James Wade and Nathan Aspinall have both produced statement‑making performances that will surely have sent a clear message to their upcoming semi‑final opponents, setting the stage for an electrifying Saturday night lineup at the World Grand Prix. In the quarter‑finals, Aspinall was on fire, cruising to a 3‑0 victory over Ryan Joyce. His average of 105.15 was not only astonishingly high but also flirted with a new tournament record.
The figure ultimately settled as the fourth‑highest average ever recorded in the event’s history and the best ever achieved in a quarter‑final match, underscoring Aspinall’s lethal form. Wade, on the other hand, displayed ruthless efficiency, dropping only a single leg as he "bashed up" world number two Gian van Veen. The encounter lasted just over twenty minutes, a testament to Wade’s clinical precision and unrelenting pressure. "That really was a performance to remember from Wade," Sky Sports analyst Wayne Mardle remarked.
"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." Wade’s next challenge will be former world number one Luke Humphries in the semi‑final. Humphries’ quarter‑final win over debutant Neils Zonneveld was also 3‑0, but his performance was far less convincing. He posted an average of 85.91, identical to Zonneveld’s, and relied heavily on clutch double finishes to edge through.
Despite the win, Humphries admitted disappointment after the match: "I felt really good in practice, but when I came out here tonight 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 I won 3‑0. Hopefully tomorrow night is a lot better, because if it isn’t I won’t be here on Sunday." He also commented on his upcoming opponent: "James Wade 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’s going to be a tough night for me." On the opposite side of the draw, Aspinall will meet Michael Smith in the other semi‑final after The Iceman rallied from two sets down to defeat Jonny Clayton in an all‑Welsh clash, surviving three match darts before finally clinching the win.
Aspinall appears particularly confident heading into what will be a repeat of the 2022 semi‑final, a match he won before ultimately falling to Michael van Gerwen in the final that year. His most recent major triumph came at the 2023 World Matchplay, 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 dominant quarter‑final performance.
"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." Both Wade and Aspinall have demonstrated not only technical excellence but also mental composure under pressure, qualities that will be crucial in the high‑stakes semi‑finals.
Wade’s rapid dismantling of a top‑ranked opponent and Aspinall’s near‑record average showcase the depth of talent in the field and set up compelling narratives for Saturday night. The semi‑finals will kick off at 8 p.m.
on Saturday, with the first player to win five sets advancing to the final. Viewers can watch the action live on Sky Sports+ from 8 p.m. and on Sky Sports Main Event from 8:30 p.m., with daily coverage continuing 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.
As the tournament reaches its climax, the darts community can expect high‑octane drama, precision scoring, and perhaps another historic average to be set. Whether it’s Wade’s surgical precision, Aspinall’s soaring confidence, Humphries’ determination to bounce back, or Smith’s resilience, the semi‑finals promise a showcase of world‑class darts that will be remembered for years to come.