Luke Humphries has reached the semi-finals of the World Grand Prix with a 3-0 win over Niels Zonneveld, while James Wade knocked out third seed Gian van Veen to set up a last-four meeting between two Englishmen.
The world number two did not quite find top form against Zonneveld, averaging 85.91 and throwing four 180s, but he was clinical when it mattered most. His checkout success sat at 33.33%, and he has now won every set he has played in this year’s tournament.
Humphries whitewashed Dave Chisnall and Jermaine Wattimena in earlier rounds, and he has yet to lose a set across the whole competition. He will face Wade in the last four after the latter’s 3-0 win over van Veen.
Wade’s Win Over Van Veen
James Wade’s route to the semi-finals involved a far tougher test than Humphries faced. The 3-0 scoreline against van Veen belies the quality of the contest, with Wade needing to dig deep to overcome the third seed.
Wade will meet Humphries in the last four. Humphries won the tournament in 2023, and Wade acknowledged that beating him would be a difficult task.
Aspinall Dominates Joyce
Nathan Aspinall produced a stellar performance at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena to secure his spot in the last four. His 3-0 win over Ryan Joyce was emphatic, and he will now face Gerwyn Price in the semis.
The Welshman’s path to the last four was far more dramatic. Gerwyn Price’s 3-2 comeback success against Jonny Clayton was a thrilling contest, with Clayton spurning a two-set lead and match darts along the way.
Schedule and Results
The quarter-finals took place on Friday, 2 October at 19:00 BST. The semi-finals follow on Saturday, 3 October at 20:00 BST, with the final scheduled for Sunday, 4 October at the same time.
Here is how the action broke down:
| Date | Time | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 2 Oct | 19:00 BST | (16) Nathan Aspinall 3-0 Ryan Joyce |
| Fri 2 Oct | 19:00 BST | (4) Gerwyn Price 3-2 Jonny Clayton (5) |
| Fri 2 Oct | 19:00 BST | (3) Gian van Veen 0-3 James Wade (6) |
| Fri 2 Oct | 19:00 BST | (2) Luke Humphries 3-0 Niels Zonneveld |
| Sat 3 Oct | 20:00 BST | Nathan Aspinall v Gerwyn Price |
| Sat 3 Oct | 20:00 BST | Luke Humphries v James Wade |
| Sun 4 Oct | 20:00 BST | One match |
What Humphries Said
Humphries spoke after his win, acknowledging that his form has not quite matched his practice sessions.
“The way I’m practising, I feel really good, it’s just not been coming out this week,” he said. “Against James, I know I need it to come out, it’ll be a tough task.”
He also reflected on his recent record at the tournament.
“To make four World Grand Prix finals on the trot would be super special,” he added. “There’s not many players that will ever do that and James will know he’s got a tough game as well.”
Wade’s Task
Wade’s win over van Veen was a significant result. The third seed went down 3-0, and Wade seized the moment to advance.
The semi-final against Humphries will be a stern examination. Wade will know he faces a player in excellent form.
Aspinall’s Performance
Aspinall’s 3-0 win over Joyce was decisive. The Englishman dominated throughout, and his display at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena was a strong statement of intent.
He will now face Gerwyn Price in the semis. Price’s comeback win against Clayton was a memorable contest, with the Welshman rallying from behind to secure victory.
The Semifinal Line-Up
The semi-finals will be a test of who has performed consistently across the tournament. Both matches start at 20:00 BST on Saturday.
Key Facts
- Humphries averaged 85.91 and threw four 180s against Zonneveld
- His checkout success was 33.33%
- He has not lost a set in this year’s tournament
- Wade beat van Veen 3-0
- Aspinall beat Joyce 3-0
- Price beat Clayton 3-2 after the Welshman spurned a two-set lead and match darts
The semi-finals on Saturday will determine who reaches the final on Sunday. Both matches start at 20:00 BST.
The final on Sunday will settle the matter, but the road to that point has already delivered drama and quality.
Source material: “Humphries into Grand Prix semis as Van Veen exits,” the BBC.
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