World number two and 2024 champion Luke Humphries was pushed to the brink before securing his place in the last 16 of the PDC World Darts Championship on Sunday night at Alexandra Palace.
Humphries Edges Through Tense Battle
Humphries appeared to be cruising against Germany's Gabriel Clemens, taking the opening two sets with ease before clinching a tight third. However, the match was dramatically transformed by a spectacular 125 checkout from Clemens in that third set, finished with a bullseye, 25, and another bullseye.
That moment of brilliance ignited a stunning fightback from the underdog, who rallied to win the next two sets and close the deficit to 3-2. The tension peaked in the sixth set when Clemens, at 2-2, had three darts to level the match and force a deciding set. He was unable to convert, allowing Humphries to capitalise and seal a 4-2 victory, which he celebrated with a roar of palpable relief.
Champion's Relief After Close Call
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Humphries admitted he had felt the pressure. "When I had that double to go 3-0 up I thought I had control," he said. "Gabriel got a lot better and really made me work hard for it. If that double hadn't gone in and it had been 3-3… I'm panicking."
He emphasised the significance of his clutch finish, stating, "For me to get that double… it means a lot. That could be the difference between being a two-time world champion and not." Clemens, who averaged an impressive 101.49, was left to rue his missed opportunities.
Van Gerwen and Anderson Progress in Style
The evening's action in front of a star-studded crowd, including Tottenham's James Maddison and golfers Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton, also saw three-time champion Michael van Gerwen advance. The Dutchman averaged 99.7 in a commanding 4-1 win over Germany's Arno Merk, setting up a tantalising clash with Scottish veteran Gary Anderson.
Van Gerwen later claimed he had not been fully tested, saying, "Was it a contest? Not for me. I played too well today for him. I think I had more in my power if I wanted to but I didn't need it."
Earlier, the 55-year-old Anderson had prevailed in a thrilling seven-set encounter against Jermaine Wattimena, eventually winning 4-3. Anderson missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish in the deciding set, while Wattimena saved four match darts before the Scot finally sealed victory.
Other Last 16 Berths Confirmed
Elsewhere on a busy day at Ally Pally, 2018 champion Rob Cross produced a dominant display to whitewash Damon Heta 4-0, booking a meeting with reigning champion Luke Littler. Devon's Ryan Searle also won 4-0, defeating German number one Martin Schindler.
Dutch youngster Gian van Veen underlined his growing reputation with a convincing 4-1 victory over Latvia's Madars Razma, completing the line-up for the next round.
