“Live Blog Jon Boon, Features writer Updated: 23:31, 29 Dec 2024 THE World Darts Championship is rolling on at speed – and a new champion will be crowned at Ally Pally. Peter Wright shocked the world by knocking out defending champ Luke Humphries in the last 16. Before that, Gerwyn Price got the better of his Welsh”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
- Jon Boon, Features writer
- Updated: 23:31, 29 Dec 2024
Peter Wright shocked the world by knocking out defending champ Luke Humphries in the last 16.
Before that, Gerwyn Price got the better of his Welsh counterpart, Jonny Clayton, to book his spot in the quarter-finals.
In Monday’s featured match, teenage sensation Luke Littler will go head-to-head with Ryan Joyce after the 17-year-old beat Ian White 4-1 to progress on Saturday night.
Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen will also be in action as he faces Jeffrey de Graaf.
- Start time: From 12:45pm GMT
- Live stream: NOW TV / Sky Sports app
- TV channel: Sky Sports Darts
- Explainer: What is the prize money?
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- Owen retains Tour CardThank to his win tonight, Robert Owen will keep his Tour Card.
He said: “It’s massive for me and my family – retaining my Tour card means the world to me and it’s a big relief.
“Now I can relax, enjoy myself and when I enjoy myself, I play good darts.
“I’m supposed to be back at work at 12.30 tomorrow, but I hope the bosses understand that I’m not there.
“I don’t think they have got any choice, but they are pretty good when it comes to me playing darts.”
- Price enjoying the crowdUsually, Gerwyn Price is the pantomime villain of Ally Pally, but this time he’s being cheered.
Price said:
I have never had it so good. I appreciate it. I don’t know if I have to keep playing bad as they might get on my back if I play well.“I have been struggling with form all year, which is so annoying because I know I can still play darts.
“They are a bit better to me this year and and that helps me through games when you are not playing so well.”
- Price reactionI thought I blew Jonny away in the first two sets but then I couldn’t hit a barn door and was trying too hard, like the Joe Cullen game.
“I didn’t play my best but I scrambled to a win and I am in the quarter-finals. I promise you I will get better.
“I haven’t played too bad this year but missed doubles have cost me, giving legs away. Just not here.
“It was a tough game in more senses than one.
“I wanted to win but he’s a great friend We talk in the breaks and he says ‘good darts’ and I say ‘good darts’ but then I’m like ‘Jonny, go away!'”.
- The all-important statsWright nailed an astonishing 70 per cent of his doubles against Humphries.
And that average of 100.93 wasn’t too shabby either.
- More from WrightLucky that I wasn’t playing the Luke Humphries of last year as he was absolutely awesome then.
“I am a double world champion. I wanted to win it for the third time. I am not too old.
“You only have to play well for two-and-a-half weeks in the whole year. Doesn’t matter what else you do.
“This is all that matters. I am in the quarter-finals
“I thought I played rubbish tonight. I hope I can play better and score better in the next round. As long as this crowd are behind me, I have a great hence.”
- Who will Wright face next?It’ll be Bunting or Woodhouse in the quarters for Snakebite.
We’ll see that in the new year.
- Wright reactionPeter Wright lauds the crowd support he got at Ally Pally.I have never had [crowd] support like this in my life. Thank you!
“Luke gave me a load of chances and didn’t play like he can.”
- Humphries is out!That was absolutely unbelievable from Snakebite.
And what brilliant sportsmanship from Luke. He hugs Wright, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
The two seem the best of pals now!
Unreal scenes.
- Humphries 0-3 Wright (1-4)Wright is down to a finish before Humphries.
164 will do it.
He scores 132, to leave the 32, because he knows he is coming back at it.
Double 8 goes!
- Humphries 0-2 Wright (1-3)Wright, needing 140, leaves double tops.
He knows Humphries is way out on 230s.
And Wright nails the double tops for a 13-dart leg.
Wright has got the throw for the match.
- Humphries 0-1 Wright (1-3)Back to back 180s from Humphries.
But will he get a shot at breaking the Wright throw? Wright needs the bull.
He gets it! This is insane from Peter Wright.
- Humphries 2-3 Wright (1-3)Wright was on a nine darter into his fifth dart, but missed.
He returned and scored another 180. Unbelievable.
He forces himself into double tops away from landing another set, as Luke looks on.
And he nails it after setting the marker! Sensational from Snakebite.
- Humphries 2-2 Wright (1-2)Disappointing visit.
Humphries doesn’t want a deciding leg, and he’s left 167 – looking for a 180.
Wright gets his score down to 89. Luke’s on 72.
Wright’s 89 goes! A masterclass on finishing.
- Humphries 2-1 Wright (1-2)Humphries has to take 127, surely?
Wright’s on a finish at 167, but Humphries was all over the place – leaving 72.
Now they’re both on 72s, but Luke gets there first and nails the double tops.
- Humphries 1-1 Wright (1-2)The only surprise so far is there’s only been one maximum each from both players.
And just as I say that, Wright nails his second 180!
Wright needs 41 to go next, and double 16 does. He’s nine out of 12 on the doubles, Insane.
- Humphries 1-0 Wright (1-2)Humphries leaves double 8 with a 79 score.
Wright won’t finish with 269.
And Humphries finds the double 4. Easy first leg from him.
- Humphries 2-3 Wright (1-2)137 – that’s a fantastic set of darts by Humphries.
He puts Wright under pressure on his throw, who then replies with a 140 himself.
Wright closes double 18 to finish 96. And he’s won another set!
- Humphries 2-2 Wright (1-1)Humphries leaves tops with a low 30 plus score.
Wright’s on 112.
But it doesn’t matter, Humphries holds throw.
- Humphries 1-2 Wright (1-1)Cool Hand Luke maintains the 140 parade with two on the bounce.
Wright joins the club with his next go.
Humphries leaves 161.
Wright has a go at 124, then leaves 24 with a score of 100.
Humphries doesn’t finish 161, and Wright gets over the line with a double 6.
- Humphries 1-1 Wright (1-1)Humphries was miles off a treble 20 there. He’s had five more treble-less visits than Wright too.
But, he’s down to a double tops.
Wright applies pressure leaving 56.
But Cool Hand Luke gets over the line.
- Humphries 0-1 Wright (1-1)Wright requires 83.
He gets 83, with a double 9!
He swapped darts, too.
- Humphries 3-2 Wright (1-1)What an end to the set.
Humphries holds his nerve, his throw, and levels with a double 8.
Wright threw everything at him.
- Humphries 2-2 Wright (0-1)His first 180 of the contest is livening Humphries up now.
Wright can’t close 164, but leaves 32.
Humphries hits 105 – leaving 36. Wright urged him to a 141 checkout there.
Wright finds the double 16.
- Humphries 2-1 Wright (0-1)Double 16 goes for Humphries.
And now he’s edged ahead, and has a chance to level the match on one each.
That’s more like it.
- Humphries 1-1 Wright (0-1)And we’re level again.
Wright is very impressive tonight. He’s come out and is giving it large.
His pre-match fighting talk has fired him up.