Littler through as Van Gerwen suffers early Euros exit

World champion Luke Littler made it through to the second round of the European Championship with victory over William O'Connor - but Michael van Gerwen was knocked out at the first-round stage. Teenager Littler hit six 180s and had a three-dart average of 105 in his 6-3 victory in the best-of-11 contest - his first match since a surprise semi-final defeat at the World Youth Championship in early October.The world number one will next play Nathan Aspinall, who beat Cristo Reyes 6-3, in Dortmund as he tries to complete the set of major trophies by winning the European Championship."Obviously, [I've played] a few exhibitions, but yeah, just obviously been chilling out, practicing, and this is the one I really want," said Littler, 19. "I've just got to take it one game at a time, and obviously it's the last one missing, so I can't be putting too much pressure on myself."I'm just happy to get back on stage and do my job."Van Gerwen, 37, was up against fellow Dutchman Kevin Doets and, after going 5-1 down, the three-time world champion was comprehensively beaten 6-3.The 28-year-old Doets will face Krzysztof Ratajski, who beat Dave Chisnall 6-2, in the last 16.Jonny Clayton and Josh Rock will take on each other after their respective 6-3 and 6-1 wins against Niko Springer and Chris Dobey.German Martin Schindler came through a deciding leg as he beat Wessel Nijman 6-5 to set up a match against Jermaine Wattimena, who was a 6-3 winner against England's Ryan Joyce.