Luke Humphries got here by means of a thriller in opposition to Gabriel Clemens as he withstood an onslaught from the German to assert a 4-2 victory and a match in opposition to both Nathan Aspinall or Kevin Doets within the final 16 of the World Darts Championship.
Humphries has his sights set on a second world title so as to add to his win from 2024 and overcame early jitters to take the primary set with a break of throw the important thing, the world No 2 signalling to his household that there have been some nerves at Alexandra Palace.
Nevertheless, the Englishman got here out flying after the break and, with a median of over 109, he rattled by means of the second set, one other break of throw serving to him right into a 2-0 lead.
Clemens got here into the match within the third set – a bull, 25, bull end for 125 the standout second – however Humphries confirmed why he’s the star he’s as he discovered a elegant 12-dart leg within the decider to assert a 3-0 benefit.
Regardless of being to this point behind, Clemens didn’t surrender, and the fourth set was all his as he took out 121 and 116 checkouts on the best way to bringing the tie again to 3-1, sturdy holds of throw within the fifth set transferring the German only a set behind the event’s second favorite regardless of ‘Cool Hand’ reeling in ‘The Large Fish’ 170 checkout.
The drama simply wouldn’t cease and as Clemens discovered 180 after 180 with ease, he gave himself an opportunity to take the competition to a deciding set however missed three set darts at tops, D10, then D5 to clinch the leg, Humphries exhibiting nerves of metal to take out D13.
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Clemens took out three ton-plus checkouts to grab again a set in opposition to Humphries
“For me, I thought you have got control now. I didn’t feel like I had dropped off. I thought Gabriel got a lot better and made me work hard for it,” Humphries instructed Sky Sports activities.
“If that D13 didn’t go on, it’s 3-3 and I’m panicking! To get that double at the end, you see that celebration, that could be the difference between being a two-time world champion and not.
“Gabriel performed implausible there. He confirmed a whole lot of grit and willpower, and I discovered that little degree after I wanted it, thank God!”
MVG units up mouthwatering contest with Anderson
Michael van Gerwen will proceed his hunt for a fourth World Darts Championship title after a 4-1 victory over Arno Merk within the third spherical that may see him tackle Gary Anderson in an ‘El Clasico’ for a spot within the quarter-final.
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Wayne Mardle predicts on commentary that Arlo Merk will take out 120… which he does!
The world No 3 and Anderson have had many an epic contest on this stage and the 2026 instalment is anticipated to be no completely different.
After taking the opening set in opposition to the darts, MVG took issues up a degree within the second set and took out three legs on the spin as debutante Merk struggled to search out moments to pounce.
Nevertheless, Merk got here out scoring in some vogue to take the third set as a 145 checkout plus a 120 ‘Shanghai’ end helped deliver the German again into the match.
That solely made MVG go up a notch, although, and he seemed within the zone, transferring 3-1 in entrance and a set away from the fourth spherical, a second match dart on D18 organising a conflict together with his previous rival.
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Highlights of the final-set drama between Gary Anderson and Jermaine Wattimena from their round-three match
Van Gerwen was bullish after the match however is aware of issues can be harder in opposition to ‘The Flying Scotsman’ who was one dart shy of a nine-darter earlier within the day.
“Was it a contest? Not for me,” Van Gerwen instructed Sky Sports activities.
“I didn’t play too well to beat him. We all know what he’s capable of but I played good today. I had more in my power if I needed to, but I didn’t need it, so it doesn’t matter.
“Me and Gary all the time have good video games. I’ve to confess, Gary has performed some implausible darts recently, particularly on this event – 102 common, 103 common.
“I need to make sure I step up a little bit but I’m not doing too bad. I’m still in the tournament. I’m really looking forward to that game.”
Van Veen reveals why contender standing is sticking
In the meantime, title contender Gian van Veen put in one other sturdy efficiency as he raced to a 4-1 victory over Madars Razma.
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Gian van Veen checks out a vital 125 to defeat Madars Razma 4-1
A 97.91 common helped the younger Dutchman decide up 5 legs in a row in a single spell and a 57 per cent success fee on the doubles plus a 125 checkout for the victory sealed the deal.
Razma did handle to struggle again within the fourth set to rattle off three legs on the spin to get on the board, nevertheless it didn’t take too lengthy for Van Veen to get himself again on monitor with three legs of his personal to safe his spot within the fourth spherical the place he’ll face both Ricky Evans or Charlie Manby.
Who will win the Paddy Energy World Darts Championship? Watch each match solely dwell till January 3 on Sky Sports activities’ devoted darts channel (Sky channel 407). Stream darts and extra prime sport with NOW.
