Humphries Holds Off Clemens Comeback as Van Gerwen and Anderson March On at Ally Pally

Luke Humphries survived a sensational Gabriel Clemens fightback to remain on course for World Darts Championship glory on Sunday, while Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson both progressed to set up a blockbuster round four showdown at Alexandra Palace.

Day 15 of the £5 million Paddy Power World Darts Championship delivered another enthralling double session, with drama, quality and heavyweight names dominating the narrative as the last 16 began to take shape.

Humphries withstands Clemens surge in epic encounter

Reigning 2023/24 World Champion Humphries looked to be cruising after racing into a 2-0 lead against Clemens, before producing a clinical 12-dart break in the deciding leg of the third set to move within one set of victory.

However, the German number one responded in stunning fashion. Clemens — who became the first German player to average over 100 in a World Championship match — caught fire, landing finishes of 81, 121 and 116 to sweep the fourth set before edging a deciding leg to cut the deficit to 3-2.

Momentum firmly shifted in the sixth set as Clemens moved 2-1 ahead, but Humphries showed championship composure at the key moment. After the German missed three set darts, Humphries punished with a calm 50 checkout before sealing the contest with a superb 12-dart hold, finishing on 81 to bring a gripping contest to a close.

“I didn’t expect that level of pressure from Gabriel,” Humphries admitted afterwards. “He was the better player over the last three sets and really put me under it.

“He did exactly what you need to do against me and Luke Littler — he made it uncomfortable. If it had gone to 3-3, he would’ve had the edge.

“I’m really proud of how I handled that final set. That’s the mentality you need if you want to be World Champion.”

Humphries will now face either Nathan Aspinall or Kevin Doets for a place in the quarter-finals.

Van Gerwen sets up Anderson clash

Michael van Gerwen continued his march with a controlled 4-1 victory over Arno Merk, setting up a mouth-watering round four encounter with Gary Anderson.

The Dutchman eased into a 2-0 lead, though Merk briefly threatened to inject drama with eye-catching finishes of 145, 120 and 67 to get on the board in the third set. Van Gerwen, however, remained unfazed, winning six of the final eight legs to close out the contest.

“I played well in patches,” said Van Gerwen, who fired in nine 180s and converted half of his chances at doubles. “When you know that level is there, it gives you confidence.

“I’m really looking forward to playing Gary. When we play, there’s always fireworks — it should be a great match for the fans.”

Anderson battles through Wattimena thriller

Gary Anderson booked his place in round four following a dramatic deciding-set victory over Jermaine Wattimena in one of the matches of the tournament so far.

The two-time World Champion missed several chances to close the contest — including double 12 for a sensational nine-darter — and squandered match darts at both 3-1 and 3-2. Nevertheless, Anderson regrouped, unleashing a tournament-high 14 maximums to eventually grind out victory in a tense tie-break.

“I bottled it a few times, if I’m honest,” Anderson admitted. “I could’ve had it wrapped up much earlier — we won’t talk about double 12!

“But I know I can still play. I’m enjoying darts again, especially with my son now playing too.

“When I play Michael, it’s always a big one. It just depends which Michael turns up.”

Van Veen continues dream run

Gian van Veen continued to impress on his World Championship debut, easing into the last 16 with a confident 4-1 victory over Madars Razma.

The European Champion stormed into a 3-0 lead before briefly dropping the fourth set, but responded in style, racing through the fifth and finishing the match with a classy 125 checkout.

Cross and Searle book big clashes

Rob Cross produced another assured performance, dispatching Damon Heta in straight sets to book a highly anticipated round four clash with Luke Littler on Monday evening.

The former World Champion survived early pressure — including set darts against him in the second set — but remained rock-solid throughout to record his second whitewash of the tournament.

Ryan Searle was another standout performer, recording his best-ever Alexandra Palace average of 102.29 in a dominant 4-0 victory over Martin Schindler. The Somerset thrower capitalised on missed doubles from the German, winning the final nine legs without reply to secure a last-16 meeting with James Hurrell.

Championship action continues Monday

The Paddy Power World Darts Championship continues on Monday with another festive double session, as round three concludes and the opening round four fixtures get underway at Alexandra Palace.

Humphries Holds Off Clemens Comeback as Van Gerwen and Anderson March On at Ally Pally

2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship

Sunday December 28

Afternoon Session

Round Three

Ryan Searle 4-0 Martin Schindler (3-1, 3-1, 3-0, 3-0)

Rob Cross 4-0 Damon Heta (3-1, 3-2, 3-2, 3-1)

Gary Anderson 4-3 Jermaine Wattimena (3-1, 0-3, 3-1, 3-2, 2-3, 2-3, 5-3)

Evening Session

Round Three

Gian van Veen 4-1 Madars Razma (3-1, 3-1, 3-0, 0-3, 3-0)

Luke Humphries 4-2 Gabriel Clemens (3-1, 3-1, 3-2, 0-3, 2-3, 3-2)

Michael van Gerwen 4-1 Arno Merk (3-1, 3-0, 1-3, 3-1, 3-1)

Monday December 29

Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)

Round Three

Justin Hood v Ryan Meikle

Ricky Evans v Charlie Manby

Nathan Aspinall v Kevin Doets

Evening Session (1900 GMT)

Round Three x1

Josh Rock v Callan Rydz

Round Four x2

James Hurrell v Ryan Searle

Luke Littler v Rob Cross