Van Duijvenbode stuns Humphries as Anderson dumps out Ratajski in hungary

Dirk van Duijvenbode produced one of the biggest shocks of the Hungarian Darts Trophy as he defeated top seed Luke Humphries 6-3 to book his place in Finals Day in Budapest.

The Dutchman ended a nine-match losing streak against Humphries with an impressive display at the MVM Dome, overturning a 3-2 deficit by winning four consecutive legs.

Van Duijvenbode averaged 98 and produced a superb 140 checkout to secure his place in the last 16.

“Luke is a phenomenal player, but I think I’m okay as well,” Van Duijvenbode said after the match.

“I’m happier in life at the moment. I’ve had a lot of struggles, but I feel better. Life is better, and I’m getting better now, hopefully.”

Van Duijvenbode will now face Rob Cross in the last 16 after the former world champion edged compatriot Luke Woodhouse 6-5 in a deciding leg.

Anderson Ends Ratajski’s Title Defence Hopes

Gary Anderson also impressed in Budapest, defeating Krzysztof Ratajski 6-2 to end the Polish star’s hopes of winning back-to-back European Tour titles.

The Scottish veteran produced an outstanding 105.27 average and will now meet Stephen Bunting in the last 16.

Bunting booked his place in Finals Day with a convincing 6-1 victory over Finland’s Jonas Masalin.

Van Veen and Van Gerwen Progress

There was also success for Dutch duo Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen during Saturday’s second-round action.

Van Veen delivered a dominant performance against home favourite Nandor Major, completing a 6-0 whitewash while converting 67% of his attempts at double.

The Dutchman also produced the highest checkout of the day with a brilliant 167 finish.

Van Gerwen had to fight back from 3-1 down against James Hurrell before eventually claiming a 6-4 victory. He will now face Nathan Aspinall, who defeated Ryan Joyce 6-4 after hitting five 180s.

Smith and Clayton Set Up Last-16 Clash

Ross Smith continued his impressive run with a 6-2 victory over William O’Connor, recording a ton-plus average in the process.

Smith will face Jonny Clayton next after the Welshman defeated Hungarian home hero Laszlo Kadar 6-3.

Dave Chisnall also strengthened his hopes of World Grand Prix qualification with a comfortable 6-2 victory over Wessel Nijman.

Springer’s Title Defence Comes to an End

Reigning champion Niko Springer saw his Hungarian Darts Trophy title defence come to an end after Ryan Searle claimed a 6-4 victory in a contest lasting just 14 minutes.

Searle will meet Danny Noppert, last year’s runner-up, in the last 16 after the Dutchman defeated Ritchie Edhouse by the same scoreline.

Chris Dobey produced a remarkable comeback against Tom Sykes, recovering from 4-0 down to force a deciding leg before completing the turnaround.

Dobey will face Josh Rock, who ended his day with a ruthless 6-0 victory over Joe Cullen.

Jermaine Wattimena also progressed after defeating Andrew Gilding 6-4 and will now face Gian van Veen.

Keane Barry completed the last-16 lineup with a 6-2 victory over Madars Razma.

Hungarian Darts Trophy Results

Afternoon Session

• Ross Smith 6-2 William O’Connor
• Dave Chisnall 6-2 Wessel Nijman
• Jermaine Wattimena 6-4 Andrew Gilding
• Danny Noppert 6-4 Ritchie Edhouse
• Ryan Searle 6-4 Niko Springer
• Rob Cross 6-5 Luke Woodhouse
• Gary Anderson 6-2 Krzysztof Ratajski
• Chris Dobey 6-5 Tom Sykes

Evening Session

• Stephen Bunting 6-1 Jonas Masalin
• Jonny Clayton 6-3 Laszlo Kadar
• Keane Barry 6-2 Madars Razma
• Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 Luke Humphries
• Michael van Gerwen 6-4 James Hurrell
• Gian van Veen 6-0 Nandor Major
• Nathan Aspinall 6-4 Ryan Joyce
• Josh Rock 6-0 Joe Cullen

With the last 16 now confirmed, attention turns to Finals Day in Budapest, where the remaining players will battle for a place in the latter stages of the Hungarian Darts Trophy and valuable PDC European Tour ranking points.