2024 World Matchplay: Luke Humphries Beats James Wade to Make His First Blackpool Final

In the first semi-final of the 2024 World Matchplay, world number one and tournament favourite Luke Humphries faced off against his training partner for the week, the veteran James Wade. 

Wade, the surprise package of the tournament, had previously shocked fans in his quarterfinal clash against Ross Smith, where he hit a staggering 13 180s. Humphries knew he needed to bring his A-game to overcome the 2007 champion.

Humphries capitalised on Wade's early missed double, securing the first break of throw in the opening leg. 

Despite this setback, Wade's scoring prowess from his previous match remained sharp. He quickly matched the world number one, going toe to toe over the next four legs. As a result, the players shared the legs evenly, with Cool Hand Luke taking a narrow 3-2 lead into the first interval. 

The intensity continued, as neither player could gain a decisive advantage, and the match progressed evenly to 5-5.

Humphries appeared poised to break Wade’s throw again in the 11th leg, but the 41-year-old responded with a trademark 101 three-dart checkout to take a 6-5 lead. 

Cool Hand Luke quickly held his throw to level the match, and then exploited another opportunity to break Wade, sealing double 20 on his third dart to regain the lead at 7-6.

He then maintained this narrow advantage, entering the third interval with an 8-7 lead.

Image credit: PDC

Humphries really started to find his rhythm in the following stages. He comfortably held his throw in the 16th leg to go two ahead, then broke Wade’s throw with an 87 two-dart checkout, extending his lead to 10-7. 

The reigning world champion continued his onslaught, winning the next two legs to secure a commanding 12-7 advantage. Although Wade's performance was solid, the scoreline reflected Humphries' clinical precision. Wade managed to secure the final leg of the fourth mini session before the fourth and final interval.