Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen survive last leg deciders in thrilling World Series of Darts Finals opening night

Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen were both pushed all the way but kept their title bids alive on the opening night of the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam.

World Champion Humphries edged out James Wade in a deciding leg, while Van Gerwen needed all 11 legs to see off compatriot Wessel Nijman in a high-quality contest at the World Series of Darts Finals.

Humphries, looking to add another televised crown to his ever-growing collection, made the brighter start against Wade, racing into a 2-0 lead with the aid of a 13-darter. The three-time Matchplay champion responded with a 14-darter, only for ‘Cool Hand Luke’ to restore breathing space with a sparkling 12-dart hold. Wade, as ever, refused to go away, pinning 74 to reduce the arrears before Humphries’ second 13-darter of the night made it 4-2.

When Humphries spurned three darts for 5-2, Wade punished with a 68 checkout and suddenly the momentum turned. A 14-darter levelled matters, and ‘The Machine’ then held throw to move 5-4 in front for the first time. Humphries dug deep to force a decider, where Wade missed two match darts to seal it. That reprieve was all Humphries needed, holding his nerve to snatch a dramatic 6-5 victory.

Van Gerwen, meanwhile, produced a 104.75 average but still had to rely on a last-leg decider against Nijman. The young Dutchman stunned the Amsterdam crowd with back-to-back 13-darters to open up a 2-0 advantage, later adding a 102 checkout and a 10-darter to move to the brink of victory at 5-4.

Nijman missed one dart at tops for a famous scalp, and Van Gerwen pounced with double 12 to force a decider. The three-time World Champion was ruthless when it mattered most, firing in a 14-darter to cross the line and keep his bid for a fifth World Series Finals title alive.

Noppert dumps out top seed Bunting

Elsewhere, Danny Noppert caused a stir by knocking out top seed Stephen Bunting 6-4. ‘The Freeze’ impressed early, moving into a 3-1 lead and never relinquishing control, despite Bunting landing a 144 checkout. Noppert sealed the upset with a solid hold to move into round two.

There was more Dutch delight as Kevin Doets survived four match darts before edging past Jermaine Wattimena 6-5. ‘Hawkeye’ trailed early but battled back, and after Wattimena faltered on the outer ring in the decider, Doets nailed double 15 to spark celebrations.

Belgian star Mike De Decker also advanced, defeating Gabriel Clemens 6-3. ‘The Real Deal’ finished strongly, eventually converting his sixth match dart to wrap up victory. De Decker made the brighter start, snatching a break in the opening leg. Gabriel Clemens hit straight back with a 180 to move 2–1 ahead, but the Belgian stayed composed and leveled at 2–2 with a confident hold of throw.

From there, the match tilted firmly in De Decker’s favor. A further break for 3–2 underlined his intent, and he then held despite two 180s from Clemens. The “German Giant” managed to cut the deficit to 3–4, but De Decker was merciless: first holding for 5–3, then breaking Clemens’ throw for a third time to close out the contest.The stats told the story: Clemens squandered 11 of his 14 darts at double, finishing with a weak 21 percent checkout rate. De Decker, by contrast, was far more clinical when it mattered most, punishing every lapse from his opponent. A fully deserved 6–3 victory sends the Belgian into the second round.

Josh Rock made a winning start, defeating Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3. It wasn't 'Rocky' at full flight but he produced the goods to win it hitting a superb 121 checkout on the bull to seal it on his Amsterdam debut while Damon Heta cruised past Joe Cullen 6-1. He also hit a 121 checkout to win it seeing off Cullen averaging over 96. While finally former World Champion Rob Cross also impressed in a 6-3 win over Haupai Puha.