Luke Humphries showcased his prowess at the World Darts Championship by securing a quarter-final spot against Gian van Veen. He overcame Kevin Doets with a convincing 4-1 victory at the iconic Alexandra Palace. This performance not only marked his advancement but also highlighted his statistics, as he achieved a remarkable average of 103.07 while throwing eight maximums, maintaining his pursuit of a second world title within three years.
Humphries’ Strong Performance
Humphries encountered a moment of challenge early on when Doets managed to break his throw twice in the first set. However, the world number two quickly regained control, taking the second set with a 66 checkout. He continued to dominate, winning multiple sets in rapid succession.
- Match Score: Humphries 4 – Doets 1
- Highest Checkout: 118 by Humphries
- Maximums Hit: 8
- Average: 103.07
Humphries expressed confidence post-match, stating, “I felt really good. I told myself not to create unnecessary drama. I know there’s another level I can reach.” He is now poised for a challenging match against Van Veen, which promises excitement for fans.
Anderson’s Upset Against Van Gerwen
Gary Anderson also made headlines by eliminating Michael van Gerwen with a similar score of 4-1. Despite Anderson’s earlier reservations about his performance levels, he opened strongly with a 101 checkout. Van Gerwen, a formidable opponent, fought back to secure the third set but ultimately fell short.
- Match Score: Anderson 4 – Van Gerwen 1
- Anderson’s Consistency: Led throughout the match
The match featured fierce competition, with both players missing key doubles. Reflecting on the encounter, Anderson remarked, “I think I was rotten, Michael was rotten! We pinched it at the end.” This victory propels him into a quarter-final clash against Justin Hood.
Quarter-Final Matches Preview
The tournament features several exciting quarter-finals lined up for New Year’s Day. The matches include:
- Jonny Clayton vs. Ryan Searle
- Gary Anderson vs. Justin Hood
- Luke Humphries vs. Gian van Veen
- Luke Littler vs. Krzysztof Ratajski
The tournament will pause for a day before returning to enthrall darting fans on January 1. This championship continues to build excitement as players like Humphries and Van Veen aim for glory.
