US Darts Masters: Luke Littler, Luke Humphries safely into quarters as Josh Rock crashes in New York | Darts News

Luke Littler and Luke Humphries booked their way into the quarter-finals of the US Darts Masters, but Josh Rock crashed out with a stunning loss to Jim Long.

Long’s reward will be a showdown against Littler, while the world number one survives an early scare to defeat a determined David Cameron.

Littler was nowhere near his blistering best in the early exchanges, though he found his range just right to avoid the upset, overturning a 4-3 deficit with five supreme assists.

Long memorably defeated Michael Smith at the US Darts Masters in 2023, and the Canadian veteran caused another major upset in the Big Apple, winning 6-4 against an unremarkable Rock.

The Northern Irishman recovered from a slow start to regain parity in three, only for Long to win three of the next four legs to complete the upset.

“It’s an amazing feeling to win on this stage. I’m over the moon,” reflected Long – making his fourth US Darts Masters appearance.

“I’ve played Josh three times on tour so we’re familiar with each other, and I was lucky he missed a couple of doubles at the end there.

“I just want to play every game I can and perform my best with every opportunity.”

Reigning champion Humphries also took center stage on day one, dispatching former North American champion Leonard Gates 6-1 to begin his bid for back-to-back titles in New York.

“It’s a really prestigious event and one of the best venues in the world,” declared the world No.2.

“My brother told me that in the last eight events I’ve played in – including the Premier League – I’ve made eight finals in succession, so that’s given me a lot of confidence.

“I’ve been a really tough player to beat the last few weeks, and it’s nice to get that winning feeling back.”

Humphries’ next assignment will be a tie against Stephen Bunting, who defeated a struggling Alex Spellman 6-2 to register his first win on the iconic Madison Square Garden stage.

Dutch No. 1 Gian van Veen was another comfortable winner on Thursday night, making his US Darts Masters debut with a 6-1 victory over newcomer Fred Krueger on the big stage.

Jonny Clayton now awaits the European champion in a blockbuster quarter-final clash, while the Welsh No 1 delivered a perfect double display in his 6-2 thumping of Gary Mawson, averaging around 99 in the process.

Garwin Price and James Wade will lock horns in the quarterfinals after hard-fought victories over Brayden Hall and Adam Sebada, respectively.

2024 runner-up Price defeated Canadian prospect Hall 6-4 in his opener, while Wade enjoyed a winning return to World Series action after a 6-3 success over American number one Sevada.

The US Darts Masters concludes on Friday evening, as the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final take place in front of a sell-out crowd of 5,000 fans – a record for darts in the US.

US Darts Masters

Thursday 25 June
Round one

Gian van Veen 6-1 Fred Krueger
Gerwyn Price 6-4 Brayden Hall
James Wade 6-3 Adam Sebada
Jim Long 6-4 Josh Rock
Luke Littler 6-4 David Cameron
Luke Humphries 6-1 Leonard Gates
Johnny Clayton 6-2 Gary Mawson
Stephen Bunting 6-2 Alex Spellman

Quarter-final

Luke Littler vs. Jim Long
Garwin Price v. James Wade
Luke Humphries v Stephen Bunting
Gian Van Veen vs. Johnny Clayton
Best of 11 legs

semi-final

Short/Long vs Price/Wed
Humphries/Bunting vs Van Veen/Clayton
Best of 13 legs

the final
v
Best of 15 legs

What’s happening next for Sky Sports?

The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will be held at the iconic Winter Garden from 18-26 July, with a 32-player field competing for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.

World No 1 Luke Littler will be eyeing back-to-back titles in Blackpool, set to star in the £1million event alongside 2024 champion Luke Humphries and three-time World Matchplay winner Michael van Gerwen.

This summer’s action will also see the fifth stage of the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay, as eight of the biggest names in the women’s game battle it out for the title currently held by Lisa Ashton.

Who will win this year’s World Matchplay Darts? Luke Littler will defend his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream Darts and more great games now.