English darts prodigy, world No. 1 at 18
Littler defeats Aspinall 11-8 to reach the World Matchplay quarter-finals; van Duijvenbode beats van Gerwen 14-12; Anderson progresses with 11-7 over Clayton.
Voters head to the polls next Thursday as Labour faces a challenging local election in St Helens. The council has been Labour-controlled since 2010, but regeneration plans and concerns about town centre vitality are shaping the campaign. Residents describe a town in transition, with empty high streets and a push for investment.
Through two weeks, home teams have won about 29% of games, the worst start in 30 years. New York is the only team with a winning record at home. Attendance is up 6%, and scheduling may be a factor. Chicago has started 3-1 on the road, defying the trend.