Darts
2024 World Grand Prix Darts: Day Five Results, Luke Humphries Keeps Title Defence Alive
Mike De Decker, Ryan Joyce, Luke Humphries, and Dimitri Van den Bergh complete the semi-final lineup of the 2024 World Grand Prix.
Day five of the 2024 World Grand Prix Darts delivered high-stakes drama as the tournament reached its quarterfinal stage. The ‘double in, double out’ format remained a challenge, with all four matches played over the best-of-five sets.
Defending champion Luke Humphries faced off against Wales’ new top-ranked player, Jonny Clayton, while Rob Cross and Dimitri Van den Bergh also took to the oche in a thrilling day of action.
Mike De Decker Reaches First Televised Semi-Final
In his first-ever televised ranking quarterfinal, Mike De Decker faced off against two-time World Grand Prix champion James Wade.
Despite the 3-0 scoreline in favour of the Belgian, the match was much tighter than it appeared. Each set went the full distance, with De Decker edging out Wade 3-2 in legs in every set.
De Decker showcased the form he’s been demonstrating throughout the year on the Pro Tour, finally translating that success to the big stage.
This victory marks the biggest of his career, propelling him into his first televised ranking event semi-final and solidifying his place inside the sport’s top 32.
Ryan Joyce Holds Nerve to Edge Out Rob Cross
World number four Rob Cross, who had previously voiced his discomfort with the unique ‘double in, double out’ format, took on Newcastle's Ryan Joyce, who saw this tournament as his chance for a breakthrough, given the format’s popularity in the Northeast.
The match was a closely contested battle, with both players showcasing moments of brilliance. Cross came out strong, winning the first set to take a 1-0 lead, but Joyce’s familiarity with the format shone through as he stormed back to win the next two sets, putting himself 2-1 up.
Cross responded in style in the fourth set, delivering two stunning three-dart checkouts of 156 and 110 to level the match at 2-2.
However, Joyce held his nerve when it mattered most, surviving two match darts from Cross to claim victory and secure his spot in the semi-final.
This result marks Joyce’s second-ever televised semi-final, his first coming at the 2023 Players Championship, where he was defeated by Luke Humphries.
Image credit: PDC
Luke Humphries Keeps Title Hopes Alive
Defending champion Luke Humphries faced off against 2021 winner Jonny Clayton, with a semi-final showdown against Ryan Joyce on the line.
In a surprising turn, the match lacked the high-scoring fireworks both players are known for. Humphries, the world number one, struggled to find his rhythm throughout, but Clayton failed to capitalise on the numerous opportunities he was given.
The first two sets were evenly split, both ending 3-1 in legs to level the match at 1-1. However, Humphries managed to create some distance in the third set.
Despite continuing to struggle in the fourth, allowing Clayton a chance to fight back, Humphries delivered a stunning 11-dart leg in the final set to secure victory and keep his title defence alive.
Dimitri Van den Bergh Joins His Belgian Brother
In the fourth and final quarterfinal of the evening, reigning UK Open champion Dimitri Van den Bergh squared off against Joe Cullen.
The match proved challenging for both players, but Van den Bergh's impressive scoring, highlighted by seven 180s, ultimately propelled him to victory, despite a lacklustre finishing performance.
Cullen struggled to find his rhythm throughout, and Van den Bergh clinched the match 3-1 to advance to the semi-finals. "Dancing Dimitri" will now face his close friend and fellow Belgian, Mike De Decker, in the next round.
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