2024 World Grand Prix Darts: Day Three Results, Cross and Humphries into the Quarterfinals
Aspinall falls to Joyce, Cross beats Schindler, Humphries dominates Pietreczko, and Clayton edges Smith in a thrilling night of darts, setting up exciting quarterfinal matchups.
Day three of the 2024 World Grand Prix Darts delivered more thrilling action as the first four last-16 clashes unfolded.
With the unique 'double in, double out' format still in play, the match intensity ramped up as the best-of-five sets structure came into effect.
The tournament, already full of surprises after the early exits of pre-tournament favourite Luke Littler, six-time champion Michael van Gerwen, and former world champions Peter Wright and Michael Smith, kept fans on edge.
Reigning champion Luke Humphries continued his title defence, while Premier League stars Nathan Aspinall and Rob Cross added to the high-stakes drama.
Nathan Aspinall Falls Short Against Ryan Joyce
Fan favourite Nathan Aspinall stepped onto the oche with his signature track, "Mr Brightside," pumping through the arena. Standing opposite him was Newcastle's Ryan Joyce.
The first four legs were tightly contested, but Aspinall shone in the fifth, missing a double 12 for a stunning 132 checkout before sealing a 12-dart leg to claim the first set.
The second set mirrored the first, but with a different outcome. Joyce fired in a 96 three-dart checkout to clinch the set 3-2.
Joyce took control, going up 2-1 in sets after a brilliant 110 checkout in the third set. Despite being on the ropes, Aspinall refused to back down. With darts in hand to secure his spot in the quarterfinals, Joyce faltered. Aspinall capitalised, hitting a 96 two-dart finish to force a final-set shootout, marking the first time he broke Joyce’s throw all match.
However, the pressure got to Aspinall in the deciding leg as he missed three match darts, handing Joyce a monumental victory and one of the biggest wins of his career.
Image credit: PDC
Rob Cross Advances Past Martin Schindler
After a confident first-round victory over rising star Littler, Rob Cross exuded confidence in the opening set against Martin Schindler, allowing his opponent just one dart at a double as he swept all three legs.
The second set was a different tale; a disaster for Cross. His struggles on doubles allowed Germany's number one to win three legs in a row, levelling the match at 1-1 on sets.
Facing a 0-2 deficit in the third set, Cross rallied to produce three spectacular legs, showing flashes of his former self. He took a 2-1 lead as errors began to pile up for Schindler. Cross ultimately closed out the match, booking his place in the quarterfinals for the first time, winning 3-1 on sets.
Cross will now meet Joyce in the next round.
Luke Humphries Dominates Ricardo Pietreczko
World number one and reigning champion Luke Humphries faced off against Ricardo Pietreczko, a familiar foe from their recent televised battles.
Humphries stormed through the first set, barely giving the German a chance.
Pietreczko fought back in the second, landing a couple of 180s to level the game.
However, "Cool Hand Luke" quickly hit the accelerator, dominating the following legs, and ultimately securing a 3-1 victory in sets. He finished in style with a 90 checkout on the bullseye.
Image credit: PDC
Jonny Clayton Edges Out Ross Smith
To wrap up the night, former World Grand Prix champion Jonny Clayton faced off against high-scoring Ross Smith in a match filled with camaraderie and competition.
Smith got off to a blazing start, dominating the first set while Clayton struggled on doubles.
The next two sets told a different story, as Smith missed multiple opportunities, allowing Clayton to leverage his experience and take control of the match.
The night had a memorable twist when a spectator proposed in the crowd, and she appeared to say yes.
Ultimately, Clayton sealed the win over Smith with a 3-1 finish and will now take on reigning champion Humphries in the quarterfinals.
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