Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith reached the final 16 of the European Championships, however Gwen Worth was eradicated within the first spherical.
Van Gerwen is chasing a primary televised Grand Slam of the yr, beginning with a 6-1 win over Gabriel Clemens in Dortmund.
The Dutchman has received the match 4 instances, averaging 100.10 in regulation wins that earned him a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson.
“You at all times have to remain sharp on this brief format,” mentioned van Gerwen, one in every of 5 former champions among the many 32 gamers.
“I am having fun with darts once more and I believe if you wish to do effectively you must have it.
“You wish to maintain performing effectively as a result of there’s nonetheless quite a bit to battle for and I believe it is a essential sport for me.”
Two-time world champion Anderson additionally averaged over 100 in his 6-3 victory over Stephen Bunting.
The Scot mentioned: “I had some belts with Michael; other than successful the world title, the very best battle I ever had was after I beat Michael in Dubai.
“It will be nice if I may win this title, however there is not any stress and no expectations.”
Smith defeated Dave Chisnall 6-0 with little effort.
Smith had one of many hardest attracts of the primary spherical, however he confirmed ease, ending with over three tons, together with disposing of Chisnall for 161.
Nonetheless, Worth suffered an early defeat, shedding 6-3 to Daryl Gurney, whereas the match’s high seed, Martin Sheen, relied on his efficiency on the European Tour. Martin Schindler is eradicated by Dirk van Duijvenbode.
Ritchie Edhouse, Luke Woodhouse and Ryan Searle additionally recorded wins.
World champion Luke Humphries will kick off his marketing campaign on Friday with an exhilarating first-round conflict with Nathan Aspinall. Luke Littler can even face Andrew Gilding within the match.
When is the following stay darts match on Sky Sports activities?
Dwell darts returns sky sports activities and Darts Grand Slam Luke Humphries will defend his title in Wolverhampton from November ninth to seventeenth. Watch Sky Sports live now without signing a monthly or day membership contract.
