Luke Humphries and James Wade Power Into World Grand Prix Quarter-Finals
Luke Humphries and James Wade Power Into World Grand Prix Quarter-Finals
Luke Humphries and James Wade produced dominant displays to reach the quarter-finals of the BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix, while Gian van Veen and Niels Zonneveld also progressed on Thursday in Leicester.
The final four second-round ties were played out at the Mattioli Arena, with Humphries continuing his impressive start by sweeping aside Jermaine Wattimena 3-0.
The 2023 champion produced an outstanding display on the outer ring, hitting 74% of his double-in attempts and missing just five darts at double throughout the contest.
Humphries was made to survive two set darts in the opening set, but took control thereafter to reach the quarter-finals for a fourth consecutive year.
The former World Champion remains unbeaten in sets at this year’s event after also whitewashing Dave Chisnall in round one.
“I was a lot better tonight than I was on Tuesday,” admitted Humphries.
“I think I got in every time – when you’re doing that it’s going to take a good performance to beat you.
“I don’t care how I win, but when you put in the performance I did on Tuesday, it’s disappointing and you want to put it right. I think I did that tonight.
“For myself, I needed that to think I’ve got a good chance of winning this, and I know I have.
“I feel like there’s still other levels in me, and hopefully I come back tomorrow with some more of that starting, but even better scoring.”
Wade also produced a commanding display to book his place in an eighth World Grand Prix quarter-final.
The two-time champion defeated Stephen Bunting 3-1, averaging more than 98 in each of his three winning sets.
Wade raced into a two-set lead before Bunting pulled one back, but the 22-time consecutive World Grand Prix participant responded immediately with three straight legs to seal victory.
“I just felt it was down to timing and hitting the right shots at the right time,” said Wade.
“I’m just really grateful to win. It’s so, so tough to win in double-start. It’s really hard work!
“I’m nowhere near my best, but I’m having to play better against better players.
“I’ve got loads more gears to go, but talk is cheap, and I’m full of cheap talk!”
Wade will face Van Veen in Friday’s quarter-finals after the Dutch number one came from behind to defeat Ryan Searle 3-2.
Van Veen produced a spectacular 152 checkout on his way to taking the opening set, but Searle responded to level the contest at two sets apiece.
The Dutchman then reeled off four consecutive legs in the deciding set to complete a dramatic victory and reach his sixth Premier-event quarter-final of 2026.
“It means the world to me,” said Van Veen.
“In the last two years I’ve played really well here, but I lost my first game. This year I didn’t play quite as well but maybe that’s the secret to winning!
“I love this tournament because it’s different. I think doubling is one of the best aspects of my game and I think it showed tonight in the crucial moments.
“This is why this tournament gives me so much confidence, and hopefully I can go further!
“James is always a tough opponent but I’m going to be up for it. I played him last time at the World Matchplay and hopefully it’s the same result tomorrow!”
Zonneveld’s remarkable debut campaign continued as the Dutchman defeated former runner-up Gary Anderson 3-1 to reach the first major TV ranking quarter-final of his career.
The 28-year-old edged a tense opening set in which all five legs went against the throw before producing an average of more than 102 in the second set to double his advantage.
Anderson mounted a late fightback, but Zonneveld held his nerve to close out another landmark victory.
“I think it’s one of the biggest things I’ve achieved in my whole career,” said Zonneveld.
“I have done many things on the ProTour and European Tour stage, but not in the major tournaments.
“Gary Anderson is an awesome player, so I’m really happy with this win.
“I felt really confident. I’m coming back into form and I’ve played really well over the last couple of weeks.”
The 2026 BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix quarter-finals take place on Friday, with all eight remaining players returning to the Mattioli Arena for a huge night of action.
Luke Humphries and James Wade Power Into World Grand Prix Quarter-Finals
2026 BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix
Thursday October 1
Round Two x4
Niels Zonneveld 3-1 Gary Anderson (3-2, 3-0, 1-3, 3-0)
James Wade 3-1 Stephen Bunting (3-1, 3-2, 0-3, 3-0)
Luke Humphries 3-0 Jermaine Wattimena (3-2, 3-1, 3-2)
Gian van Veen 3-2 Ryan Searle (3-1, 2-3, 1-3, 3-2, 3-0)
Friday October 2 (1900 BST)
Quarter-Finals x4
Nathan Aspinall v Ryan Joyce
Gerwyn Price v Jonny Clayton
Gian van Veen v James Wade
Luke Humphries v Niels Zonneveld
Best of Five Sets
