Luke Humphries delivered a markedly stronger performance in the latest round of the World Grand Prix, showcasing his exceptional finishing skills and a flawless 10‑dart leg that propelled him to a convincing 3‑0 victory over Jermaine Wattimena. This win secured his place in the tournament’s quarter‑finals and highlighted a dramatic turnaround from his earlier showing. The evening also featured solid 3‑1 triumphs from James Wade and Niels Zonneveld, who respectively overcame Stephen Bunting and Gary Anderson. In a thrilling five‑set encounter, Gian Van Veen edged past Ryan Searle 3‑2 after a decisive final set showdown.
Humphries entered the competition as a leading contender, especially after defending champion Luke Littler suffered an unexpected defeat to Luke Woodhouse on opening night. In his previous match, Humphries had struggled, posting a modest average of 80 and converting only 26 percent of his closing doubles in a 2‑0 win over Dave Chisnall. The contrast with his latest display was stark. In the quarter‑final qualifier, the 2023 champion and two‑time runner‑up for 2024 and 2025 posted an impressive average of 94.11.
Even more striking was his double‑start efficiency: he hit his opening double 74 percent of the time, frequently targeting double 16 early in each leg. This aggressive approach paid dividends, as he wrapped up the match without dropping a set.
Nicknamed “Cool Hand,” Humphries will now face fellow Dutchman Niels Zonneveld in the last eight on Friday. He opened the third set with a perfect 10‑dart finish, a rare feat that underscored his renewed confidence. Wattimena, on the other hand, missed the required double twice in the opening set, further tilting the balance in Humphries’ favor. After the match, Humphries reflected on his performance: "I’ve got a good chance of winning this.
At the moment I’m a bit up and down, but if I can put that right I’m going to be tough to beat. It wasn’t the best performance, but it was a good performance.
It was a lot better than it was on Tuesday. I think I got in every time with my first three darts.
When you’re doing stuff like that, it’s going to take a top performance to beat you." James Wade also impressed, delivering a masterclass in opening play that secured his eighth World Grand Prix quarter‑final appearance. He launched his match against Bunting with a 160 finish five times, a display of scoring power that set the tone for his 3‑1 win.
Wade acknowledged the difficulty of the double‑start format, saying, "I am so grateful as it is so hard to win with a double start. We can all play it cool and pretend to be relaxed but it is awful, it is hellish, really hard work. I don’t feel anywhere near my best but I am having to play better against better players. I have loads more gears to go – but talk is cheap.
And I am full of cheap talk!" In another match, Ryan Searle produced the week’s highest checkout, a 167, before falling to Van Veen. Searle broke the Dutchman’s serve with a 100 finish in the fourth set but was immediately broken in the deciding leg, handing Van Veen the match.
Van Veen, who had led 2‑0 in the penultimate set, saw his advantage erased before rallying to win the final set 3‑0. Van Veen commented on his narrow escape: "When I was 2‑1 down in sets, I was like, ‘oh no, this is not how I want to go out.’ As good as double 16 went for me in the first round, it kind of bothered me today. But at the end it really came good.
I was quite happy with my scoring, but just missed a couple of darts at a crucial time. Luckily I got the job done." Niels Zonneveld continued his strong run by dispatching Gary Anderson after a convincing opening‑round win over Josh Rock. Zonneveld seized the first set, winning every leg against the throw, and then broke Anderson’s throw before sealing the match in the following leg. Anderson’s start was disastrous: he opened with a single 1, suffered two bounce‑outs, and later missed a bullseye that would have won him a leg, resulting in another bounce‑out in the fourth set.
Zonneveld’s relentless pressure forced Anderson into a series of errors that proved costly. Reflecting on his performance, the 28‑year‑old Zonneveld said, "Especially in this tournament, it is one of the biggest things in my whole career.
I have achieved many things on the Pro Tour and Euro Tour but not on the main stage, just once at the World Series Finals. I have become a dad so less sleep and all that but I feel in rhythm again." The tournament continues with matches beginning at 7 p.m., first to three sets. Fans can watch the World Grand Prix quarter‑finals live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event from 7 p.m.
on Friday, with daily coverage through to the final on Sunday. For those seeking alternative viewing options, the latest Sky Sports deals or streaming through NOW without a contract are also available.