James Wade and Nathan Aspinall have both produced statement‑making performances that will undoubtedly force their upcoming semi‑final opponents to take notice, setting the stage for an electrifying Saturday night line‑up at the World Grand Prix. In the quarter‑finals, Aspinall was on a near‑record‑breaking tear, cruising to a 3‑0 victory over Ryan Joyce.
His average of 105.15 was not only the fourth‑highest ever recorded in the tournament’s history but also the best average ever posted in a quarter‑final match. The sheer consistency of his scoring and the precision of his finishing left spectators and analysts alike wondering whether a new tournament record might be within his reach. Wade, on the other hand, was equally ruthless. He dropped only a single leg in his encounter with world number two Gian van Veen, a match that lasted just over twenty minutes.
Wade described his own performance as having "bashed up" Van Veen, and the result was a convincing 3‑0 win that left no doubt about his form. Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle summed up Wade’s display: "That really was a performance to remember from Wade. From start to finish, he was absolutely devastating – world class." Three‑time world champion John Part echoed that sentiment, adding, "James isn’t just looking like a great dart thrower; he’s looking 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 hurdle will be former world number one Luke Humphries, who reached the final four despite a relatively unconvincing quarter‑final win over debutant Neils Zonneveld.
Humphries also won 3‑0, but his average of 85.91 matched that of Zonneveld, and it was his clutch double finishes that made the difference. The 2023 champion now eyes his fourth straight appearance in the semi‑finals. After his quarter‑final, Humphries admitted to Sky Sports that he was disappointed with his own level of play: "I felt really good in practice, but I came out here tonight and it didn’t feel great, to be honest.
It kind of 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 warned Wade about the challenge ahead: "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." On the opposite side of the draw, Aspinall will meet the Iceman, who staged a dramatic comeback from two sets down to defeat Jonny Clayton in an all‑Welsh quarter‑final. The Iceman survived three match darts before finally edging the contest, demonstrating his resilience under pressure. Aspinall, however, appears particularly confident heading into a repeat of the 2022 semi‑final, a match he won on his way to finishing runner‑up to Michael van Gerwen.
His most recent major triumph came at the World Matchplay in 2023, and he is eager to add another trophy to his cabinet. Speaking to Sky Sports after his dominant quarter‑final win, Aspinall said, "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.
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 semi‑finals are set to begin at 8 p.m.
on Saturday, with the first player to win five sets progressing to the final. The action will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+ from 8 p.m., with a secondary feed on Sky Sports Main Event from 8:30 p.m. Coverage continues each day through to the championship match on Sunday.
Viewers can also catch the tournament via NOW, which offers Sky Sports deals and a contract‑free streaming option. The stage is set for a night of high‑octane darts, with Wade and Aspinall both looking to cement their status as serious title contenders.
Their recent displays have shown not only technical excellence but also the mental fortitude required to thrive under the intense pressure of a World Grand Prix semi‑final. As the players prepare for what promises to be a thrilling showdown, fans can expect nothing less than world‑class darts, dramatic finishes, and perhaps the emergence of a new champion.