The BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix quarter-finals delivered unforgettable drama and top-tier darts. Nathan Aspinall showcased a career-best performance, sweeping Ryan Joyce with a record-breaking average. Meanwhile, Gerwyn Price staged an astonishing comeback from two sets down against Jonny Clayton in a thrilling encounter. Reigning champion Luke Humphries maintained his flawless run, and veteran James Wade rolled back the years with a dominant victory. These results set up two blockbuster semi-final clashes: Aspinall vs. Price, and Humphries vs. Wade.
Aspinall’s Unstoppable Dominance
Nathan Aspinall delivered one of the most spectacular performances in World Grand Prix history, crushing Ryan Joyce 3-0 to secure his semi-final spot. The 2022 runner-up recorded an astounding average of 105.15 – the highest ever in a best-of-five-sets match at this unique double-start event, and the fourth highest overall in tournament history.
Aspinall was clinical from the start, winning the first set in just 42 darts. He continued his ruthless form, securing the second set with **110 and 112 finishes** and an average of 109.78. Despite a brief fightback from Joyce in the third set, Aspinall sealed his victory with swift 13 and 14-dart legs.
Aspinall’s Confidence: "I felt so relaxed and focused tonight. My starting was unbelievable… 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 again."
Price’s Miraculous Comeback
In a match that will be talked about for years, Gerwyn Price mounted a sensational recovery to defeat rival Jonny Clayton 3-2 in a repeat of their 2022 semi-final. Clayton seemed in complete control, racing to a 2-0 set lead with impressive checkouts of 110, 117, and 98.
The Turning Point: Price, known for his fighting spirit, roared back with a blistering third set (averaging 107) and a clean sweep in the fourth to level the match. The deciding set was a nail-biter, with Clayton taking a 2-0 lead and even missing a crucial match dart at double 16, followed by two more chances. Price seized these opportunities, completing an incredible turnaround to advance.
Price’s Reaction: "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 thought I was dead and buried there but I never give up, and for two sets in that match I was pretty much unplayable."
Humphries and Wade Complete Semi-Final Line-up
Luke Humphries, the defending champion, continued his dominant run, remaining unbeaten in sets this week. He secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Niels Zonneveld, following earlier whitewashes. Despite both players posting identical averages, Humphries’ superior doubling ability proved decisive, earning him a fourth consecutive World Grand Prix semi-final appearance.
Humphries’ Self-Assessment: "It’s one of those performances where you aren’t thrilled, but you win 3-0… Against James, I know I need it to come out, it’ll be a tough task."
James Wade, the veteran "Machine," delivered a ruthless 3-0 display against Dutch number one Gian van Veen. Wade dominated, winning eight consecutive legs at one point, and prevented Van Veen from even attempting a double until the penultimate leg. This commanding performance marks Wade’s first World Grand Prix semi-final since 2014.
Wade’s Resurgence: "I felt more up for it tonight… I’ve been feeling different in the last two months. Probably the last time I felt like this it was 2008 or 2009."
What’s Next? The Semi-Final Showdowns
- Nathan Aspinall vs. Gerwyn Price
- Luke Humphries vs. James Wade
Quarter-Final Results at a Glance:
- Nathan Aspinall 3-0 Ryan Joyce (3-0, 3-2, 3-2)
- Gerwyn Price 3-2 Jonny Clayton (2-3, 1-3, 3-1, 3-0, 3-2)
- James Wade 3-0 Gian van Veen (3-0, 3-0, 3-1)
- Luke Humphries 3-0 Niels Zonneveld (3-1, 3-2, 3-1)
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
