Reigning champion Luke Humphries secured his spot in the World Grand Prix quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko. Humphries, the world number one, delivered a crucial 180 to set up a 130 checkout, sealing an important third set that helped him progress. This win sets up a quarter-final clash with 2021 champion Jonny Clayton.
Rob Cross, fresh off an upset over pre-tournament favorite Luke Littler, continued his fine form by defeating Martin Schindler 3-1, reaching the last eight for the first time. Clayton, meanwhile, came from a set down to beat Ross Smith 3-1, while 2022 runner-up Nathan Aspinall suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to Ryan Joyce.
With big names like Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith making surprising first-round exits, Humphries continues to defend his title after coming back from a set and two legs down in his opening match against Stephen Bunting. He now looks to push deeper into the tournament, with the quarter-finals set for Friday.
The second-round action wraps up Thursday, with Gary Anderson facing Mike de Decker after his shock victory over Smith. Other matchups include Gerwyn Price against James Wade, Daryl Gurney versus Joe Cullen, and Dave Chisnall against Dimitri van den Bergh.
