James Wade and Nathan Aspinall have both produced headline‑grabbing performances that will surely make their upcoming semi‑final opponents sit up and take notice, setting the stage for an electrifying Saturday night at the World Grand Prix. Aspinall opened his quarter‑final against Ryan Joyce with a near‑record‑breaking display, rattling off a 105.15 three‑dart average.
That figure not only placed him fourth on the all‑time list for the tournament but also established a new benchmark for a quarter‑final match. His swift 3‑0 victory left little doubt that he is in blistering form and hungry for the title.
Wade, on the other hand, barely needed a single leg to dispatch world number two Gian van Veen. In Wade’s own words, he "bashed up" the Dutchman, and the whole encounter lasted just over twenty minutes. Such a rapid, one‑sided win is a rarity at this stage of a major event and underscores Wade’s intent to go all the way. "That really was a performance to remember from Wade," Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle commented.
"From start to finish he was absolutely devastating – world‑class." Three‑time world champion John Part echoed that sentiment, adding, "James isn’t just a great dart‑thrower; he looks like a winner. I have a lot of faith in James managing the other players, and that’s what champions do – they see what they have to work with and adapt.
At the start of the match James saw his opponent struggling and put his foot down to get the job done. I think he’s a legitimate title contender here." Wade’s next challenge will be former world number one Luke Humphries, who advanced to the final four after a 3‑0 quarter‑final triumph over debutant Neils Zonneveld. Humphries’ average of 85.91 matched Zonneveld’s, but it was his clutch finishing – particularly a decisive double – that secured the win and marked his fourth consecutive appearance in the World Grand Prix semi‑finals.
Despite the clean scoreline, Humphries admitted to feeling under‑whelmed. "I’m really disappointed. I felt great in practice, but when I got out there it just didn’t feel right," he told Sky Sports.
"It felt like I was the second‑best player for the first two sets, but I got away with it. It’s one of those performances where you’re not thrilled, but you still win 3‑0. Hopefully tomorrow night is a lot better, because if it isn’t I won’t be here on Sunday." He also spoke candidly about his semi‑final opponent: "James Wade is a tough task in itself. He’s a hard player to play against.
If I score the way I know I can, it will be a tough night for James. If I don’t, it will be a tough night for me." In the other half of the draw, Aspinall will meet the in‑form "Iceman" Peter Price, who rallied from two sets down to defeat Jonny Clayton in an all‑Welsh clash, surviving three match darts before finally edging the contest.
The comeback demonstrated Price’s resilience and set up a tantalising repeat of the 2022 semi‑final, where Aspinall emerged as runner‑up to Michael van Gerwen. Aspinall’s confidence is palpable. After his stunning quarter‑final win, he told Sky Sports, "I feel like I can win this tournament, and I feel ready to win another major again.
There’s no reason why I can’t. I’m absolutely buzzing. All day I’ve felt so relaxed.
I turned up tonight and felt so focused. I’m really happy with that performance – my starting, my finishing, my 180s – it’s probably one of the best performances of my career on stage." His last major triumph came at the 2023 World Matchplay, and he is eager to add another trophy to his cabinet. The prospect of a repeat semi‑final against Price adds an extra layer of intrigue, as both players will be looking to prove they belong among the sport’s elite.
The semi‑finals are set to begin at 8 p.m. on Saturday, with the first player to win five sets advancing to the final. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports+ from 8 p.m., with a delayed broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event from 8:30 p.m.
Coverage will continue each day through to the championship match on Sunday. For those without a Sky subscription, the latest Sky Sports deals or a contract‑free stream on NOW are available.
With two of the game’s biggest names firing on all cylinders, the upcoming semi‑finals promise high drama, top‑level darts and the potential for a new champion to emerge. Whether Wade’s ruthless efficiency, Humphries’ steady resilience, Aspinall’s soaring confidence, or Price’s gritty comeback will prevail remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the World Grand Prix is delivering the kind of excitement that keeps fans glued to the oche.