Humphries reels off three consecutive sets to defeat Kurz in World Championship thriller

Humphries reeled off three consecutive sets from 2-1 down to defeat the impressive youngster 4-2 with eight 180s and a 94 average as he moved through to the latter stages for the second year running.

Kurz hit the first 180 of the match but Humphries held throw in the first leg and despite Kurz levelling, 'Cool Hand Luke' went one away; he wrapped it up in style with a 124 checkout to go off stage having sped through the first set.

The German held his throw to begin the second set; but was put under pressure as a result by Humphries who left himself double three in case he fluffed his lines. He levelled it up though and left himself on 84 with a 140 set up shot; he was allowed a shot at it when Kurz missed 121 but he couldn't hit double 11.

Kurz as a result came back to hold his throw. Humphries couldn't finish 112; but Kurz snatched on 78 meaning that Humphries got away with it and sent it to a decider.

Humphries couldn't hit 96 to win the set; Kurz as a result held throw to make it 1-1 in sets and go into the second break with it all level.

The Newbury ace did hit it this time around; as he held throw at the start of the next set. He was first to a finish but had to hit 104; as Kurz left himself 40 but he made a mess of it allowing the German to go 2-1 up and he had the throw to go 2-1 up in sets.

He hit double 15 to take that lead; as he continued his ascent in the match. Humphries pressured with a 180 to leave 39; he was given a shot at it after Kurz missed double 14 for a 121 checkout.

Humphries kicked it off with yet another 180 and finished it off; with a 122 checkout on the bull to throw the set in his favour. The German couldn't hold his throw and a quick fire 71 checkout saw Humphries level the match up at 2-2.

Kurz moved 2-1 up in the next set but Humphries showed his true bottle as he came back to sink double 1 in his last dart to seal it and retake the lead in what so far was a gripping contest.

A seventh 180 and double 20 saw Humphries seal a break; as well as another one saw him leave 48 to hold throw and go one away from victory. Kurz though out of nowhere sealed a 131 checkout to trail 2-1 and potentially put the match further.

Kurz missed double 19 for a 141; Humphries pinned double 16 for victory to move through in an absolute thriller.

Click here for more information on the PDC World Darts Championship, which takes place at the Alexandra Palace between December 13 and January 1.

Nico Kurz (96.16) 2-4 (94.80) Luke Humphries (1-3, 3-2, 3-1, 0-3, 2-3, 1-3)
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