Chronological coverage updated 3rd October 2026 00:06.
Update 1 · 3rd October 2026
Wade and Aspinall make statements as World Grand Prix semi-finals are set
Leicester's Mattioli Arena witnessed a night of high-powered darts as the semi-final lineup for the World Grand Prix was locked in, featuring four premier double-in, double-out competitors.
Former world champion Luke Humphries reached his fourth consecutive World Grand Prix semi-final with a 3-0 sweep against Dutchman Niels Zonneveld, though he candidly admitted his performance fell short of his personal expectations.
Skysports reportedly quoted Luke Humphries (World number two and 2023 World Grand Prix champion) as saying: “I'm really disappointed. I felt really good in practice, but I came out here tonight and it didn't feel great to be honest.”.
Humphries will now square off against James Wade, who delivered one of the most ruthless performances of the tournament by sweeping third seed Gian van Veen 3-0 while dropping only a single leg in a match that lasted just over 20 minutes. Source: BBC News, Skysports.
BBC News reportedly quoted Luke Humphries (World number two and 2023 World Grand Prix champion) as saying: “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”.
Aspinall's historic average and Price's dramatic comeback
On the other side of the draw, Nathan Aspinall turned in a historic display during his 3-0 quarter-final victory against Ryan Joyce. Aspinall dominated from the opening leg, threatening record territory throughout the contest.
Nathan Aspinall recorded an average of 105.15 in his quarter-final victory over Ryan Joyce, representing the fourth-highest average in World Grand Prix history and the highest ever achieved in a quarter-final match. — according to Sky Sports, as reported by Skysports.
Skysports reportedly quoted Nathan Aspinall (2023 World Matchplay champion) as saying: “I feel like I can win this tournament, and I feel like I'm ready to win another major again. There's no reason why I can't”.
Aspinall's semi-final opponent will be Gerwyn Price, who staged an extraordinary comeback in an all-Welsh clash against Jonny Clayton. Price clawed his way back from two sets down and survived three match darts before snatching a 3-2 victory.
The quarter-final action was not without unique distractions at the Leicester venue, where play was briefly interrupted by both a fly and a spider crawling onto the dartboard during competition. Source: Skysports.
- Luke Humphries faces James Wade in the semi-finals after sweeping Niels Zonneveld despite a lower scoring average.
- Nathan Aspinall posted a 105.15 average—the highest ever in a World Grand Prix quarter-final—to set up a clash with Gerwyn Price.
- Gerwyn Price came back from two sets down and saved three match darts to eliminate Jonny Clayton 3-2.