Humphries Cruises Past Lim as Van Veen Stars on Day 12 at World Darts Championship

Luke Humphries booked his place in round three of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship in emphatic fashion on Monday, producing a dominant straight-sets victory over crowd favourite Paul Lim at Alexandra Palace. Elsewhere, Gian van Veen delivered one of the performances of the tournament so far to continue his impressive run.

Day 12 of the £5 million showpiece featured another action-packed double session, with the final stages of round two continuing to produce high-quality darts and eye-catching displays.

Humphries powers into round three

Reigning 2023/24 World Champion Luke Humphries showed his class with a ruthless 3-0 success against Singaporean veteran Lim, as he continued his bid to reclaim the Sid Waddell Trophy.

The world number two made a blistering start, racing into a commanding two-set lead by winning the opening six legs without reply. Humphries averaged over 108 during that spell, producing a relentless combination of heavy scoring and clinical finishing.

Lim managed to claim a leg in the third set, but Humphries remained in control, closing out the match with a 50% success rate on the doubles to wrap up a comfortable win.

“I wanted a clean performance and no drama,” Humphries reflected afterwards. “The first two sets were really sharp — I scored well and finished well.

“When there’s not much pressure coming back at you, it can actually be harder to stay switched on. I relaxed a bit too much, but I know when I come back after Christmas, I’ll be more consistent.”

Humphries will now face Germany’s Gabriel Clemens in round three.

Van Veen dazzles with tournament-best display

Gian van Veen announced himself as a serious contender with a sensational 3-1 victory over Alan Soutar, producing what many considered the best performance of the championship to date.

The European Champion posted a staggering 108.28 average and recorded just three visits without a treble across the entire match. Although Van Veen dropped the opening set and survived a set dart in the second, he responded superbly, reeling off seven consecutive legs to turn the contest on its head.

The victory sees the Dutchman reach round three at the World Championship for the first time in his career.

“There’s so much confidence I can take from that,” said Van Veen. “You need a bit of luck in these tournaments, and I had that in the second set.

“The last six legs were some of the best darts I’ve ever played, especially on this stage. Being here after Christmas means everything to me.”

Van Veen will meet Madars Razma for a place in the last 16.

Aspinall too strong for Gates

Nathan Aspinall continued his strong form with a commanding whitewash victory over Leonard Gates, repeating last year’s round two success against the American.

The former World Matchplay champion dropped just one leg in each set to complete a controlled performance and secure his spot in the last 32, where he will face Kevin Doets.

“I did exactly what I needed to do,” Aspinall said. “The first game I was nervous, but tonight I felt really comfortable.

“My confidence is the highest it’s ever been. I’ve saved a lot of mental energy, and I think that will really help me after Christmas.”

Evans edges Wade in five-set epic

Ricky Evans came through a dramatic five-set thriller against James Wade, eventually prevailing in a deciding-set tiebreak to win 3-2.

Evans missed seven match darts but showed tremendous resilience, capitalising on a rare miss from Wade before breaking throw and pinning a nerveless 99 finish to clinch victory.

He will now face Charlie Manby, who continued his dream debut with a dominant straight-sets win over Adam Sevada. The 20-year-old won six legs on the spin and converted 47% of his double attempts in another impressive display.

Doets, Clemens and Razma progress

Kevin Doets ended David Munyua’s fairytale debut with a professional 3-0 victory. Despite passionate support from a 3,000-strong crowd — including members of the Kenyan High Commission — Doets remained composed, dropping just two legs across the match.

Gabriel Clemens, Humphries’ next opponent, also advanced with a surprise whitewash win over Wessel Nijman. The former semi-finalist took full advantage of missed doubles from the Dutchman to reach round three at Alexandra Palace for the fifth time.

Madars Razma joined them after defeating debutant Darren Beveridge 3-1. The Latvian averaged over 97 and converted 59% of his double attempts, recovering from an early deficit in the fourth set to seal victory.

Round two concludes on Tuesday

Round two concludes on Tuesday, with the final day of action before the Christmas break promising more high-stakes encounters.

Three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen faces in-form William O’Connor, while Gary Anderson continues his campaign against Connor Scutt. Sixth seed Danny Noppert is also in action, alongside World Cup winners Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney.

The afternoon session is headlined by two-time World Champion Peter Wright, who takes on Arno Merk at Alexandra Palace.

Humphries Cruises Past Lim as Van Veen Stars on Day 12 at World Darts Championship

2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship

Monday December 22

Afternoon Session

Madars Razma 3-1 Darren Beveridge (3-0, 3-2, 1-3, 3-2)

Gabriel Clemens 3-0 Wessel Nijman (3-1, 3-2, 3-1)

Kevin Doets 3-0 David Munyua (3-1, 3-0, 3-1)

Ricky Evans 3-2 James Wade (3-2, 1-3, 3-2, 0-3, 6-4)

Evening Session

Gian Van Veen 3-1 Alan Soutar (1-3, 3-2, 3-0, 3-0)

Nathan Aspinall 3-0 Leonard Gates (3-1, 3-1, 3-1)

Luke Humphries 3-0 Paul Lim (3-0, 3-0, 3-1)

Charlie Manby 3-0 Adam Sevada (3-0, 3-0, 3-1)

Tuesday December 23

Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)

Jonny Tata v Ryan Meikle

Daryl Gurney v Callan Rydz

Jermaine Wattimena v Scott Williams

Peter Wright v Arno Merk

Evening Session (1900 GMT)

Danny Noppert v Justin Hood

Gary Anderson v Connor Scutt

Michael van Gerwen v William O’Connor

Josh Rock v Joe Comito