Michael van Gerwen staged a thrilling comeback against fellow Dutchman Wessel Nijman at the 2025 World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam, surviving a 6-5 decider to set up a second-round clash with Rob Cross. Nijman led 2-0, 3-1, and 5-4, but Van Gerwen delivered a stunning 132 finish on the bull and pinned double 18 after surviving a match dart, finishing with a 104.75 average. “Of course I am delighted with this result,” Van Gerwen said. “Wessel is a great player and his cover shooting was absolutely phenomenal tonight, but I felt great the whole game. I think this was one of my best performances in Holland for a long time, and that gives me a lot of joy.”

Luke Humphries also edged past 2018 champion James Wade 6-5, surviving two match darts in a dramatic opening night. “One minute it was great, and the next it was really poor… I was very fortunate that James missed those two match darts, but when I get past that first round I’m usually dangerous, and now I’m more hungry than ever,” Humphries reflected. Top seed Stephen Bunting was defeated by Danny Noppert 6-4, while Josh Rock overcame Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3, setting up a quarter-final showdown with Noppert. Rob Cross made a 6-3 win over Haupai Puha, and Damon Heta and Mike De Decker advanced to face each other in round two following 6-1 and 6-3 victories, respectively.

Saturday’s afternoon session features the remaining first-round matches, including Luke Littler defending his title against Simon Whitlock, Gerwyn Price versus Danny Lauby, Jonny Clayton against Jason Brandon, and Raymond van Barneveld taking on Cor Dekker. The second round will follow Saturday evening, with quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon and semi-finals and final in the evening at AFAS Live.

Friday First Round Results – 2025 World Series of Darts Finals

• Kevin Doets 6-5 Jermaine Wattimena

• Josh Rock 6-3 Krzysztof Ratajski

• Damon Heta 6-1 Joe Cullen

• Mike De Decker 6-3 Gabriel Clemens

• Luke Humphries 6-5 James Wade

• Michael van Gerwen 6-5 Wessel Nijman

• Danny Noppert 6-4 Stephen Bunting

• Rob Cross 6-3 Haupai Puha

Source: PDC.TV