Luke Humphries went from a 26% closing doubles average to a 64% one in two nights, and that shift carried him into the World Grand Prix quarter-finals. The 2023 champion and two-time runner-up swept Jermaine Wattimena 3-0 with a 10-darter and a starting doubles percentage of 74, setting up a last-eight meeting with Niels Zonneveld.
James Wade also reached the quarters, dropping his standards in the third set but delivering a starting masterclass against Stephen Bunting. Wade hit an opening shot of 160 five times across his win and will face Gian Van Veen in the last eight after Van Veen won a tight contest with Ryan Searle.
Gary Anderson was the notable casualty of the night, eliminated by Zonneveld in a match that saw every leg of the first set go against the throw. Anderson made a terrible start, hitting single one and suffering two bounce-outs before aiming for a leg-winning bullseye that cost him another.
Humphries’ big night
Humphries’ form on Tuesday had been a concern. He averaged only 80 and went at 26% on his closing doubles in a 2-0 win over Dave Chisnall. Two nights later, he was a different player entirely.
He averaged 94.11 and secured a finishing-double percentage of 64, though his starting-double percentage of 74 was the most eye-catching stat. He peppered double 16 early in legs, and his 10-darter came at the start of the third set.
“I’ve got a good chance of winning this. At the moment I’m a bit up and down, but if I can put that right I’m going to be tough to beat.”
Humphries said afterwards that his chances were real. He admitted the performance was not perfect but argued it was a step up from Tuesday.
“I think I got in every time with my first three darts. When you’re doing stuff like that, it’s going to take a top performance to beat you.”
Wade’s double start struggles
Wade’s path to the quarters was marked by a specific problem. He delivered a starting masterclass to reach his eighth World Grand Prix quarter-final, hitting an opening shot of 160 five times during his win over Bunting.
But he dropped his standards in the third set, which is a familiar pattern for him. Wade said the pressure of a double start is far worse than it looks.
“I am so grateful as it is so hard to win with a double start. We can all play it cool and pretend to be relaxed but it is awful, it is hellish, really hard work.”
He added: “I don’t feel anywhere near my best but I am having to play better against better players. I have loads more gears to go – but talk is cheap.”
“And I am full of cheap talk!”
Van Veen’s thriller win
Van Veen’s match against Searle was the closest of the night. Searle landed a 167 checkout, the highest of the week, and threw for the match against Van Veen after breaking the Dutchman with a finish of 100 in the fourth set.
Searle was broken straightaway in the deciding leg, and Van Veen then blitzed the final set 3-0 to win 3-2. Van Veen had led 2-0 in the penultimate set before being pegged back to 2-2 by Searle.
“When I was 2-1 down in sets, I was like, ‘oh no, this is not how I want to go out’,” Van Veen said.
He said the pressure of double 16 had bothered him earlier in the tournament but came good at the end.
“I was quite happy with my scoring, but just missed a couple of darts at a crucial time. Luckily I got the job done.”
Zonneveld eliminates Anderson
Zonneveld’s win over Anderson was remarkable for how one-sided the first set was. Every leg went against the throw, and Anderson made a terrible start.
He hit single one and suffered two bounce-outs before aiming for a leg-winning bullseye that cost him another. Zonneveld started by winning that first set, then broke before closing out victory in the next leg.
The 28-year-old said the tournament means everything to him.
“Especially in this tournament, it is one of the biggest things in my whole career.”
He has achieved much Pro Tour-wise and Euro Tour-wise but not on the main stage, just once at the World Series Finals.
“I have become a dad so less sleep and all that but I feel in rhythm again.”
Comparing the performances
| Player | Result | Average | Doubles % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humphries | 3-0 Jermaine Wattimena | 94.11 | 64 (finishing), 74 (starting) |
| Wade | 3-1 Stephen Bunting | Not stated | Starting: 160 five times |
| Zonneveld | 3-1 Gary Anderson | Not stated | First set every leg against the throw |
| Van Veen | 3-2 Ryan Searle | Not stated | Won final set 3-0 |
The numbers show how quickly Humphries moved from scrappy to dominant. His doubles percentages jumped from 26% to 64%, and his average rose from 80 to 94.11.
The quarter-final picture
The quarter-finals begin on Friday from 7pm on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event. All matches are best of three sets.
- Nathan Aspinall vs Ryan Joyce
- Gerwyn Price vs Jonny Clayton
- Luke Humphries vs Niels Zonneveld
- Gian van Veen vs James Wade
The fixture list puts Humphries up against Zonneveld, with Wade facing Van Veen.
What the result means
Humphries’ improvement was the story of the night. He went from a 26% closing doubles average to a 64% one, and that shift changed the shape of his campaign.
His 10-darter was a statement finish, and his ability to get in with his first three darts gave him a significant edge against Wattimena. Wattimena twice hit the wrong double in the opening set, and Humphries never let him settle.
Wade’s performance was less clean but still effective. His starting shots were spectacular, but he needed to raise his game in the third set to beat Bunting.
Zonneveld’s win over Anderson was a reminder of how quickly a match can turn against a player. Anderson’s mistakes cost him, and Zonneveld capitalised on every one.
The wider context
Humphries is the title favourite after defending champion Luke Littler’s shock defeat to Luke Woodhouse on the opening night. That result left the field open, and Humphries has responded with two strong performances.
Wade’s eighth quarter-final appearance in the tournament shows his consistency. He has reached this stage repeatedly, and his starting masterclass suggests he is still dangerous.
The quarter-finals will test all four players. Humphries will face Zonneveld, who has already beaten Anderson, while Wade takes on Van Veen, who survived a late scare against Searle.
The semi-finals and final will decide the champion.
Source material: “Humphries dazzles on the doubles to reach Grand Prix quarter-finals,” Sky Sports.
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