James Wade and Nathan Aspinall have both produced headline‑grabbing performances that will surely put their upcoming semi‑final opponents on high alert as the World Grand Prix rolls into a tantalising Saturday night schedule. Aspinall’s quarter‑final against Ryan Joyce was nothing short of spectacular. He surged ahead to a 3‑0 victory, flirting with a new tournament‑record average.
His final figure of 105.15 not only placed him fourth on the all‑time list but also set a new benchmark for a quarter‑final match. Such a high average underscores the level of consistency and scoring power he displayed throughout the encounter, leaving little doubt that he is in superb form. 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 contest that lasted just over twenty minutes. The speed and precision of Wade’s play left spectators and analysts alike in awe. Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle summed it up perfectly, describing Wade’s showing as "absolutely devastating from start to finish – world class." Three‑time world champion John Part echoed this sentiment, noting that Wade not only looked like a great darts thrower but also like a genuine winner.
Part added, "I have a lot of faith in James managing the other players – that’s what champions do. They see what they have to work with and exploit 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 half of the draw, former world number one Luke Humphries secured his place in the semi‑finals with a 3‑0 win over debutant Neils Zonneveld.
While the scoreline was convincing, Humphries’ average of 85.91 mirrored that of his Dutch opponent, suggesting the match was tighter than the numbers might imply. Humphries’ decisive finishing, especially his clutch doubles, proved the difference and earned him a spot in the final four for the fourth consecutive year.
Despite the victory, Humphries admitted to feeling under‑whelmed in post‑match comments to Sky Sports: "I’m really disappointed. 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 won 3‑0.
Hopefully tomorrow night is a lot better, because if it isn’t I won’t be here on Sunday." When asked about his semi‑final opponent, Humphries was candid: "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." Aspinall’s next challenge will be against Michael "The Iceman" Smith, who staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down to defeat Jonny Clayton in an all‑Welsh clash, surviving three match darts before edging the encounter.
The semi‑final will therefore be a repeat of the 2022 semi‑final, a match Aspinall won on his way to finishing runner‑up to Michael van Gerwen. Since then, Aspinall’s biggest major triumph has been the 2023 World Matchplay, and he is eager to add another title to his résumé.
Speaking after his quarter‑final triumph over Joyce, Aspinall expressed confidence and excitement: "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 Wade and Aspinall have demonstrated that they are in peak condition, combining high averages with clinical finishing.
Their statements and the reactions from pundits set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling semi‑final day. Viewers can catch the action from 8 p.m. on Saturday, with live coverage on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event, leading up to the final on Sunday. For those looking for flexible viewing options, Sky Sports deals and the NOW streaming service offer contract‑free alternatives.