World No. 1 Humphries was in ruthless form, averaging 109.98 as he beat Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski 6-0 in just over ten minutes. The 30-year-old sealed victory in style with a 161 checkout and will now face Scotland’s Cameron Menzies, who defeated compatriot Gary Anderson 6-3 earlier in the evening.
“I’m really pleased with that performance,” Humphries said afterwards. “My scoring was strong from the start, and that was really important. I didn’t give Krzysztof a sniff tonight, and that’s what you have to do against a player as solid as he is.”
Littler, meanwhile, maintained his pursuit of the world No. 1 ranking with a 6-1 victory over Raymond van Barneveld. The teenager seized control in the fourth leg after the Dutchman missed chances to go level, before racing away to seal the match with a 115 checkout.
“It might have looked comfortable, but up there it wasn’t,” Littler admitted. “We both struggled early on, but once I settled, I found my rhythm. I’m looking forward to tomorrow -- I’ve got a good record against James (Wade), but I’ll take it one game at a time.”
The reigning world champion will now face Wade, a former European Championship winner who brushed aside Mike De Decker by the same 6-1 scoreline.
Top seed Aspinall advanced emphatically, dispatching two-time European champion Rob Cross 6-1. Fresh from his third European Tour title of the season, the Stockport native averaged just over 100 and looked full of confidence.
“It was a tough draw, playing Rob when you’re the No. 1 seed isn’t ideal, but I handled it well,” said Aspinall. “I’ve suffered a lot over the last few years, but with a clear mind I’m a very tough opponent, and my darts are showing that.”
Aspinall will face Danny Noppert in round two after the Dutchman beat Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 in the night’s closing match.
There was joy for the home crowd as Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko upset World Cup winner Josh Rock 6-4, but disappointment for debutant Niko Springer, who fell 6-3 to Jermaine Wattimena. The Dutchman averaged almost 107 in an inspired display to kick off the evening’s action.
Pietreczko’s victory, following Martin Schindler’s earlier progression, marked the first time two German players have reached the last 16 in the tournament’s history.
Saturday’s second-round line-up promises more high-quality darts, with Germany’s No. 1 Schindler taking on Ryan Joyce in the afternoon session, while Michael van Gerwen faces Chris Dobey.
The evening schedule features heavyweight clashes as Littler meets Wade again, Humphries faces Menzies, and Aspinall continues his campaign against Noppert.
