The England duo of Luke Littler and Luke Humphies have been dumped out of the World Cup of Darts by hosts Germany in a massive surprise. The England duo were huge pre-tournament favourites but were both below par against Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko as they lost 8-4 in what was their first match in Frankfurt. England were also the defending champions after Humphries and Michael Smith proved victorious last year. 

Yet they crumbled in front of a partisan atmosphere. The home hopes raced into a 2-0 lead with every dart cheered loudly by the 3,500 spectators present. Littler and Humphries bounced back to level matters, but then blew a winnable position in leg five and failed to recover as they went into the break 5-2 down. Germany then won two more legs immediately after the interval to send the crowd into raptures.

Despite appearing rattled, Littler and Humphries reduced the deficit to 7-4 but hopes of a comeback were then dashed. Left needing 62 for glory, Pietreczko hit a single 10, followed by a 20, and then took out a double 16.

Pre-match, Schindler had insisted that the team of the reigning world champion and Premier League champion were not unbeatable. And afterwards he revelled in backing up his bullish words.

"I was right," he told Sky Sports. "We believed in ourselves and I think we've been putting in a solid performance and obviously the double 16s from Ricardo when it mattered. We are very happy to go through."

Explaining why his partner threw first in each leg on his tournament debut, Schindler added: "To be honest he said to me, he's used to being the front guy of the pairs team. I said 'If you feel well with it, go for it.'"

Germany will now play the winners of Australia and Argentina in the quarter-final tomorrow. Asked about the prospect of sealing the title for his country for the first time ever, Pietreczko was in no doubt.

He said: "It's unbelievable. You hear the crowd. For sure we can go all the way. We're here to win."

Both Littler and Humphries did take the time to congratulate their opponents, but appeared forlorn as they quickly left the stage.