The Boylesports World Grand Prix quarter-finals delivered edge-of-your-seat drama! Gerwyn Price, despite being 2-0 down, staged a miraculous comeback against Jonny Clayton, securing his spot in the semi-finals. He’ll face an in-form Nathan Aspinall, who delivered a stunning performance. Meanwhile, darts legend James Wade cruised through, setting up a clash with the reigning champion, Luke Humphries, who continued his dominant run without dropping a single set.
Price’s Unforgettable Comeback Against Clayton
The quarter-finals of the Boylesports World Grand Prix in Leicester saw a truly nail-biting encounter between Welsh compatriots Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton. Price, aiming for his second Grand Prix title, found himself in deep trouble, trailing 2-0 in sets. Despite feeling he was playing better, “The Iceman” was on the brink of elimination.
However, Price, known for his resilience, unleashed a devastating response. He swiftly won the next two sets, leveling the match and completely shifting the momentum. The final set was a rollercoaster:
- Clayton surged ahead, taking a 2-0 lead in legs.
- “The Ferret” (Clayton’s nickname) then missed a crucial match dart, a chance to win the game.
- The drama intensified as Clayton missed two more match darts in the decisive final leg.
- Price seized the opportunity, calmly hitting a 60 finish on his favoured ‘tops’ (double 20) to seal an incredible 3-2 victory.
Price reflected on his escape: “I know what it’s like to be ahead and lose here, but I felt like I was the better player all the way through the game and I was quite unlucky to be 2-0 down. I just felt like I was gifting Jonny some opportunities… I thought I was dead and buried there but I never give up, and for two sets in that match I was pretty much unplayable.”
Aspinall’s Dominant Display
Next up for Price will be Nathan Aspinall, who delivered arguably the performance of the tournament so far. “The Asp” demolished Ryan Joyce with a convincing 3-0 victory, boasting an incredible average of 105.15 – flirting with tournament records.
Aspinall’s precision was evident from the start, hitting seven 180s to establish a commanding lead. Even as Joyce showed some fight in the third set, Aspinall closed out the match with a clinical 75 finish, showcasing his impressive form.
“I felt so relaxed and focused tonight. My starting was unbelievable; the amount of 152s I hit in those first two sets was ridiculous,” Aspinall stated. “That’s probably one of the best performances I’ve ever produced in my career. I feel like I can win this tournament, and I feel like I’m ready to win another major [title] again.”
Wade and Humphries Set Up Blockbuster Semi-Final
On the other side of the draw, James Wade continued his quest for a third Grand Prix title with a remarkably easy win. “The Machine” swept aside Gian van Veen 3-0, barely breaking a sweat. Wade won the first eight legs without allowing his opponent a single attempt at a double, ultimately conceding only one leg in a dominant display that lasted under 20 minutes.
Wade will face the formidable Luke Humphries, the reigning 2023 champion. “Cool Hand” Humphries has been equally impressive, cruising to a 3-0 victory over debutant Niels Zonneveld and, remarkably, has yet to drop a single set in the tournament. Humphries dropped only four legs in his quarter-final, looking in complete control as he aims for his fourth consecutive appearance in a major final.
The Semi-Final Showdowns
The stage is now set for two thrilling semi-final clashes on Saturday, October 3rd, both played as Best of Nine Sets:
- Nathan Aspinall vs. Gerwyn Price
- Luke Humphries vs. James Wade
These matches promise intense darting action as four of the sport’s top players battle for a spot in the Grand Prix final.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
