Day 4 of the Darts World Grand Prix delivered high-stakes drama and surprising upsets. Former champions Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton advanced, setting up an exciting all-Welsh quarter-final. Ryan Joyce continued his impressive run by eliminating another top player, while Nathan Aspinall ended the Cinderella story of Luke Woodhouse. Attention now shifts to Thursday, where the remaining four spots in the quarter-finals will be decided, featuring clashes between darts legends and rising stars in the unique double-start, double-finish format.
Day 4 Recap: Champions Advance, Surprises Continue
Wednesday night at the World Grand Prix of Darts was packed with intense action, as four more players secured their spots in the quarter-finals. The evening saw a mix of dominant performances and hard-fought victories.
Former Champions Set for Showdown
- Gerwyn Price, a former champion, continued his formidable start to the tournament. He delivered a convincing 3-0 victory over Ross Smith, showcasing his consistent form.
- His fellow Welshman and former champion, Jonny Clayton, also progressed after a challenging match against Wessel Nijman. Clayton demonstrated exceptional finishing skills, landing four ton-plus checkouts on his way to a 3-1 win.
These victories mean that Price and Clayton will now face each other in an anticipated all-Welsh quarter-final on Friday, promising a high-quality encounter.
Underdogs and Rising Stars Shine
- Ryan Joyce extended his remarkable journey in the tournament. After sensationally defeating six-time champion Michael van Gerwen in the opening round, Joyce followed up with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Danny Noppert, proving his earlier win was no fluke.
- Nathan Aspinall brought an end to Luke Woodhouse’s memorable campaign. Woodhouse had previously eliminated defending champion Luke Littler, but Aspinall was dominant, securing a 3-0 win to advance.
Looking Ahead: Thursday’s Second-Round Battles
The focus now shifts to Thursday evening, where the remaining eight players will compete for the final four places in the quarter-finals. Another night of thrilling darts is guaranteed as the pressure intensifies.
Key Matches Scheduled for Thursday:
- Niels Zonneveld vs. Gary Anderson: Zonneveld will open the evening against two-time World Champion Gary Anderson, a true legend of the sport.
- James Wade vs. Stephen Bunting: Two-time World Grand Prix winner James Wade takes on former Masters champion Stephen Bunting in what promises to be a tight contest.
- Luke Humphries vs. Jermaine Wattimena: Former World Grand Prix champion Luke Humphries returns to the stage to face Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena, who impressed by eliminating Chris Dobey in straight sets.
- Gian van Veen vs. Ryan Searle: The evening concludes with an intriguing all-European encounter, as Gian van Veen battles Ryan Searle, both eager to secure their spot in Friday’s last eight.
All four of these crucial matches will be contested over the best of five sets. Players must win three sets to progress, all while navigating the tournament’s unique and challenging double-start, double-finish format. This means every leg must begin and end with a double, adding an extra layer of difficulty and excitement to every throw.
With major contenders like Littler and Van Gerwen already out, the tournament is wide open, and the business end is rapidly approaching. Expect more fascinating darts action as the road to the final in Leicester continues.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
