James Wade and Nathan Aspinall have both produced statement‑making performances that will surely send a clear message to their upcoming semi‑final opponents as the World Grand Prix builds toward an exciting Saturday night lineup. Aspinall, in particular, flirted with a new tournament record average when he blitzed through Ryan Joyce with a 3‑0 whitewash. His 105.15 three‑dart average not only sits as the fourth‑highest ever recorded in the event’s history but also marks the highest ever average achieved in a quarter‑final round.
Such a figure underscores the level of precision and scoring power Aspinall brought to the oche, and it places a substantial psychological hurdle before anyone who hopes to meet him in the next stage. Wade, on the other hand, was equally ruthless. He dropped only a single leg and, in his own words, "bashed up" world number two Gian van Veen in a match that lasted barely twenty minutes. The speed and efficiency of Wade’s victory left little doubt about his intent to contend for the title.
"That really was a performance to remember from Wade," Sky Sports analyst 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 winners do – they see what they have to work with and work against it. 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." In the other quarter‑final, former world number one Luke Humphries secured a 3‑0 win over debutant Neils Zonneveld, but his performance was far from convincing. Humphries averaged 85.91, matching Zonneveld’s figure, and it was his clutch finishing on doubles that ultimately made the difference, allowing the 2023 champion to claim his fourth consecutive final‑four appearance. Despite the victory, Humphries admitted to disappointment afterward: "I felt really good in practice, but when I got out there it didn’t feel great, to be honest.
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 about his looming semi‑final opponent, Wade: "James is a tough task in itself.
He’s a tough player to play against. If I score the way I know I can, then it will be a tough night for James.
If I don’t, it’ll be a tough night for me." Aspinall’s semi‑final opponent will be Michael Smith, who staged a dramatic comeback from two sets down to defeat Jonny Clayton in an all‑Welsh clash, surviving three match darts before edging the encounter. For Aspinall, the prospect of a repeat of the 2022 semi‑final is particularly enticing.
He was the runner‑up that year, losing to Michael van Gerwen, and now he has a chance to go one step further. His most recent major triumph came at the World Matchplay in 2023, but he is eager to add another trophy to his cabinet.
"I feel like I can win this tournament, and I feel like I’m ready to win another major again. There’s no reason why I can’t," Aspinall told Sky Sports after his stunning quarter‑final win over Joyce. "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 ever on stage for my whole career." The semi‑finals are set to kick off at 8 p.m.
on Saturday, with the first player to claim five sets moving on to the final. Fans can watch 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.
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