Defending champion eased into the third round of the Belgian Darts Open as and both crashed out.

Littler was well below his brilliant best in beating Ryan Searle 6-3, the champion averaging 94.36 to Searle’s 95.48 at the Oktoberhallen in Wieze.

However, the 18-year-old was far more efficient on the doubles than his opponent and hit double 20 with his first match dart to finish with a checkout percentage of 42.9 per cent compared to Searle’s 25 per cent.

"It didn't really happen for myself or Ryan out there," said Littler. "But I'm just happen to get through and hopefully improve tomorrow."

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World number one Humphries had earlier suffered a 6-4 defeat to home favourite Mike De Decker, who survived two match darts to beat Thomas Lovely in the previous round. De Decker registered a highest checkout of 122 and averaged 100.45 against a below-par Humphries, who could only average 92.61.

Van Gerwen’s average was marginally better and the three-time world champion also hit a superb 136 checkout, but still slipped to a 6-4 defeat to Croatia’s Boris Krcmar.

In contrast, Gerwyn Price averaged 112.42 in his 6-2 victory over Gian van Veen, who averaged over 105 in defeat.

In the afternoon session, former world champion Michael Smith was whitewashed 6-0 by Damon Heta, while Ross Smith averaged 112.60 as he beat Rob Cross 6-2.

Luke Woodhouse was in stunning finishing form as he defeated Gary Anderson by the same score, consecutive checkouts of 124, 110 and 170 giving him the first three legs.

He plays Littler next and the world champ added: "I've just got to play better. I'm sure Luke will be up for it. May the best man win."

There were also wins for Daryl Gurney, Dave Chisnall, Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting and Ritchie Edhouse, who edged out Nathan Aspinall in a deciding leg.

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