Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 11, 2024 7:24 pm GMT
In a highly anticipated quarter-final showdown at the 2024 Jack’s World Series of Darts Finals, reigning champion Michael van Gerwen is set to take on rising star Luke Humphries. Both players delivered stellar performances in the earlier rounds, paving the way for this thrilling encounter at the AFAS Live venue in Amsterdam.
Impressive Performances in the Lead-Up
Van Gerwen, known for his explosive gameplay, showcased his skills in a compelling 6-3 victory over fellow Dutch player Danny Noppert. Throughout the match, he achieved a remarkable average of 106.17, hitting seven maximums and converting 60% of his double attempts. This performance marked a significant improvement from his previous match, where he averaged only 86 against Jonny Clayton.
Following the win, Van Gerwen acknowledged the tough nature of his match against Noppert, emphasizing, “It was a hard battle against Danny, he is a phenomenal player. Yesterday I underperformed big time, but tonight was a different Michael.” The victory held personal significance for Van Gerwen, who was able to celebrate in front of his family. He said, “To win in front of my kids and my wife means a lot to me, it gives me a lot of energy.”
Humphries also turned in a notable performance, edging past Damon Heta in a tense encounter that required a deciding leg. Averaging 106.09, Humphries initially took a comfortable 5-3 lead. However, Heta fought back, leveling the match at 5-5. In a critical moment, Humphries fired off a stunning 10-dart leg, sealing his victory 6-5 and securing his spot in the quarter-finals. Reflecting on his match, he stated, “Damon said he wanted a bit of fight from me and that’s what I gave him.”
Building Tension Ahead of Their Match
As Van Gerwen and Humphries prepare to face off, the tension builds with both players having contrasting recent records against one another. Despite his current form, Van Gerwen made a candid admission referencing his lackluster results against Humphries. When asked about their encounters, he remarked, “It’s not great, it’s f shocking.”
Nevertheless, Van Gerwen remains optimistic about his upcoming match. “I feel good, I feel comfortable. I think I can do a lot of damage tomorrow, especially if I keep playing like this,” he added confidently. The three-time world champion acknowledged Humphries as the better player in recent months but asserted, “If we both play our top game, I’m still the better player, and he knows that.”
Humphries, who defeated Van Gerwen in the World Matchplay final this past July, enters the upcoming match with momentum. The world number one is expected to bring his A-game, aiming to extend his winning streak against his seasoned opponent.
Highlighting Other Matches and Results
The evening’s action featured several other notable matches. Rob Cross secured a dramatic comeback victory over Kevin Doets, winning 6-5 after being down 5-3. A crucial 161 checkout from Cross shifted the momentum in his favor, ultimately leading him to victory.
In another match, Raymond van Barneveld faced a disappointing exit against Luke Littler, who emerged victorious with a score of 6-4. Littler, a rising star, has been making waves in the darts community, highlighting the generational shift within the sport. He will now move on to face Chris Dobey, who defeated Boris Krcmar 6-4 in a steady performance.
Additionally, Michael Smith advanced to the semi-finals after overcoming Wessel Nijman, who let a 5-3 lead slip away. Smith clinched the match with a final score of 6-5. Daryl Gurney also progressed with a 6-3 victory over Gerwyn Price, while Peter Wright continued his resurgence with a decisive 6-2 win against Jeff Smith.
A Look Ahead
The quarter-finals for the Jack’s World Series of Darts Finals are set to take place on Sunday, September 15, with matches beginning at 12:45 CEST. Highlights will include the much-anticipated clash between Van Gerwen and Humphries, along with other exciting matchups featuring Smith, Gurney, and Cross.
With a limited number of tickets still available, fans and darts enthusiasts can enjoy live-action matches that promise to deliver high stakes and high drama. The evening will wrap up with the semi-finals and finals, capping off an electrifying weekend for darts fans in Amsterdam.
To see live match stats and results, check out the tournament updates. The excitement is high as some of the best players compete for the big title!
