Opening score tournament average: Luke Humphries sets the pace as Luke Littler leads the chasing pack

The World Grand Prix is always a highlight on the darting calendar, known for its unique double-in double-out format. Players are under a shedload of pressure to kick off with a fast start, putting pressure on their opponents to find the outer ring. As we come up to the semi-finals, Luke Humphries is the one to watch as he looks down upon his three rivals.

Cool Hand Luke is looking to make a third consecutive final at the Mattioli Arena, as he attempts to put the wrongs of last year's final defeat against Mike De Decker right. He has looked incredibly dangerous so far, knocking out Nathan Aspinall, Krzysztof Ratajski, and Cameron Menzies with little fuss.

A large reason for this is down to his consistent fast start to legs, regularly getting away the first time of asking on his favourite double 16. Out of the four semi-finalists, he boasts the highest tournament opening score average of 72.61. That could have been even higher if it was not for a slight blip in his quarter-final against Menzies.

It is an ominous stat looming over his rivals, as they flounder behind with similar averages to each other. Luke Littler comes in second with 64.97. He severely struggled at times getting into legs against Price, ditching his usually reliable double 20 for double 16, with slightly better results. It will be interesting whether he sticks with it or if he gives tops another chance.

Danny Noppert has called upon tops reliably in this event, sometimes switching to double 12 as his backup target. He sits just behind Littler with a starting average of 64.02, while the 2021 champion Jonny Clayton records the lowest of the four players with 63.26.

Last year, Mike De Decker proved that no matter how good you or your opponent is, if you do not start consistently well then there is a high chance that you will lose in this punishing format. On paper Humphries is the one setting the pace, but if anyone finds their range on their chosen double in tonight's semi-finals, then they will have an excellent chance of reaching the final.