Luke Humphries delivered a markedly stronger performance in the World Grand Prix, using his exceptional finishing ability and a flawless ten‑dart leg to cruise past Jermaine Wattimena 3‑0 and claim a place in the tournament's quarter‑finals. The evening also produced 3‑1 victories for James Wade, who edged out Stephen Bunting, and Niels Zonneveld, who defeated Gary Anderson, while Gian Van Veen survived a nail‑biting decider to overcome Ryan Searle 3‑2. Humphries entered the competition as the favourite after defending champion Luke Littler suffered an unexpected loss to Luke Woodhouse on opening night. His earlier showing had been underwhelming – a modest 80 average and a meagre 26 % conversion on his closing doubles in a 2‑0 win over Dave Chisnall on Tuesday.
Two nights later, however, the 2023 champion and runner‑up in both 2024 and 2025 turned the tables, posting a 94.11 average and finishing with a 64 % double success rate. Even more impressive was his 74 % hit rate on opening doubles, as he repeatedly targeted double 16 at the start of legs. Nicknamed “Cool Hand,” Humphries will now face fellow Dutchman Zonneveld in the last eight on Friday. He opened the third set with a perfect ten‑dart finish, a rare feat that underscored his resurgence.
Wattimena, by contrast, missed the correct double twice in the opening set, giving Humphries a decisive edge. After the match, Humphries reflected on his form: "I have a solid chance of winning this tournament. I’ve been a little inconsistent lately, but if I can steady that, I’ll be very difficult to beat.
It wasn’t my best display, but it was a big step up from Tuesday. I felt I was hitting my first three darts consistently. When you’re playing at that level, you need a top‑class performance to be stopped." James Wade also put on a masterclass with the double‑start format, securing his eighth World Grand Prix quarter‑final by opening his match against Bunting with a 160 checkout five times.
The sixth seed slipped a little in the third set but was dominant in the other three, setting up a clash with Van Veen. Wade commented, "I’m extremely grateful because winning with a double start is incredibly tough.
We can all act relaxed, but the reality is it’s brutal, almost hellish, and requires massive effort. I don’t feel I’m at my absolute best, yet I have to raise my game against stronger opponents. I have plenty more gear to shift into – but talk is cheap.
And I’m full of cheap talk!" In another quarter‑final, Ryan Searle – who recorded the week’s highest checkout of 167 – fought hard against Dutchman Van Veen. Searle broke Van Veen’s throw with a 100 finish in the fourth set, only to be broken back immediately in the deciding leg.
Van Veen, who had led 2‑0 in the penultimate set before Searle leveled to 2‑2, then surged ahead, sweeping the final set 3‑0. Van Veen explained his mindset: "When I fell behind 2‑1 in sets, I thought, ‘No, this isn’t how I want to finish.’ Double 16 was great for me in the first round, but it bothered me today. In the end, it worked out.
I was pleased with my scoring, though I missed a few crucial darts. Fortunately I got the job done." Zonneveld continued his impressive run after an opening‑round win over Josh Rock, dismantling Anderson in straight sets. He started the match by winning a first set where every leg went against the throw, putting immediate pressure on the former world champion.
Anderson’s start was disastrous: he hit a single 1, suffered two bounce‑outs, and later missed a bullseye for the leg, resulting in another bounce‑out in the fourth set. Zonneveld broke Anderson’s throw and then sealed the match in the following leg. The 28‑year‑old reflected on his achievement: "This tournament means a lot to me – it’s one of the biggest moments of my career. I’ve had success on the Pro Tour and Euro Tour, but not on the main stage, except for a single appearance at the World Series Finals.
I’ve become a dad, so sleep is scarce, but I feel back in rhythm again." The quarter‑finals will be played from 7 p.m., first to three sets. Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event, with daily coverage continuing through to the final on Sunday. For those seeking an alternative, NOW offers streaming without a contract, while the latest Sky Sports deals provide additional viewing options.