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Humphries and Littler Reach Grand Slam Semis as Rankings Stakes Intensify

Littler can take the world No 1 spot simply by reaching the final.

Overview

  • Luke Humphries defeated Michael Smith 16-8, stopping a 7-7 fightback with a pivotal 138 checkout after both men flirted with nine-darters.
  • The reigning world No 1 now faces Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals in Wolverhampton.
  • Defending champion Luke Littler came from 9-6 down to beat Josh Rock 16-12, averaging 105.18 and hitting 11 180s.
  • Littler will meet Danny Noppert next and will move to world No 1 if he makes the final under the PDC’s two-year prize-money system.
  • During the Humphries–Smith match, Smith twice cut his forehead by scratching it with a dart point, while Humphries said he even tried to recreate Smith’s famed Ally Pally nine-darter in their near-perfect leg.