World Series of Darts Finals: Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, Rob Cross in round two as Stephen Bunting Exits | Darts news

Michael van Gerwen has set up a second round showdown with Rob Cross in the World Series of Darts Finals after focusing Wessel Nijman in an exciting first round collision in Amsterdam.

Van Gerwen, who chased a record-expanding sixth title, conquered a spicy Nijman in a final legs decision maker.

Nijman led 2-0, 3-1 and 5-4, but Van Gerwen produced a stunning 132 finish on the bull and survived a competition dart before he sealed the victory with a 174 setup and double 18, on average 104.75.

“Wessel is a great player and his shooting was phenomenal,” said Van Gerwen. “I felt great the whole game. This was one of my best performance in the Netherlands for a long time.”

Luke Humphries also survived two match -darts to beat 2018 champion James Wade in another tense affair.

World No. 1 Humphries on average 99 and shots in legs of 14 and 13 arrows to destroy a deficit of 5-4.

“It was a strange performance,” Humphries admitted. “One moment it was great, the next arms. I am working back in shape and I am happy to win.”

Top seeds Stephen Bunting was sent packed by Dutch No. 2 Danny Noppert, who is now opposed to World Cup champion Josh Rock.

Noppert won 6-4, while Rock sealed a 6-3 victory over Krzysztof Ratajski with a 121 Bullseye-Kassa.

Cross made a winning return to the Netherlands and defeated Haupai Puha van New Zealand with 6-3 with a double success rate of 60 percent.

Earlier this year, Cross lifted the Dutch Darts Masters title in Den Bosch.

The Australian No. 1 Damon Heta and world champion Grand Prix Mike De Decker meet in round two after beating Joe Cullen and Gabriel Clemens respectively.

Heta drove to a 6-1 victory, while De Decker Clemens overcame 6-3, despite the German Double 12 for a nine-darter.

Kevin Doets opened the evening with a narrow victory over Jermaine Wattimena and survived four games to earn a Saturday evening conflict with Humphries.

Friday session from Friday

First round results

• Kevin Doets 6-5 Jermaine Wattimena
• Krzysztof Ratajski 3-6 Josh Rock
• Damon Heta 6-1 Joe Cullen
• Mike De Decker 6-3 Gabriel Clemens
• Luke Humphries 6-5 James Wade
• Wessel Nijman 5-6 Michael van Gerwen
• Stephen Bunting 4-6 Danny Noppert
• Rob Cross 6-3 Haupai Soft

Round one ends on Saturday afternoon, with reigning champion Luke Littler opposite Simon Whitlock.

Former winners Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton meet the American duo Danny Lauby and Jason Brandon, while Raymond van Barneveld compete against Cor Dekker in Norway.

Nathan Aspinall, Chris Dobey, Ross Smith, Peter Wright and Cameron Menzies also come into the fight before the second round unfolds Saturday night, followed by the quarterfinals of Sunday, Semis and final.

The afternoon session from Saturday

First round (the best of 11 legs) – from 11.45 am

• Chris Dobey vs Luke Woodhouse
• Cameron Menzies vs Peter Wright
• Jonny Tata vs Ross Smith
• Cor Dekker vs Raymond van Barneveld
• Gerwyn Price vs Danny Lauby
• Luke Littler vs Simon Whitlock
• Jonny Clayton vs Jason Brandon
• Nathan Aspinall vs Dave Chisnall

Confirmed tires in the second round

• Luke Humphries vs Kevin Doets
• Danny Noppert vs Josh Rock
• Mike Van Decker vs Damon Heta
• Rob Cross vs Michael van Gerwen

Live Darts is back on Sky Sports from 6-12 October while the Boylesports World Grand Prix is ​​being held in Leicester.