James Wade and Nathan Aspinall have both produced headline‑grabbing performances that will undoubtedly send a clear message to their upcoming semi‑final opponents, setting the stage for an electrifying Saturday night at the World Grand Prix. Aspinall, in particular, flirted with a new tournament record average as he thrashed Ryan Joyce 3‑0, posting a staggering 105.15 three‑dart average. This figure now ranks as the fourth‑highest ever recorded in the event’s history and stands as the best average ever achieved in a quarter‑final match. Such a level of consistency and scoring power not only demonstrates Aspinall’s formidable form but also places him among an elite group of players capable of sustaining near‑perfect play over a full match.
Meanwhile, James Wade was equally impressive, dropping only a single leg as he "bashed up" world number two Gian van Veen in a contest that lasted just over twenty minutes. Wade’s rapid, almost surgical dismantling of a top‑ranked opponent left spectators and commentators alike in awe of his clinical precision.
Sky Sports analyst Wayne Mardle summed up Wade’s display perfectly: "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 this sentiment, adding, "James is not just looking like a great dart thrower to me, he's looking like a winner. I really 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.
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, who reached the last four after a 3‑0 quarter‑final victory over debutant Neils Zonneveld. Humphries’ performance, however, was far less convincing. Although he matched Zonneveld’s average of 85.91, it was his clutch finishing on doubles that ultimately secured the win and ensured his fourth consecutive appearance in the World Grand Prix semi‑finals.
Post‑match, Humphries admitted to feeling under‑whelmed despite the clean scoreline: "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." He also commented on Wade as a semi‑final opponent: "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 myself." On the other side of the draw, Aspinall will meet the in‑form Price in the other semi‑final after the Iceman rallied from two sets down to defeat Jonny Clayton in an all‑Welsh encounter, surviving three match darts before finally edging the match. The comeback highlighted Price’s resilience and his ability to thrive under pressure, setting up a compelling clash with an Aspinall who appears more confident than ever. Aspinall, reflecting on his quarter‑final triumph over Joyce, expressed a bullish outlook ahead of the semi‑final, recalling his runner‑up finish to Michael van Gerwen in the 2022 World Grand Prix. "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," he told Sky Sports. "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." Aspinall’s most recent major title came at the 2023 World Matchplay, and he is eager to add another trophy to his cabinet. His confidence is buoyed by the fact that his average in the quarter‑final was not only a personal best but also a historic benchmark for the tournament. This momentum, combined with his relaxed yet focused mindset, could prove decisive against a Price who has shown both tenacity and the ability to close out tight matches.
The semi‑finals promise a clash of contrasting styles: Wade’s swift, ruthless efficiency versus Humphries’ steady, if occasionally lackluster, consistency; and Aspinall’s high‑scoring aggression pitted against Price’s gritty, comeback‑driven resilience. Fans can expect high drama, potential upsets, and a showcase of the very best darts has to offer.
The action kicks off at 8 p.m. on Saturday, with the first player to win five sets advancing to the final.
The matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+ from 8 p.m., with a delayed feed on Sky Sports Main Event beginning at 8.30 p.m. Coverage continues daily through to the championship match on Sunday. Viewers can also explore the latest Sky Sports subscription deals or stream the tournament without a contract via NOW.