World Darts Championship Day 12- Evening: Luke Humphries sees off crowd favourite - 180UK.com
Darts News Match Reports PDC World Championships

World Darts Championship Day 12- Evening: Luke Humphries sees off crowd favourite

23 December 2025
Charlie Elliott

By Oliver Powell

The penultimate day of darts action before the Christmas break delivered dominant performances from two tournament favourites in Gian Van Veen and Luke Humphries, as well as comfortable victories for Nathan Aspinall and Charlie Manby who ensure they will return to Alexandra Palace for Round Three.

Gian Van Veen vs Alan Soutar

A dazzling Gian Van Veen performance left Alan Soutar helpless as the Dutchman charges into the third round with a 108.28 average.

The 2025 World Youth Champion has set down a marker to his World Championship rivals as he produced some of the best darts the Ally Pally stage has seen this year.

Soutar produced an outstanding 124 finish on the bullseye in the opening leg of the match against the darts, before going on to take the first set as Van Veen missed his first seven darts at a double.

Van Veen was on the right side of fortune to keep his championship hopes alive, as Soutar managed to bust 71 going for double eight, leaving ‘The Giant’ the opportunity to put away 72 and level the game.

Van Veen went from strength to strength in the match, reeling in the big fish to wrap up a convincing third set and reminding supporters why he’s third in the odds to win the competition.

Soutar was left without a sniff in the final two sets, not having a single dart at double as Van Veen pulled off into the distance with six dominant legs.

Madars Razma awaits The Giant after the Christmas break.

Result: Van Veen 3-0 Soutar

Nathan Aspinall vs Leonard Gates

Nathan Aspinall took care off Leonard Gates in straight sets to ensure the world number 15 will continue his world championship ambitions.

‘The Asp’ delivered a convincing performance with a 91.76 average, much needed given the pressure Gates was applying throughout the match.

After a Gates break of throw to open the match, Aspinall switched into gear to comfortably take the first set, not allowing his opponent another shot at a double since the first leg.

A similar pattern of play emerged in the second set, with Gates taking the opening leg before The Asp took a chokehold on proceedings, albeit his American opponent had crucial opportunities to finish in the final leg of the set that weren’t converted.

Set three made it a hat-trick of 3-1 victories for Aspinall without needing to hit his very best form, with three 180’s and no ton+ checkouts not making it a ‘vintage Aspinall’ performance.

Aspinall meets Dutchman Kevin Doets in Round Three, an opponent who’s had his number in five of the past six meetings between the pair.

Result: Aspinall 3-0 Gates

Luke Humphries vs Paul Lim

Humphries dominated the match, righting any wrongs of his previous meeting with Paul Lim on this stage by dropping just a single leg and cruising into round three.

In a similar vein to that of Gian Van Veen, Humphries looked to bring his finest darts in the second round, although his opponent failed to apply any pressure with an 85.24 average that could cause a player of Humphries stature to break a sweat.

An astounding 115.62 average in the second set was the highlight, demonstrating why ‘Cool Hand’ was the world champion just under two years ago.

The third set didn’t deliver the same heady heights in terms of figures, with Humphries sitting at 83.83, however that didn’t disparage what was a straightforward affair.

Lim at 71 deserves the credit he’s received for still competing at the world champs, and picking up his solitary leg of darts in the third set produced a rye smile from Humphries recognising what a tough evening it was for the Singapore star.

A 50% conversion rate on the doubles adds to what was an authoritative showing by the world number two, who prepares for German Gabriel Clemens in his mission to reclaim his crown.

Result: Humphries 3-0 Lim

Charlie Manby vs Adam Sevada

20-year-old debutant Charlie Manby secured his place in the third round to close out an evening session full of dominant performances by the favourites.

Manby comfortably put away American Adam Sevada in straight sets, averaging a commendable 90.88 to ensure ‘Champagne’ will return to Ally Pally after Christmas.

Sevada failed to provide a test similar to that of Cameron Menzies in Manby’s first match, only averaging 79.04 and having just three darts at a double in the match.

A couple of triple digit finishes rounded off a top performance by a player who looks like a veteran on the biggest stage, including a classy 114 in the final set.

Manby sets up a fascinating matchup with Ricky Evans in the third round, with two players garnering masses of support so far in the tournament, so look set to certainly split the crowd.

Result: Manby 3-0 Sevada

AS IT HAPPENS: 2025/26 PDC WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIPS

EDITORS PICKS