Day 5 PDC World Grand Prix – Mike De Deckers’ debut dream continues as the final four are confirmed

‘The Real Deal’ proves it once more

Many believed that James Wade’s experience would be sufficient to see off the debutant, Mike De Decker, even after he defeated Gary Anderson in a thrilling three-nil thrashing in the previous match. But once again, the Belgian gave a flawless performance. Once again, it came down to finishing, as De Decker had a 50% checkout percentage while Wade had a 42% rate.

The first set of the match was of excellent quality from both players, with Mike De Decker (102.13) and James Wade (101.68) both averaging above 100. But ultimately it was De Decker who would claim the set ahead of the two-time World Grand Prix Champion.

De Decker pinned 122, hitting the outer bull, treble 19, and double 20, to hold his throw with a 12-darter and to claim his second set of the match.

As they had done throughout the match, the two switched legs in the final set, with De Decker throwing first in the final leg. After racing to 16, De Decker would only miss one match dart at D8 before pinning D4 to win the encounter and to claim successive 3-0 victories at the World Grand Prix.

 

Joyce shocks Voltage at the World Grand Prix

At the World Grand Prix, it can only be called an all-time classic between Ryan Joyce and Rob Cross in the quarterfinals.

As yet another upset followed. Before this match, neither had ever advanced to the quarterfinals, already it was history in the making for both.

Cross would be the first to strike, winning the first set of the match after pinning a brilliant 82 through the D16 and bullseye.

Joyce capitalised by pinning D2 to tie the match again after Voltage missed the D20 by a narrow margin in a 118 combo shot to win the second set.

By pinning an incredible 132 via the bullseye twice and then D16, Ryan Joyce would win consecutive sets and maintained his momentum until the early going of set four. Cross would next pin his reliable D18 and respond with a 156 of his own.

In order to force a final set decider between the two, Rob Cross would pin another ton plus checkout (110 this time).

But the former World Champion‘s missed darts (a total of 17) would start to show, and the World Number 35 would take full advantage, achieving a checkout rate of 63.16% and claiming the final set.

 

The Champions Collide

The defending World Grand Prix Champion Luke Humphries competed against 2021 World Grand Prix winner Jonny Clayton next. The World Champion would win this leg and the next after both players traded maximums in the first leg of the match. Clayton would then respond with one of his own.

Shortly after checking out a mere 12, the World Number One would win the opening set.

The Welshman would win the second set and force a last-leg decider in set three, but Clayton’s carelessness proved to be the deciding factor as missed darts at tops gave Humphries a chance at 146.

Cool Hand seized the opportunity and reeled off the final three legs on the spin and saw the tide turn back in his favour.

Meaning, he was just one set away from making it back to the World Grand Prix semifinals. After sprinting into a commanding two-leg lead, he sacrificed the next two legs, making it harder than necessary. Luke Humphries would ultimately checkout 16 to secure his spot in the final four.

 

Cullen crashes out

Joe Cullen was unable to replicate his previous best run from the semifinals last year, even though he won the first set of the match. He would ultimately exit at the quarterfinals stage.

Dimitri Van den Bergh appeared to slow down the Rockstar, giving the impression that he was once again in charge of the game’s speed.

Throughout the entire game, the UK Open Champion only gave up six legs to Cullen, demonstrating a clever and effective performance.

In the end, the Dreammaker had an average of 86.43, almost seven points higher than his opponent Joe Cullen, who recorded an average of 79.65. Dimi would pin the most maximums of the evening, striking a total of seven.

Meaning that he will face his compatriot Mike De Decker in the semifinals.

 

2024 World Grand Prix –  Quarter-finals

Friday 11th October 2024

Day 5 Results

Mike De Decker 3-0 James Wade

Rob Cross 2-3 Ryan Joyce

Luke Humphries 3-1 Jonny Clayton

Joe Cullen 1-3 Dimitri Van den Bergh