![[post_title]](https://samony.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1766965576_Luke-Humphries-survives-scare-as-he-reaches-last-16-at-1024x683.jpg?lm=6951C14C)
World number two Luke Humphries narrowly avoided an early exit at the PDC World Darts Championship, battling past Gabriel Clemens of Germany to secure his spot in the last 16. The 2024 champion found himself in a precarious position after Clemens mounted a significant comeback, but Humphries ultimately held his nerve to clinch a 4-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
The match appeared to be heading in one direction as Humphries comfortably took the opening two sets and then secured a tight third. However, a spectacular 125 checkout from Clemens in that third set ignited a surge of momentum for the underdog, who clawed his way back into contention, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 and threatening a decider.
The crucial moment arrived in the sixth set when, with the score tied at 2-2, Clemens had three darts at a double to level the contest. He was unable to convert, and Humphries seized the opportunity, hitting the required finish to seal his progression. The palpable relief etched on Humphries’ face, accompanied by a roar, underscored the intensity of the encounter.
Clemens, who recorded an impressive average of 101.49, was left to ponder what might have been. Reflecting on the match, Humphries stated, “When I had that double to go 3-0 up I thought I had control and I don’t feel like I dropped off.” He acknowledged Clemens’ elevated play, adding, “Gabriel got a lot better and really made me work hard for it. If that double hadn’t gone in and it had been 3-3… I’m panicking.”
Elsewhere, three-time world champion Michael Van Gerwen showcased a dominant performance, dispatching German opponent Arno Merk 4-1. Van Gerwen, averaging a strong 99.7, delivered some of his finest darts of the tournament so far. His victory sets up a highly anticipated clash with veteran Scottish player Gary Anderson in the next round.
Van Gerwen expressed confidence, suggesting he had not been fully tested and possessed further untapped potential. “Was it a contest? Not for me. I played too well today (for) him,” he commented. “I think I had more in my power if I wanted to but I didn’t need it. Overall I think I played an OK game.”
In other notable matches, two-time champion Gary Anderson, aged 55, continued his strong showing by edging out Jermaine Wattimena 4-3 in a tense deciding set. Wattimena saved four match darts during the encounter, while Anderson himself narrowly missed a nine-dart finish before securing the win.
Former winner Rob Cross made swift work of Damon Heta, cruising to a 4-0 victory and earning a date with reigning champion Luke Littler. Ryan Searle also advanced with a commanding 4-0 win over German number one Martin Schindler, while Gian Van Veen underlined his credentials with a 4-1 defeat of Madars Razma.
