Humphries Dominates, Reaches World Grand Prix Semis; Van Veen Eliminated
World number two Luke Humphries advanced to the World Grand Prix semifinals with a dominant 3-0 victory, while third seed Gian van Veen was knocked out.
Luke Humphries, the world number two, has breezed into the semi-finals of the World Grand Prix after defeating Niels Zonneveld 3-0. Humphries, the reigning champion, has not dropped a set throughout the tournament, having previously whitewashed Dave Chisnall and Jermaine Wattimena in earlier rounds.
Despite not reaching his peak performance, averaging 85.91 and hitting four 180s, Humphries proved clinical, holding a 33.33% checkout success rate. He is set to face compatriot James Wade in the next round. Wade secured his place in the last four by defeating third seed Gian van Veen, also with a 3-0 scoreline.
"The way I'm practising, I feel really good, it's just not been coming out this week. Against James, I know I need it to come out, it'll be a tough task," Humphries commented. He added, "To make four World Grand Prix finals on the trot would be super special. There's not many players that will ever do that and James will know he's got a tough game as well."
Elsewhere in the tournament, Nathan Aspinall advanced to the semifinals with a 3-0 victory over Ryan Joyce. Aspinall will compete against Gerwyn Price, who staged a remarkable comeback to win 3-2 against Jonny Clayton. Clayton had held a two-set lead and had match darts before Price turned the tie around in a thrilling contest.