Day two of the Czech Darts Open delivered high-octane action, as reigning champion Luke Humphries overcame history-maker Beau Greaves with a phenomenal 109 average. Meanwhile, teenage sensation Luke Littler made a spectacular return to the European Tour, also averaging over 108. Both darting titans secured their spots for Sunday’s finals day alongside other top contenders like Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, and Michael van Gerwen, setting the stage for an electrifying conclusion to the tournament.
Humphries Overcomes History-Maker Greaves in a Dazzling Display
Luke Humphries, a three-time Czech Darts Open champion, is on a quest for his third consecutive title at the PVA EXPO. His path on Saturday was anything but easy, facing Beau Greaves, who had already made history as the first woman to win on the PDC European Tour in Friday’s opening round.
Despite Greaves starting strong with a 13-dart leg and boasting a perfect 100% on doubles, she could barely keep pace with Humphries’ blistering performance. He maintained a stratospheric average that peaked at over 113, eventually settling at a **stunning 109 average** as he secured a **6-2 victory**.
After the match, Humphries shared insights into his recent shoulder injury and was full of praise for the three-time Women’s World Matchplay champion:
“I knew I had to play a lot better than last week… 48 hours ago I wasn’t sure whether I was going to play; I seem to play better when I have an injury!
“She’s an amazing player, she pushed me all the way, it was a couple of bits towards the end of the match that got me through in the end.
“She’s just a great dart player. If I had lost today, I wouldn’t have been disgraced, I would have lost to a really great dart player.”
Humphries will now face **Andrew Gilding** in Sunday afternoon’s third round. Gilding, a former UK Open champion, defeated Nathan Aspinall 6-2, establishing an insurmountable 5-0 lead before sealing victory with a brilliant 122 checkout.
Littler Marks European Tour Return with a Masterclass
Not to be outdone, Luke Littler made a triumphant return to the PDC European Tour after a six-month absence. The reigning World Matchplay champion delivered an equally impressive performance, recording a **108+ average** as he battled past Niko Springer **6-4** in his first stage appearance since his World Matchplay triumph.
The match could have taken a different turn, as Springer narrowly missed the bullseye for a 161 checkout and had three darts for a crucial break of throw in the fifth leg. However, the world number one’s ruthless finishing ensured his progression.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been to a European Tour… Full credit to Niko. I was 5-2 up and then suddenly it was 5-4 and he was right back in it.
“I’ve just produced a 108 average, but when I was practicing backstage, I couldn’t hit anything.”
Littler will face **Krzysztof Ratajski** in the third round. The Polish number one secured his spot by defeating Jermaine Wattimena 6-2 in the afternoon session’s opening contest.
“Niko is a really quick player, with Krzysztof [Ratajski] tomorrow, I know how to manage his pace but he is very dangerous.”
Other Stars Secure Their Spots for Finals Day
Several other top players also advanced comfortably to the final day in Prague:
- Welsh Pair Dominate: Both Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price secured their progression. Clayton produced impressive finishes of 156 and 124 in a convincing 6-2 win over Damon Heta. A relentless Price averaged over 103 to defeat Callan Rydz by the same scoreline.
- Van Veen’s Streak Continues: Gian van Veen blitzed past Jeffrey de Graaf 6-1, marking his fourth consecutive victory over de Graaf by that score. The reigning World Youth Champion will face Ross Smith, who is also in fine form after his Hungarian Darts Trophy win.
- MvG Through, Faces Tough Test: Michael van Gerwen’s quest for a record-extending 39th PDC European Tour title began with a 6-4 win over Mario Vandenbogaerde. However, his path to a first Czech Darts Open title is complicated by in-form fellow Dutchman Wessel Nijman, who snatched a dramatic victory in his Round Two match.
- Irish Showdown: Northern Irishman Josh Rock will do battle with Irishman William O’Connor, as both players defeated their respective opponents, Ryan Joyce and Ryan Searle, to book their places.
- Woodhouse and Noppert Impress: Luke Woodhouse closed the second round with a brilliant 6-4 win over Stephen Bunting, averaging over 105. He sets up an enticing third-round clash with Danny Noppert, who also impressed with a dominant 6-1 victory against Kevin Doets.
Looking Ahead: Sunday’s Finals Day at the Czech Darts Open
The Czech Darts Open culminates on Sunday, promising a day of intense darts action with the final rounds.
Saturday’s Round Two Results:
- Krzysztof Ratajski 6-2 Jermaine Wattimena
- William O’Connor 6-4 Ryan Searle
- Danny Noppert 6-1 Kevin Doets
- Cameron Menzies 6-3 Gary Anderson
- Keane Barry 6-4 Chris Dobey
- Ross Smith 6-1 Stephen Burton
- Andrew Gilding 6-2 Nathan Aspinall
- Wessel Nijman 6-5 Martin Schindler
- Gian van Veen 6-1 Jeffrey de Graaf
- Jonny Clayton 6-2 Damon Heta
- Gerwyn Price 6-2 Callan Rydz
- Luke Littler 6-4 Niko Springer
- Luke Humphries 6-2 Beau Greaves
- Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Mario Vandenbogaerde
- Josh Rock 6-3 Ryan Joyce
- Luke Woodhouse 6-4 Stephen Bunting
Sunday’s Round Three Schedule:
- Gerwyn Price v Cameron Menzies
- Gian van Veen v Ross Smith
- Josh Rock v William O’Connor
- Luke Humphries v Andrew Gilding
- Jonny Clayton v Keane Barry
- Michael van Gerwen v Wessel Nijman
- Luke Woodhouse v Danny Noppert
- Luke Littler v Krzysztof Ratajski
The winners of these eight third-round matches will then proceed to the Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and the Grand Final later in the evening, where Luke Humphries will aim for his third consecutive title in Prague. Expect fireworks as the best in darts battle for the coveted Czech Darts Open trophy.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
