World Series of Darts Finals LIVE RESULTS: Luke Littler THRASHES Michael Smith in thrilling final and bags £80k prize

Krcmar 0-1 Bunting

Krcmar misses two darts at double to break Bunting's throw, but the Bullet recovers to hold and take the lead.

Action set to start

The first round of the World Series of Darts Finals is about to get underway in Amsterdam.

Tonight's session will see the opening eight matches take place, starting at 6.15pm with Boris Krcmar v Stephen Bunting.

First round matches are the best of 11 legs.

Nathan Aspinall OUT of World Series Finals

Nathan Aspinall “won’t risk further damage” to his arm and has withdrawn from the World Series Finals.

The World No.5 has not competed since July, having subsequently begun a course of treatment for a tendon injury in his throwing arm.

He has been undergoing shockwave therapy treatment throughout the summer and had hoped to be able to make his comeback in the World Series in Amsterdam this weekend.

However, following further scans, the Stockport ace has been referred for additional treatment which will prevent his return at the event where he was runner-up 12 months ago.

He said: “I’ve said all along that I only want to return to playing once my arm has recovered sufficiently.

“I’ve been making good progress with my treatment but my latest scans have come back and I need more treatment this week, and reluctantly I will have to miss the World Series of Darts Finals.

“I’m getting closer to being able to play again and I hope I can get back to action soon.

"But only when I’m confident that I’ve recovered and won’t be risking further damage.”

Under PDC Rules, Aspinall is replaced by the highest-ranked player who lost in the final round of the Tour Card Holder Qualifier.

This means Andrew Gilding now takes on Wessel Nijman in the first round on Saturday afternoon.

Open cheque

This year's World Series of Darts Finals total prize pot has been increased by £50,000.

Here is a full breakdown of what’s up for grabs:

• Winner - £80,000
• Runner-Up - £40,000
• Semi-Finalists - £25,000
• Quarter-Finalists - £17,500
• Second Round Losers - £10,000
• First Round Losers - £5,000
• Total - £400,000

Tonight’s action in Amsterdam

Friday, September 13 (From 6pm BST)

Boris Krcmar vs Stephen Bunting

Gabriel Clemens vs Damon Heta

Dimitri Van den Bergh vs Chris Dobey

Johan Engstrom vs Raymond van Barneveld

Luke Littler vs Ross Smith

Michael van Gerwen vs Jonny Clayton

Luke Humphries vs Haupai Puha

Danny Noppert vs Gian van Veen

Who is competing at the World Series of Darts Finals?

PDC representatives
Luke Littler
Gerwyn Price
Rob Cross
Luke Humphries
Michael van Gerwen
Michael Smith
Peter Wright
Dimitri Van den Bergh
Damon Heta
Andrew Gilding
Stephen Bunting

World Series Order of Merit Qualifiers
Gian van Veen
Boris Krcmar
Johan Engstrom
Jeff Smith
Kevin Doets
Raymond van Barneveld
Danny Noppert
Haupai Puha
Simon Whitlock

PDC Order of Merit Qualifiers
Dave Chisnall
Jonny Clayton
Ross Smith
Chris Dobey

Tour Card Holder Qualifiers
Wessel Nijman
Jose de Sousa
Keane Barry
Gabriel Clemens
Cameron Menzies
Daryl Gurney
Dirk van Duijvenbode
Rhys Griffin

Hello and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of the World Series of Darts Finals!

Today will see the first eight round one clashes take place, while the others are scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

The field this year has been increased to 32 of the world’s top players as they all seek the huge £80,000 jackpot.

This evening’s action kicks off at 6pm BST, with Stephen Bunting taking on Boris Krcmar in the tournament opener.

Defending champion Michael van Gerwen will begin his title defence as he goes head-to-head with Jonny Clayton in round one.

Teenage sensation Luke Littler faces a tough opener against Ross Smith after taking the World Series by storm on his debut year.

The 17-year-old has secured wins at the Bahrain Darts Masters and the Poland Darts Masters more recently.