Littler into UK Open quarter-finals but Humphries out

Reigning champion Luke Littler moved into the quarter-finals of the UK Open with a comfortable 10-5 win over Gary Anderson, while Luke Humphries was beaten 10-6 by Danny Noppert.

Having narrowly edged past Kevin Doets 10-8 in the fifth round in Saturday’s afternoon session, world number one Littler raised his game on his return to the oche and sped into a 4-1 lead.

Anderson momentarily looked as though he could claw his way back as he took the seventh leg against the throw.

But the double world champion reimposed his authority to head the Scot 7-3 at the second break.

With his opponent unable to show the form he had displayed earlier in the tournament, Littler hit double top in the 16th game to seal his progress.

In a battle of two three-times tournament champions, world number four Michael van Gerwen was trounced 10-3 by James Wade, who averaged more than 105.

Gerwyn Price, meanwhile, staged a remarkable fightback from 9-4 down to beat Ireland’s Keane Barry 10-9.

In the opening match of Saturday’s evening session on the main stage, Josh Rock triumphed 10-7 against Stephen Bunting.

Meanwhile, on the second stage, Premier League leader Jonny Clayton beat Martin Lukeman 10-7, having hit eight maximums, and Rob Cross overcame Daryl Gurney 10-6.

Krzysztof Ratajski v Josh Rock

James Wade v Rob Cross

Luke Littler v Danny Noppert