World Series of Darts Finals | Luke Littler edges classic clash with Ross Smith with 107 average as Michael van Gerwen storms past Luke Humphries

Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen stole the show in Amsterdam on Sunday afternoon, both producing exceptional performances to reach the semi-finals of the World Series of Darts Finals.

The standout tie of the afternoon came between Luke Littler and Ross Smith, a match that lived up to its billing and produced no fewer than 18 maximums. Littler eventually prevailed 10–8 with a stunning 107.31 average, edging out Smith, who was just a fraction behind on 106.12.

The contest burst into life immediately, Littler opening with an 11-darter before Smith landed a clinical 108 finish to level. A 15-darter and a 64 checkout sent Littler into the break with a narrow 3–2 lead, only for Smith to reply after the interval with a 12-darter. Littler then delivered another 11-dart leg to reassert control, though Smith responded once more, producing a 14-darter before breaking throw with a 75 finish for 5–4.
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The momentum shifted constantly. Littler levelled with a 12-darter, then Smith answered with another of his own to move 7–6 ahead. The former European Champion missed bull for a two-leg cushion in leg 14, allowing Littler to punish with a 17-darter. At 8–8, the tension peaked, but Littler struck with a superb 13-darter before closing out victory with a 14-darter after Smith missed from 86 to force a decider.

If Littler produced the day’s most gripping contest, Van Gerwen delivered its most commanding performance. Cheered on by a packed AFAS Live, the three-time World Champion brushed aside world number one Luke Humphries 10–5, extending his unbeaten run against the Englishman at this event.

After a slow start in which Van Gerwen missed doubles in the opening legs, he found his rhythm with a succession of blistering legs. A run of 12-, 13- and 15-darters saw him overturn an early deficit to lead 5–2. Humphries replied with a 64 finish, but Van Gerwen hit straight back with consecutive 13-darters to push the scoreline to 7–3.

The Dutchman refused to let up. Humphries showed his class with checkouts of 103 and 118, yet Van Gerwen’s relentless scoring – highlighted by a 106.45 average and seven maximums – kept him in control. He sealed the match in fitting fashion with a 14-darter, setting up a semi-final showdown with Josh Rock.

Van Gerwen’s semi-final opponent will be Josh Rock, who impressed once again with a 10–6 victory over Mike De Decker. The Northern Irishman stormed into a 3–0 lead with back-to-back 15-darters and a 13-darter, and although De Decker responded with a superb 161 checkout, Rock stretched clear to 7–2 with clinical finishing.

De Decker rallied with a 12-darter and a 98 finish, cutting the deficit to 9–6, but Rock remained composed and sealed the win with a 14-darter to continue his fine run of form this summer.

The final semi-final spot was taken by Gerwyn Price, who came from behind to beat Chris Dobey 10–8 in another tense battle. Dobey led 6–4 with a 13-darter, but crucially missed chances to extend that cushion. Price responded with an 86 finish to break back, before producing a 14-darter to level.

‘The Iceman’ then turned the screw, firing in a 12-darter and pinning double 16 for a 46 checkout to open a two-leg lead. Dobey hit back with a 13-darter and briefly stole the spotlight with a magnificent 170 finish, but it was Price who had the final word, sealing the win in leg 18.