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Luke Humphries came through a thriller against Gabriel Clemens as he withstood an onslaught from the German to claim a 4-2 victory and a match against either Nathan Aspinall or Kevin Doets in the last 16 of the World Darts Championship.
Humphries has his sights set on a second world title to add to his win from 2024 and overcame early jitters to take the first set with a break of throw the key, the world No 2 signalling to his family that there were some early nerves at Alexandra Palace.
However, the Englishman came out flying after the break and, with an average of over 109, he rattled through the second set, another break of throw helping him into a 2-0 lead.
Clemens came into the match in the third set – a bull, 25, bull finish for 125 the standout moment – but Humphries showed why he is the star he is as he found a sublime 12-dart leg in the decider to claim a 3-0 advantage.
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Humphries nails a 170 checkout to hold his throw against Clemens
Despite being so far behind, Clemens did not give up, and the fourth set was all his as he took out 121 and 116 checkouts on the way to bringing the tie back to 3-1, strong holds of throw in the fifth set moving the German just a set behind the tournament’s second favourite despite ‘Cool Hand’ reeling in ‘The Big Fish’ 170 checkout.
The drama just would not stop and as Clemens found 180 after 180 with ease, he gave himself a chance to take the contest to a deciding set but missed three set darts at tops, D10, then D5 to clinch the leg, Humphries showing nerves of steel to take out D13.
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Clemens took out three ton-plus checkouts to snatch back a set against Humphries
“For me, I thought you have got control now. I didn’t feel like I had dropped off. I thought Gabriel got a lot better and made me work hard for it,” Humphries told Sky Sports.
“If that D13 didn’t go on, it’s 3-3 and I’m panicking! To get that double at the end, you see that celebration, that could be the difference between being a two-time world champion and not.
“Gabriel played fantastic there. He showed a lot of grit and determination, and I found that little level when I needed it, thank God!”
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live until January 3 on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel (Sky channel 407). Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
