In distinction to the hostile reception for Littler, Dutch duo Van Veen and Michael van Gerwen have been roared on to the stage by the followers in Rotterdam.
Nevertheless, the pair have been unable to ship in entrance of their residence crowd with Van Veen out of kinds towards a much-improved Humphries because the Englishman claimed a cushty 6-2 win.
That took the defending champion above Van Veen into fifth and to inside three factors of Van Gerwen within the remaining play-off place.
Van Gerwen had the prospect to increase that hole to 5 however he was swept apart by Clayton, a 6-2 triumph for the Welshman leaving the Dutch followers surprised and retaining the race for the highest 4 within the stability.
Had Humphries accomplished his comeback towards Littler within the semis, it may have been even tighter.
Stephen Bunting nonetheless has hope of qualifying regardless of a 6-1 loss to Rock, wherein he discovered himself 4-0 down regardless of averaging 114 on account of the Northern Irishman beginning with 4 from 4 on the doubles.
Worth stays third regardless of a second quarter-final exit in as many weeks.