An absolute thriller, historic stats and a stacked semi-final line-up: what stood out in the World Grand Prix quarter-finals
PDC
At the World Grand Prix we have reached the semi-finals. Before the last four return to the stage, we take one final look back at the quarter-finals.
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There was plenty to unpack. Ann all-Welsh clash turned into a duel we won’t forget in a hurry. And then there was Nathan Aspinall, who delivered a headline performance and battled his way into the last four in impressive fashion.
Price rises from the dead
It was the tie many had circled beforehand, and the Welsh clash between Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton did not disappoint. It wasn’t the highest-quality match of this World Grand Prix — Clayton was marooned in the high-80 average, while Price nudged just above 90 — but the tension more than made up for it.
Both Welshmen have been waiting a while for another major title, and that surely played its part. Clayton’s last big win dates back to 2021, while Price has gone without a major since 2022. For Clayton the exit will sting. The Ferret raced 2-0 up in sets and looked set to close it out in the decider. He led 2-0 in legs, but couldn’t finish the job. A last-leg shoot-out was needed.
Gerwyn Price beat compatriot Jonny Clayton to reach the last four in Leicester
Clayton had three match darts but couldn’t convert. Price stood firm and ultimately made full use of his compatriot’s missed chances. The Iceman escaped a defeat that had looked more than plausible for long spells.
Price has been throwing superbly all year and, even if he won’t say it out loud, he craves another major. With Luke Littler’s shock early exit — a player who has often been a roadblock for the Welshman — the pressure on Price ramped up. That is why this hard-fought win over Clayton may give him the calm he needs.
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Price could have, and perhaps should have, been out. He isn’t, and that keeps his World Grand Prix title bid alive. From here, anything extra can be seen as a bonus for The Iceman.
Dutch disappointment
The Netherlands started the World Grand Prix with no fewer than eight players, but after the quarter-finals all Dutch participants are out. That is a let-down, especially given the strong Dutch presence at the start. At the same time, there are positives to take for several players.
Gian van Veen reached the semi-finals at both the World Masters and World Matchplay this year, yet it’s clear he currently isn’t at the level that took him to the World Darts Championship final earlier in the year. Since his kidney stone operation at the start of the year, things have seemed a touch less fluent for the 24-year-old. Van Veen is clearly searching for the peak form with which he surprised the elite.
That he continues to post strong results despite that search should boost his confidence ahead of the remaining majors this autumn. Van Veen is also set for another jump in the world rankings. If Luke Humphries does not win the World Grand Prix, the Dutchman will return to second on the PDC Order of Merit.
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Niels Zonneveld lost 3-0 to Luke Humphries
For Niels Zonneveld, reaching the quarter-finals was a career first. Triple Z also had chances against Humphries to turn the match. He should really have taken the opening set, but faltered at the key moments. After that, Humphries took full control and the Englishman was simply too strong.
Even so, Zonneveld can reflect positively on his World Grand Prix. He recorded his best ever major result and makes a sizeable move up the rankings. The 27-year-old now sits 29th and takes another important step towards the sport’s top tier.
| PDC major in the 2026 season | Dutch players in the last four | Dutch player(s) | Semi-final result |
| World Masters | 1 | Gian van Veen | Lost 5-0 to Luke Humphries |
| UK Open | 0 | — | — |
| Premier League Darts | 0 | — | — |
| World Matchplay | 2 | Dirk van Duijvenbode, Gian van Veen | Van Duijvenbode lost 17-5 to Luke Littler; Van Veen lost 17-10 to Gerwyn Price |
| World Grand Prix | 0 | — | — |
Aspinall makes history
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Anyone glancing at the scoreline between Nathan Aspinall and Ryan Joyce sees a routine 3–0 for “The Asp.” Yet that margin hardly tells the full story. Aspinall, who has battled dartitis for a while, turned back the clock and produced a resounding performance.
The 35-year-old Englishman posted an average of 105.15. That is the highest average ever recorded at the World Grand Prix in a match played over more than two sets. Across all matches in the tournament’s history, his effort ranks fourth. It is a striking statistic, especially given the difficult spell Aspinall has endured of late.
“The Asp” appears to be finding his best form at exactly the right time. The semi-finals bring Gerwyn Price, who is also in outstanding touch. On paper, that clash promises to be a blockbuster.
Neither player is known for a subdued stage presence. Expect heavy scoring, eye-catching finishes and, above all, plenty of decibels. If Aspinall and Price carry their quarter-final form into the semis, this could be one of the standout matches of this World Grand Prix.
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Top 10 highest averages at the World Grand Prix
| Average | Player | Year (+ round) | Opponent | Result |
| 106.47 | Gian van Veen (Netherlands) | 2025, 1st round | Luke Littler (England) | 0–2 |
| 106.45 | Alan Warriner (England) | 2001, 1st round | Andy Jenkins (England) | 2–0 |
| 105.58 | Luke Littler (England) | 2025, 1st round | Gian van Veen (Netherlands) | 2–0 |
| 105.15 | Nathan Aspinall (England) | 2026, quarter-final | Ryan Joyce (England) | 3–0 |
| 104.86 | Gary Anderson (Scotland) | 2013, 1st round | Jelle Klaasen (Netherlands) | 2–0 |
| 104.47 | Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands) | 2013, 1st round | John Part (Canada) | 2–0 |
| 103.09 | Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands) | 2016, quarter-final | Simon Whitlock (Australia) | 3–1 |
| 103.02 | Phil Taylor (England) | 2011, semi-final | Richie Burnett (Wales) | 5–2 |
| 102.85 | Dave Chisnall (England) | 2020, 1st round | Glen Durrant (England) | 2–0 |
| 102.48 | Phil Taylor (England) | 2010, 1st round | Brendan Dolan (Northern Ireland) | 2–0 |
“He's still standing”
James Wade has long walked on to “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John. It fits perfectly. After more than two decades at the elite level, “The Machine” is still there. He has been written off many times, yet time and again he reinvents himself and returns to the top.
Wade remains one of the steadiest performers in the upper tier. At almost every tournament he is a threat to go deep. Rarely with flashy or flamboyant play, but with a rock-solid style that has delivered success for years.
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While Wade was not known for sky-high averages earlier in his career, he has added extra scoring in recent years. That has shown again at this World Grand Prix. More than once we saw “The Machine” start a leg on double 20, then follow with two treble 20s. When Wade is in rhythm, he can exert heavy pressure with his scoring as well.
Wade speaks after.
And then there are the doubles. Wade has been one of the sport’s elite finishers for years, and he is underlining that again this week. The fact he has won this tournament twice before is anything but a coincidence.
His last World Grand Prix title, however, dates back to 2010. Fifteen years ago, then. It feels like an age, but anyone watching Wade this week knows a new title is far from impossible. Now 43, the Englishman is still standing. Perhaps this is the weekend he writes another chapter of history.
Major titles won by James Wade
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| Year | Major | Opponent in the final | Score |
| 2007 | World Matchplay | Terry Jenkins | 18-7 |
| 2007 | World Grand Prix | Terry Jenkins | 6-3 |
| 2008 | UK Open | Gary Mawson | 11-7 |
| 2009 | Premier League | Mervyn King | 13-8 |
| 2010 | World Grand Prix | Adrian Lewis | 6-3 |
| 2010 | Championship League | Phil Taylor | 6-5 |
| 2011 | UK Open | Wes Newton | 11-8 |
| 2014 | The Masters | Mervyn King | 11-10 |
| 2018 | European Championship | Simon Whitlock | 11-8 |
| 2018 | World Series of Darts Finals | Michael Smith | 11-10 |
| 2021 | UK Open | Luke Humphries | 11-5 |
Or will it be Humphries after all
We already covered Gerwyn Price, Nathan Aspinall, and James Wade, but the highest-ranked player in the last four is Luke Humphries. The world number two has quietly worked his way into the World Grand Prix semi-finals. While attention often shifted to other players and the early exit of defending champion Luke Littler, Humphries steadily kept winning his matches.
Strikingly, that means “Cool Hand Luke” is not being pushed forward as the outright favourite for the title. That is somewhat surprising, because when the Englishman is in top form, he is unquestionably one of the players who can dominate a major. His performances in recent years have proved that more than enough.
There was a spell when Humphries seemed almost certain to land big titles. The Englishman surged in remarkable fashion and racked up major trophies in quick succession. His breakthrough to the elite was followed by a string of imposing displays on the biggest stages. Humphries developed into a player who not only won matches, but also looked unflappable under pressure at the decisive moments.
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His last major title, however, dates back to May of last year. Back then, Humphries lifted the Premier League Darts trophy. Since then he has often gone deep at the big events, but another major win has eluded him. For a player of his calibre, that stands out.
That does not detract from the qualities of the 31-year-old Englishman. Humphries remains a superb player and is still firmly among the world’s elite. His position at number two in the rankings underlines that. He also has every weapon required to win a World Grand Prix. His scoring power is outstanding, and on the doubles he is usually highly reliable.
Even so, the aura of invincibility that surrounded him a few years ago seems to have faded. Opponents now step on stage believing Humphries can be beaten. Where his name once felt like a brutal draw for many, there is now more room for the belief that a win is possible.
That is precisely why this World Grand Prix offers Humphries a particularly intriguing chance to reconnect with a major title. Littler’s exit has thrown the race for the trophy wide open. The world number one is out, and with Price, Aspinall, and Wade on the other side of the draw, Humphries has a unique opportunity to add another big prize to his CV.
In the last four, Humphries also knows exactly what is at stake. Only two matches separate him from the World Grand Prix title. The semi-final is the next hurdle, and with a win the trophy suddenly feels within reach.
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Perhaps this is the moment when “Cool Hand Luke” makes his statement again. Humphries no longer needs to convince anyone of his class, but another major win would send a clear message. The Englishman is still world number two. At the World Grand Prix, he has the chance to prove it again on the biggest stage.
Luke Humphries’ results at PDC majors in the 2026 season
| Major | Result | Eliminated by |
| World Masters | Final | Luke Littler (5-6) |
| UK Open | Last 16 | Danny Noppert (6-10) |
| Premier League Darts | Final | Luke Littler (10-11) |
| World Matchplay | First round | Cameron Menzies (7-10) |
| World Grand Prix | Semi-final* | — |
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Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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- James Wade has become James Wide. He has piled on the tonnage.richieburnettrocks03-10-2026
- Littler will play whatever tournaments he decides. But does every headline have to start with him? Bristow bought Taylor through,and he followed that with Lewis. I can't see littler doing the same. Let him choose,and lose,he's getting good at that lately!rick6702-10-2026
- I believe he has it in him to qualify for the Worlds as he consistently wins matches, even if it is only one or two at a time, although his recent PC quarter-final run was somewhat encouraging in that regard. I think there is a lot of pressure for him to retire, people in the media accusing him of tarnishing his legacy. I think that is a ridiculous line of thinking. How ungrateful it is to attach terms and conditions to the amazing moments he has provided us over the course of his career. What position are we in to dictate to him how he should manage his career when it is he who achieved those successes in the first place? What's more, this is his life and the passion that sustains it, it is not for us to decide when his career is over when it is he who must bear the genuine ramifications of that decision. Since I'm sure money is not a concern, the only question on which the decision should rest is whether he truly continues to enjoy competing. He has retired once before, but the desire to compete is what brought him back. We see a lot of negative body language and he does genuinely look miserable when he is not playing well, but only he will know when he wakes up the next day whether he wants to go and do it all over again. If he wants to compete, he should, it's as simple as that, this is a decision that should not involve anyone else but him and his family. He should not retire to indulge the whims of the media or the public. What satisfaction would he receive by being forced into retirement? What closure would it bring to such a brilliant career? When Phil Taylor decided to retire, his decision was final and resolute. I believe RvB needs to get to this point himself, no matter how many 70 averages it might take. We see the likes of John Part continue to compete on a regular basis well past his prime, I say more power to him, and who knows, further glory could be around the corner, it's darts after all, you just never know. Sometimes I worry that RvB is acutely aware of the clamour for him to retire and that this pressure may even have an impact on his performances as he begins to question whether there is even a place for him in darts anymore, further compounding his poor form and creating a vicious loop. Perhaps to take his future into his own hands would provide him with a levity and freedom that would lend itself to better performances, not to mention an improved wellbeing. In any case, it is under these conditions that one can clear-headedly and definitively settle an issue so profound as retirement, not when you feel you're being rushed out the door. If his performances can no longer sustain his presence on the tour, so be it; as it stands his card seems safe for this year but is in serious jeopardy next year. He could always allow himself to drop off the tour naturally rather than forfeiting his place in the top 64, this could provide a sense of finality while offering a route back through Q-School if he so desired; after all, he's done it before. In conclusion, I just hope that RvB can play - or not play - for his own sake, rather than anyone else's, so that when the time comes he can be in no doubt as to his decision, leaving no lingering questions, so that he can reflect with no regret or uncertainty on the marvelous career he has had.Deduce635826-09-2026
- Luke Littler has been good for the sport of darts, no question. But he is not above it. For his sake and ours, he needs to be put in his place sometimes, rather than having his every whim catered to. That is not how you build a good person nor a good sporting organisation, and it's beginning to have consequences.Deduce635826-09-2026
- Extremely disappointing decision. It used to be that, along with major events and Euro Tours, the Players Championship series constituted one of three standards against which successful darts players could be measured, one of three challenges every successful darts player should be expected to master to consider themself among the elite. Now they are dead weight in the darting calendar, and player turnout and the standard of competitiveness will reflect that. The truth is that Luke Littler and other big names would rather play lucrative exhibitions than put in the hard graft that being a successful dart player requires. It undermines the authority of the PDC and the game in general. So what do they do about it? Give them exactly what they want. Of course, why wouldn't they? They are their star attractions. It is ironic that an organisation formed in protest by the sport's elite should be undermined and disrespected by their contemporary equivalents, but the PDC had a chance to stand up to them with a firm message: play 2 events all year and expect the final to be played without you. Instead, they caved in. These events will be hardly worth playing anymore and this decision may have grave consequences for the future of floor events at the elite level. Some may say the calendar is overstuffed, yet these elite players have more than enough time to play plenty of exhibitions. The Premier League in particular is gruelling, but busy players are not expected to play every event, they are expected to manage their playing schedule carefully in order to apportion their time and energy appropriately. Clayton and Humphries, for instance, both sit in the top 20 of the Players Championship and European orders of merit, in addition to competing in the Premier League; they have proven it is absolutely possible and this change is an insult to their efforts in effectively managing their calendars. I think we are seeing players who simply think they are too good for Pro Tour events, arrogance which should be punished rather than rewarded as we are seeing here. Furthermore, why should success in Euro Tours qualify you for the Players Championship Final? The PDC are blurring the lines between those three disciplines of darting excellence, and in so doing destabilising the very foundations upon which the organisation and its success is built. Some may say I'm overreacting, but this, in addition to the PDC's subservience and snivelling obsequiousness toward their biggest assets, makes me fear for the future of professional darts.Deduce635826-09-2026
- I guess this will mean the top players will turn up even less? Taken all the excitement of qualifying away I think. Wish they made it top 32 to qualify and the finals to last all week.Baphomet26-09-2026
- Great article - but not written by this site. It's taken wholesale from last Sunday's Observer with this interview published online on Saturday.Scoobedybop22-09-2026
- Such sad and pathetic little losers giving abuse to young woman for any reason, let alone who she is in a relationship with. Go Beau! An absolute star and comes across as a genuinely nice and kind person. Wish her nothing but the best.BandB22-09-2026
- I wouldn't mind if he quit now to be honest. He's not bigger than darts. Let's face it without darts he'd just be a normal fat gamer kid.medinabello22-09-2026
- You know,I said this,in a sentence,not 5 paragraphs!!rick6721-09-2026
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