overall, Littler’s narrow victory over Aspinall not only showcases his resilience under pressure but also sets the tone for what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the World Series of Darts Finals.
With several top‑ranked players still in contention and the added emotional narratives—such as van Duijvenbode’s family‑inspired triumph—the tournament offers a rich tapestry of skill, determination, and personal stories that continue to elevate darts as a globally beloved sport.