James Wade (Photo PDC)
Luke Humphries and James Wade starred in dominant victories to reach the quarter-finals at the World Grand Prix, as Gian van Veen also progressed on Thursday in Leicester.
Day Four of the double-start tournament saw the final four round two ties take place at the Mattioli Arena, as Humphries produced an excellent outer-ring display to down Jermaine Wattimena 3-0.
The 2023 champion hit 74% of his double-in attempts and missed just five darts at double when checking out in a clinical display, breezing to a fourth consecutive quarter-final in the East Midlands.
The former World Champion was made to survive two set darts in the opening set, but controlled proceedings thereafter to set up a last eight tussle with Niels Zonneveld.
“I was a lot better tonight than I was on Tuesday,” professed Humphries, who is yet to concede a set at this year’s World Grand Prix after whitewashing Dave Chisnall in round one.
“I think I got in every time – when you’re doing that it’s going to take a good performance to beat you.
“I don’t care how I win, but when you put in the performance I did on Tuesday, it’s disappointing and you want to put it right. I think I did that tonight.
“For myself, I needed that to think I’ve got a good chance of winning this, and I know I have.
“I feel like there’s still other levels in me, and hopefully I come back tomorrow with some more of that starting, but even better scoring.”
Wade strolled into an eighth World Grand Prix quarter-final with a 3-1 triumph over Stephen Bunting, averaging north of 98 in all three of his winning sets.
The two-time champion blitzed into a 2-0 set lead, taking his foot off the gas in the third set before an imperious three-leg burst saw him wrap up a comprehensive victory.
“I just felt it was down to timing and hitting the right shots at the right time,” assessed Wade, featuring in his 22nd consecutive World Grand Prix campaign.
“I’m just really grateful to win. It’s so, so tough to win in double-start. It’s really hard work!
“I’m nowhere near my best, but I’m having to play better against better players.
“I’ve got loads more gears to go, but talk is cheap, and I’m full of cheap talk!”
Wade will face Van Veen in Friday’s quarter-finals, after the Dutchman came back from 2-1 down to pip Ryan Searle in a tense contest.
The Dutch number one struck a 152 finish en route to taking the first set, before defying a two-set rally from Searle and winning four legs straight to close out a 3-2 win.
“It means the world to me,” said Van Veen, who has now reached a sixth Premier event quarter-final of 2026.
“In the last two years I’ve played really well here, but I lost my first game. This year I didn’t play quite as well but maybe that’s the secret to winning!
“I love this tournament, because it’s different. I think doubling is one of the best aspects of my game and I think it showed tonight in the crucial moments.
“This is why this tournament gives me so much confidence, and hopefully I can go further!
“James is always a tough opponent but I’m going to be up for it. I played him last time at the World Matchplay and hopefully it’s the same result tomorrow!”
Zonneveld’s dream debut continued as the Dutchman saw off former runner-up Gary Anderson 3-1 to reach a career-first quarter-final in a TV ranking event.
After claiming a nervy opening set where all five legs were won against the throw, the 28-year-old averaged over 102 in the second set to double his lead, before withstanding a late Anderson fightback to seal victory.
“I think it’s one of the biggest things I’ve achieved in my whole career,” beamed Zonneveld, who made back-to-back European Tour semi-finals in March.
“I have done many things on the ProTour and European Tour stage, but not in the major tournaments.
“Gary Anderson is an awesome player, so I’m really happy with this win.
“I felt really confident. I’m coming back into form and I’ve played really well over the last couple of weeks.”
Round Two Results
Niels Zonneveld 3-1 Gary Anderson (3-2, 3-0, 1-3, 3-0)
James Wade 3-1 Stephen Bunting (3-1, 3-2, 0-3, 3-0)
Luke Humphries 3-0 Jermaine Wattimena (3-2, 3-1, 3-2)
Gian van Veen 3-2 Ryan Searle (3-1, 2-3, 1-3, 3-2, 3-0)
Quarter-Finals Match-up
Nathan Aspinall v Ryan Joyce
Gerwyn Price v Jonny Clayton
Gian van Veen v James Wade
Luke Humphries v Niels Zonneveld
Best of Five Sets
