James Wade and Nathan Aspinall produced statement performances that will have made their semi-final opponents take notice ahead of a formidable line-up on Saturday night at the World Grand Prix.
Aspinall threatened to set a new tournament average when he won 3-0 over Ryan Joyce, his mark of 105.15 eventually landing as the fourth highest ever and the best ever in a quarter-final.
Wade, meanwhile, dropped just a foot as he, in his own words, “bumped” world No. 2 Gian van Veen in a match that lasted just over 20 minutes.
“This was truly a performance to remember from Wade.” Sky Sports‘ said Wayne Mardle. “From start to finish, he was absolutely devastating. World class.”
Three-time world champion John Part agreed with this assessment, saying: “James doesn’t just strike me as a great archer, but as 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.
“Early in the match, James saw his opponent struggling and put his foot down to finish the job.
“I think he’s a legitimate title contender here.”
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It’s not often that you see a fly and a spider grace the dart board on the same night, which is exactly what happened during the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix of Darts.
Humphries ‘disappointed’ despite reaching semi-final spot
Wade will face former world No.1 Luke Humphries in the last four, who, by contrast, was far from convincing despite a 3-0 run from his quarter-final win over debutant Neils Zonneveld.
Humphries averaged 85.91, the same as the Dutchman, but his clutch double ultimately proved the difference as the 2023 champion reached the final four for the fourth consecutive year.
Luke Humphries won 3-0 in his quarter-final against Neils Zonneveld despite being ‘disappointed’ with the way he played.
Regardless, Humphries said Sky Sports then: “I’m very disappointed. I felt really good in practice but I came out here tonight and I didn’t feel good to be honest.
“I felt like I was the second best player in the first two sets, but I got through it.
“It’s one of those performances where you’re not excited, but I won 3-0.
“Hopefully tomorrow night is a lot better, because if it’s not, I won’t be here on Sunday.”
Humphries added of his semi-final opponent: “James (Wade) is a tough task in himself. He’s a tough player to play against.
“If I score like I know I can, then it’s going to be a tough night for James. If I don’t, it’s going to be a tough night for myself.”
Aspinall thrilled by ‘one of the best performances’
Aspinall will face Price in Saturday’s other semi-final after The Iceman came back from two sets down to beat Jonny Clayton in an all-Wales affair, surviving three match arrows before going out.
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Gerwyn Price snatched victory from the jaws of defeat after compatriot Jonny Clayton lost three match darts in their World Darts Grand Prix quarter-final.
But it is Aspinall who feels particularly Bulgarian heading into a repeat of the 2022 semi-final, which The Asp won after he finished runner-up to Michael van Gerwen that year.
Aspinall’s last major title came at the World Matchplay in 2023, but he is about to change that.
“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,” Aspinall said. Sky Sports after his stunning quarter-final win over Joyce.
“I’m absolutely buzzing. I’ve been feeling so relaxed all day. I showed up tonight and I felt so focused.
“I’m really happy with that performance. My start, my finish, my 180 – it’s probably one of my best performances ever on stage in my entire career.”
Friday’s quarter-final results
- Nathan Aspinall 3-0 Ryan Joyce
- Gerwyn Price 3-2 Jonny Clayton
- Gian van Veen 0-3 James Wade
- Luke Humphries 3-0 Niels Zonneveld
Saturday’s semifinal schedule
From 20:00; the first up to five groups
- Nathan Aspinall vs Gerwyn Price
- James Wade vs Luke Humphries
Watch day six of the World Grand Prix live Sky Sports+ from 8pm on Saturday and Sky Sports Main Event from 8.30pm, with coverage every day up to and including the final on Sunday. The latest Sky Sports offers OR transmission without contract in TANI.