Luke Littler inched nearer to achieving a remarkable clean sweep of major titles within a single calendar year after securing a gritty victory over Nathan Aspinall in Amsterdam. The 2024 champion, who suffered an 11-7 defeat 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 of a tightly contested encounter and sealing his triumph with a decisive 12-dart break.
After the win 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 highlighted both the pressure he felt early on and his resilience in turning the match around. The early stages saw Aspinall applying relentless pressure, forcing Littler into a series of high‑stakes finishes. Despite a shaky start, Littler steadied his nerves, matched Aspinall leg for leg, and eventually forced a decider. The decisive 12‑dart break—a short, high‑scoring visit that left Aspinall unable to respond—proved the turning point that handed Littler the win.
The Saturday action also featured several other notable results. Gerwyn Price dispatched Jim Long 10‑5 in a solid display of his trademark power and accuracy. James Wade edged past Wessel Nijman 10‑7, showcasing his experience in tight moments. In the afternoon session, Luke Humphries suffered a narrow 10‑9 loss to Dirk van Duijvenbode, while Josh Rock secured a 10‑7 victory over Ryan Searle, and Ross Smith defeated Daryl Gurney 10‑5.
Dirk van Duijvenbode’s win was especially emotional. After the match, the Dutchman was joined on stage by his young son, Levi, who had traveled to the venue. Van Duijvenbode explained, "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." The Dutch contingent continued to shine as Gian van Veen overcame Karel Sedlacek 10‑7, setting up an all‑Dutch quarter‑final clash with van Duijvenbode. Meanwhile, Jonny Clayton battled past Motomu Sakai 10‑8, earning a quarter‑final showdown with Littler. The tournament schedule outlined the upcoming phases: the quarter‑finals were slated for Sunday afternoon, starting at 12 p.m., featuring match‑ups such as Ross Smith versus Josh Rock, Dirk van Duijvenbode versus Gian van Veen, Gerwyn Price versus James Wade, and Luke Littler versus Jonny Clayton. The evening session would then host the semi‑finals and the final, beginning at 6 p.m.
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 from November 14 to 22, and the World Darts Championship from December 10 through January 3. Fans can also stream all of these tournaments live via the NOW platform, which offers a contract‑free option for darts enthusiasts. Looking ahead, Littler’s next challenge will be a high‑stakes encounter with Jonny Clayton, a seasoned competitor known for his composure under pressure and his ability to produce big scores when it matters most.
The prospect of a clash between the young English prodigy and the experienced English veteran adds an extra layer of intrigue to the semi‑finals. Both players have demonstrated the capacity to handle the intense atmosphere of a televised darts arena, and the match is expected to be a showcase of precision, mental fortitude, and strategic play.
If Littler can replicate the resilience he displayed against Aspinall, he stands a strong chance of advancing to the final and potentially securing his first major clean‑sweep—a feat that would place him among an elite group of darts players who have dominated a full season. Conversely, Clayton will be eager to leverage his experience and recent form to thwart Littler’s momentum. The World Series of Darts Finals continues to provide a platform for emerging talent to test themselves against established stars, and this year’s edition has already produced several memorable moments. From van Duijvenbode’s heartfelt victory with his son in the audience to Littler’s narrow escape from elimination, the tournament encapsulates the drama and emotion that make professional darts a compelling spectator sport.
As the weekend progresses, fans can anticipate more high‑quality darts, surprising upsets, and the inevitable tension that builds as the field narrows. Whether you are a casual viewer or a dedicated follower of the sport, the remaining matches promise to deliver the excitement, skill, and narrative twists that define elite darts competition.