James Wade and Nathan Aspinall have both produced statement‑making performances that will undoubtedly send a clear message to their upcoming semi‑final opponents, setting the stage for an exciting Saturday night line‑up at the World Grand Prix. In his quarter‑final clash, Aspinall was on fire, cruising to a 3‑0 victory over Ryan Joyce while flirting with a new tournament record average. His astonishing 105.15 three‑dart average not only secured the fourth‑highest average ever recorded in the event’s history but also established the highest ever average in a quarter‑final match. The sheer consistency and scoring power he displayed left spectators and analysts alike marveling at his potential to dominate the remainder of the competition.
Wade, on the other hand, was equally impressive, dropping only a single leg in a match that he described as "bashed up" against world number two Gian van Veen. The encounter lasted just over twenty minutes, yet Wade’s relentless scoring and clinical finishing left van Veen with little chance to recover. Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle summed up Wade’s display succinctly: "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, offering high praise for Wade’s composure and competitive instincts. "James isn’t just a great dart thrower; he’s looking like a winner," Part said. "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." Looking ahead, Wade’s next challenge will be against former world number one Luke Humphries in the semi‑final. Humphries, despite a convincing 3‑0 quarter‑final win over debutant Neils Zonneveld, did not look entirely comfortable.
Both players posted an identical average of 85.91, but Humphries’ ability to hit crucial doubles in clutch moments made the difference, propelling him to his fourth straight final‑four appearance. After his victory, Humphries admitted to Sky Sports that he was not entirely satisfied: "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 I won 3‑0. Hopefully tomorrow night is a lot better, because if it isn’t I won’t be here on Sunday." Humphries also commented on the difficulty of facing 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’s going to be a tough night for me." On the other side of the draw, Aspinall will meet Michael "The Iceman" Smith in the second semi‑final after Smith rallied from two sets down to defeat Jonny Clayton in an all‑Welsh showdown, surviving three match darts before edging the contest. Aspinall appears particularly confident heading into a repeat of the 2022 semi‑final, a match he won before eventually falling to Michael van Gerwen in the final.
His most recent major triumph came at the 2023 World Matchplay, and he is eager to add another title to his résumé. "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 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 my best performances ever on stage for my whole career." The semi‑finals promise high drama, with both Wade and Aspinall carrying momentum and confidence into their respective matches. Fans can tune in from 8 p.m.
on Saturday to watch the action live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage continuing through to the final on Sunday. For those seeking flexible viewing options, Sky Sports deals and the NOW streaming service offer contract‑free alternatives.
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to one of darts’ most prestigious tournaments.