Darts results LIVE: Players Championship scores as Humphries back in action but Littler & Van Gerwen WITHDRAW – updates

Live scores (best of 11 legs)World number six Nathan Aspinall is on the cusp of a hard-fought win.

Meanwhile, ‘The Wizard’ Simon Whitlock is working his magic early as he takes an early lead against George Killington.

Luke Woodhouse 3-5 Nathan Aspinall

Simon Whitlock 2-0 Connor Scutt

Ian White 0-0 George Killington

Stephen Burton 1-0 Christian Kist

Danny van Trijp 0-1 Maik Kuivenhoven

Results continuedDaryl Gurney 6-3 Krzysztof Ratajski

Luke Humphries 6-5 Benjamin Drue-Reus

Damon Heta 6-0 Haupai Puha

William O’Connor 6-0 Danny Noppert

Vincent Van der Voort 6-0 Ricardo Pietreczko

Gerwyn Price 6-3 Nick Kenny

Players Championship 23 resultsGarry Anderson 6-5 Mario Vandenbogaerde

Jurjen van der Velde 6-4 Stephen Bunting

Dave Chisnall 6-2 Callan Rydz

Jonny Clayton 6-0 Rene Eidams

Rob Cross 6-4 Arron Monk

Chris Dobey 6-5 Richie Burnett

Player entries continuedDamon Heta
Justin Hood
Jamie Hughes
Luke Humphries
Adam Hunt
James Hurrell
Kim Huybrechts
Danny Jansen
Ryan Joyce
Nick Kenny
George Killington
Mervyn King
Aden Kirk
Christian Kist
Jelle Klaasen
Daniel Klose
Robbie Knops
Boris Krcmar
Maik Kuivenhoven
Chris Landman
Danny Lauby
Steve Lennon
Martin Lukeman
Mickey Mansell
Ryan Meikle
Cameron Menzies
Arron Monk
Wessel Nijman
Danny Noppert
William O’Connor
Robert Owen
Josh Payne
Christian Perez
Ricardo Pietreczko
Gerwyn Price
Haupai Puha
Nathan Rafferty
Krzysztof Ratajski
Madars Razma
Benjamin Reus
Joshua Richardson
Rowby-John Rodriguez
Owen Roelofs
Callan Rydz
Martin Schindler
Connor Scutt
Karel Sedlacek
Dylan Slevin
Michael Smith
Ross Smith
Alan Soutar
Jeffrey Sparidaans
Mensur Suljovic
Radek Szaganski
Dom Taylor
Thibault Tricole
Michele Turetta
Graham Usher
Raymond van Barneveld
Dimitri Van den Bergh
Jurjen van der Velde
Vincent van der Voort
Jitse Van der Wal
Jules van Dongen
Dirk van Duijvenbode
Michael van Gerwen
Berry van Peer
Jimmy van Schie
Danny van Trijp
Gian van Veen
Mario Vandenbogaerde
Richard Veenstra
James Wade
Adam Warner
Jermaine Wattimena
Lukas Wenig
Ian White
Simon Whitlock
Jim Williams
Scott Williams
Carl Wilson
Luke Woodhouse
Niels Zonneveld

Player entries confirmedGary Anderson
Nathan Aspinall
Jamie Atkins
Andy Baetens
Keane Barry
Owen Bates
Steve Beaton
Darren Beveridge
William Borland
Andy Boulton
Keegan Brown
Stephen Bunting
Richie Burnett
Stephen Burton
Matt Campbell
Dave Chisnall
Brett Claydon
Jonny Clayton
Gabriel Clemens
Lee Cocks
Rob Cross
Joe Cullen
Mike De Decker
Jeffrey de Graaf
Jose de Sousa
Matthew Dennant
Chris Dobey
Kevin Doets
Brendan Dolan
Martijn Dragt
Ritchie Edhouse
Rene Eidams
Lee Evans
Ricky Evans
Adam Gawlas
Patrick Geeraets
Andrew Gilding
Callum Goffin
Kai Gotthardt
Rhys Griffin
Robert Grundy
Daryl Gurney
Graham Hall
Florian Hempel
Stefaan Henderyck

WelcomeHello and welcome to SunSport’s live coverage of Players Championship 23 from Leicester.

The action gets underway at 1pm.

Gary went for chinwag and ended with win grabGary Anderson admits he won Players Championship 22 despite only turning up to chat with his darting pals! writes PHIL LANNING.

The two-time World Champion picked up his third title of the year after beating Connor Scutt 8-4 in the final in Leicester yesterday.

Ando, 53, delivered another strong day of form including wins over Jonny Clayton and James Wade on the way to the final. 

He said: “It has surprised me. I just came here to catch up with Whitey (Ian) and have a game of darts today! 

“I’ve been away doing a few exhibitions and busy doing other things. 

“I felt alright. The first couple of games I was OK, second game was a struggle. 

“Against Connor, he’s a cracking little dart player. He’ll be one to watch. 

“I’ve been playing a lot of youngsters. I tell you what, the next few years are going to be eye opening. 

“I just turn up and have a game of darts. I’m at that stage that if I get beat, it’s not the end of the world and I get to go home early.”

Soon will be great Scutt?Gary Anderson raved about Connor Scutt’s potential after beating the 28-year-old in the final.

Scutt only got a two-year Tour Card in 2022 but looked at home on the big stage in Leicester.

This was his second PDC ranking final in an incredible year of progress.

Scutt averaged 104 in thrashing Danny Lauby in the first round.

He then showed his calm head by going all the way for victory three times, against Boris Krcmar, Cameron Menzies and Danny Noppert

Madars Razma was swept aside 6-3 in the last eight before Christian Kist  fell 7-3.

And at times Anderson needed to be near his best to defeat Scutt 8-4 in the final.

The Scot said: “Young Connor is a cracking dart player.

“He missed the 170 three times and he wired double 18 for the 147. He’s not even got his Tour Card yet, so he’ll be one to watch.”

Van Gerwen issues world title warningMichael van Gerwen believes his thrilling Hungarian Darts Trophy triumph shows he’s got plenty of “momentum” ahead of the World championships in two months time.

The 35-year-old Dutchman, 35, picked up the last of his three world titles in 2019.

But he was fired up before, during and after his 8-7 final defeat of compatriot Gian van Veen in Budapest.

He said: “I think I’m on the right way, especially with my new darts.

“I missed the winning feeling for a long time but now everything falls into place.”

“I want to win more and my love for the game is still there. I need to make sure I keep this momentum going.”

ITV extend snooker & darts dealITV have won the right to keep broadcasting darts and snooker for another year.

The national broadcaster signed a 12-month extension to its deal with Matchroom.

It means World Snooker Tour’s British Open, Champion of Champions, Players Championship and Tour Championship will remain free to air on ITV and and ITVX.

The arrangement also includes many top Professional Darts Corporation events.

These include The Masters, UK Open, European Championship, Players Championship Finals, at least seven World Series of Darts global events and the World Series of Darts Finals

It comes as the Masters plans to expand from 24 to 32 players in 2025. That means an extra session for viewers in January

Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Matchroom, and continue to bring free-to-air coverage to darts and snooker fans on ITV and ITVX.

“The deal includes The Masters as it enters an exciting expansion of its tournament alongside the existing big-name events our viewers enjoy annually.”

Gates open for trio to make World Championship returnTwo USA players and a Canadian have each booked their second appearance at the World Championships this December.

Leonard Gates, Jim Long and Stowe Buntz qualified by filling the top three spots on the Championship Darts Corporation circuit.

Texan Gates, 53, led the CDC list after a hat-trick of wins earlier in the season.

Ontario oche ace Long, 56, will be back at the Ally Pally after a gap of six years.

He earned his spot after reaching the last two finals of the CDC tour in Indianapolis over the weekend.

And Buntz, 45, who is known as the Neon Nightmare, will be appearing in the world championship for a second year in a row,

The Virginia star came third on the CDC list.

Scotsman flies up to fourth in tableGary Anderson has surged up to fourth in the Players Championship Order of Merit.

Last night’s triumph means he joins Luke Littler, Damon Heta and Chris Dobey in having won more than one Players Championship title this year.

The laidback Flying Scotsman, 53, said: “I just turn up and have a game of darts” 

“I’ve been busy doing other things recently, but I have been away playing in a few exhibitions.

“I have played against a lot of youngsters, and the next six years or so are going to be eye-opening!

“I’m at that stage now where there is no pressure on me, but when you come here, you want to play, you want to perform.”

Why has MVG withdrawn?Michael van Gerwen has withdrawn from the Players Championships this week with illness.

MVG was the victor in the Hungarian Darts Trophy last Sunday but misses out this time.

Credit: Getty

Gary went for chinwag and ended with win grabGary Anderson admits he won Players Championship 22 despite only turning up to chat with his darting pals! writes PHIL LANNING.

The two-time World Champion picked up his third title of the year after beating Connor Scutt 8-4 in the final in Leicester yesterday.

Ando, 53, delivered another strong day of form including wins over Jonny Clayton and James Wade on the way to the final. 

Credit: GettyHe said: “It has surprised me. I just came here to catch up with Whitey (Ian) and have a game of darts today! 

“I’ve been away doing a few exhibitions and busy doing other things. 

“I felt alright. The first couple of games I was OK, second game was a struggle. 

“Against Connor, he’s a cracking little dart player. He’ll be one to watch. 

“I’ve been playing a lot of youngsters. I tell you what, the next few years are going to be eye opening. 

“I just turn up and have a game of darts. I’m at that stage that if I get beat, it’s not the end of the world and I get to go home early.”

How the Players Championship 22 unfoldedGary Anderson eventually triumphed – after stepping up his game from the last-16 stage at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester.

Results:

• Last 16
• Christian Kist 6-5 Martin Lukeman
• Stephen Bunting 6-1 Jamie Atkins
• Madars Razma 6-2 Rob Cross
• Connor Scutt 6-5 Danny Noppert
• Jonny Clayton 6-3 Alan Soutar
• Gary Anderson 6-3 Mike De Decker
• Callan Rydz 6-4 Nathan Rafferty
• James Wade 6-3 Gabriel Clemens

• Quarter-Finals
• Christian Kist 6-3 Stephen Bunting
• Connor Scutt 6-3 Madars Razma
• Gary Anderson 6-3 Jonny Clayton
• James Wade 6-5 Callan Rydz

• Semi-Finals
• Connor Scutt 7-3 Christian Kist
• Gary Anderson 7-4 James Wade

• Final
• Gary Anderson 8-4 Connor Scutt

Soon will be great Scutt?Gary Anderson raved about Connor Scutt’s potential after beating the 28-year-old in the final.

Scutt only got a two-year Tour Card in 2022 but looked at home on the big stage in Leicester.

This was his second PDC ranking final in an incredible year of progress.

Scutt averaged 104 in thrashing Danny Lauby in the first round.

He then showed his calm head by going all the way for victory three times, against Boris Krcmar, Cameron Menzies and Danny Noppert

Madars Razma was swept aside 6-3 in the last eight before Christian Kist  fell 7-3.

And at times Anderson needed to be near his best to defeat Scutt 8-4 in the final.

The Scot said: “Young Connor is a cracking dart player.

“He missed the 170 three times and he wired double 18 for the 147. He’s not even got his Tour Card yet, so he’ll be one to watch.”

World of differenceTwo USA players and a Canadian have each booked their second appearance at the World Championships this December.

Leonard Gates, Jim Long and Stowe Buntz qualified by filling the top three spots on the Championship Darts Corporation circuit.

Texan Gates, 53, led the CDC list after a hat-trick of wins earlier in the season.

Ontario oche ace Long, 56, will be back at the Ally Pally after a gap of six years.

He earned his spot after reaching the last two finals of the CDC tour in Indianapolis over the weekend.

And Buntz, 45, who is known as the Neon Nightmare, will be appearing in the world championship for a second year in a row,

The Virginia star came third on the CDC list.

ITV extend snooker & darts dealITV have won the right to keep broadcasting darts and snooker for another year.

The national broadcaster signed a 12-month extension to its deal with Matchroom.

It means World Snooker Tour’s British Open, Champion of Champions, Players Championship and Tour Championship will remain free to air on ITV and and ITVX.

The arrangement also includes many top Professional Darts Corporation events.

These include The Masters, UK Open, European Championship, Players Championship Finals, at least seven World Series of Darts global events and the World Series of Darts Finals

It comes as the Masters plans to expand from 24 to 32 players in 2025. That means an extra session for viewers in January

Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Matchroom, and continue to bring free-to-air coverage to darts and snooker fans on ITV and ITVX.

“The deal includes The Masters as it enters an exciting expansion of its tournament alongside the existing big-name events our viewers enjoy annually.”

Lift of the GabGabriel Clemens strengthened his claim for World Grand Prix qualification by reaching the British Open last 16.

The German even notched an average of 110.55 to see off Mensur Suljovic in the second round.

He eventually exited 6-3 to eventual semi-finalist James Wade.

Credit: Getty

Scotsman flies up to fourth in tableGary Anderson has surged up to fourth in the Players Championship Order of Merit.

Tonight’s triumph means he joins Luke Littler, Damon Heta and Chris Dobey in having won more than one Players Championship title this year.

Credit: PAThe laidback Flying Scotsman, 53, said: “I just turn up and have a game of darts” 

“I’ve been busy doing other things recently, but I have been away playing in a few exhibitions.

“I have played against a lot of youngsters, and the next six years or so are going to be eye-opening!

“I’m at that stage now where there is no pressure on me, but when you come here, you want to play, you want to perform.”

‘I’ve surprised myself!’Winner Gary Anderson revealed he performed better than expected.

The Flying Scotsman averaged 100.23 across his seven matches and overcame the dangerous Connor Scutt in the final.

Anderson said: “I’ve surprised myself. My second game was a struggle, but I played well against Mike [De Decker] and Wadey in the semi-finals.

“Young Connor is a cracking dart player. He missed the 170 three times and he wired double 18 for the 147. He’s not even got his Tour Card yet, so he’ll be one to watch.”

ANDERSON WINS! Connor Scutt 4-8 Gary AndersonScutt will rue missing some bull finishes as well as THREE 170s earlier in the match.

And ironically Anderson clinched victory in the 12th leg with a bull of his own.

Connor Scutt 3-4 Gary AndersonScutt is fighting back after wobbling in this final.

Connor Scutt 1-1 Gary AndersonWhat a dreadful leg!

Scutt blew two visits to the oche when he needed five.

And although Anderson missed eight doubles, he eventually took it out on his TWENTY-FOURTH dart.

Connor Scutt 1-0 Gary AndersonScutt broke Anderson impressively – whereas the Scot is not yet in his stride.