Littler’s loss ended his bid to replace Humphries as the world No. 1, a feat that would have been achieved by winning the tournament.
The match was closely fought, with both players recording identical averages. Wade’s clinical finishing, though, proved decisive as he ran out the 10-7 winner, handing Littler his first last-16 defeat in a televised ranking event.
Twice, Littler fought back from deficits of 2-0 and 6-4, only for Wade to claim the final three legs and register his first televised ranking win over the teenager.
“Luke didn’t play his A-game there, but I’m really happy with that win,” Wade said. “I probably should have run away with the game earlier, but it’s a big positive to move forward.”
Home fans were kept on their feet by Ricardo Pietreczko, who overcame Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena to set up a quarter-final clash with Danny Noppert.
Pietreczko capitalised on 24 missed darts at doubles by Wattimena, while Noppert produced an average of over 101 to beat top seed Nathan Aspinall. Despite hitting eight 180s, 'the Asp' fell behind 9-5 before a late surge proved insufficient, Noppert sealing the victory with a 130 finish on the bull.
Gian van Veen remains in contention for his first televised ranking title after dismantling Ryan Searle 10-2, averaging 109.92 with seven 180s and a 170 checkout.
“This was one of my best performances on TV,” Van Veen reflected. “I feel even more comfortable than last year, and I’m really enjoying it.”
Van Veen will meet debutant Ryan Joyce, who eliminated German No. 1 Martin Schindler with a professional display at 10-7 and a 67% checkout rate.
Michael van Gerwen maintained his bid for a fifth European Championship crown with a 10-5 win over Chris Dobey. Van Gerwen raced into a 5-1 lead, absorbed a brief comeback by Dobey, and closed out with an average of 100.76.
'Mighty Mike' now faces Daryl Gurney, who produced finishes of 116, 122, and 124 to secure a 10-6 win over Ross Smith.
Humphries closed out Saturday night with a tight victory over Menzies, averaging 103.64 to withstand a spirited challenge by the Scot.
Menzies looked to be on course for a shock win at 8-6, but Humphries delivered a crucial 11-dart break and an 83 finish on the bull before sealing the win with double 18.
“I’m proud of my performance, but more proud of how I held myself together,” Humphries said. “Cameron is a fantastic player. To win games when things aren’t going your way is always satisfying.”
Quarter-finals at the European Championship begin on Sunday afternoon, with the semi-finals and final scheduled for the evening. The winner will take the title and a £120,000 top prize.
Results
Gian van Veen 10-2 Ryan Searle
Daryl Gurney 10-6 Ross Smith
Ryan Joyce 10-7 Martin Schindler
Michael van Gerwen 10-5 Chris Dobey
Ricardo Pietreczko 10-6 Jermaine Wattimena
Danny Noppert 10-7 Nathan Aspinall
James Wade 10-7 Luke Littler
Luke Humphries 10-9 Cameron Menzies