Luke Humphries will continue his title defence against Peter Wright after continuing his title defence with a crushing 4-0 win over Nick Kenny at Alexandra Palace on a day which also saw Damon Heta hit a nine-dart finish.
The world number one dropped just four legs in a convincing display over Kenny, who was restricted to just seven double attempts.
“It was one of those games I didn’t want to take for granted because of how well Nick played in his last game,” said Humphries.
“There’s so much more to give but it just wasn’t coming out tonight, but I’m pleased to be through.
“I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight and I’m looking forward to playing Peter Wright next.”
Wright defied a chest infection to claim an impressive 4-2 win over Jermaine Wattimena.
The two-time World Champion fired in ten 180s on his way to victory over in-form Dutchman Wattimena.
“I think Jermaine maybe felt a bit sorry for me,” said Wright.
“[The chest infection] wasn’t affecting my darts. Hopefully I’ll feel a bit better by the time I play my next game.
“I think experience got me through tonight, along with the support from the crowd.”
Heta produced his nine-dart heroics on his way to levelling up his contest against Harrows stablemate Luke Woodhouse. But, the Australian number one lost his range midway through the tie, and Woodhouse capitalised with a nine-leg surge to progress to the last 16 for the first time.
I was as excited as Damon when the nine-darter went in,” joked Woodhouse, who dumped out World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker in round two.
“It’s a brilliant feeling; to come back against a player like Damon is a massive achievement for me, and I’m just looking forward to the next game now.”
Woodhouse will play Stephen Bunting for a place in the quarter-finals, after the Masters champion posted a ton-topping average in his 4-1 demolition of Latvia’s Madars Razma.
The Paddy Power World Darts Championship continues on Saturday, as six fourth round ties take place across two sessions.
Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen headline the evening session, while Nathan Aspinall features in the afternoon action.
2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Friday December 27
Third Round
Afternoon Session
Luke Woodhouse 4-3 Damon Heta (3-2, 1-3, 2-3, 2-3, 3-0, 3-0, 3-0) – Damon Heta hits nine-dart finish
Jonny Clayton 4-3 Daryl Gurney (3-2, 3-1, 3-0, 1-3, 0-3, 1-3, 3-1)
Stephen Bunting 4-1 Madars Razma (3-1, 3-0, 2-3, 3-0, 3-2)
Evening Session
Gerwyn Price 4-3 Joe Cullen (3-2, 3-2, 3-1, 1-3, 1-3, 1-3, 6-5)
Peter Wright 4-2 Jermaine Wattimena (3-1, 3-1, 2-3, 3-0, 0-3, 3-1)
Luke Humphries 4-0 Nick Kenny (3-2, 3-1, 3-1, 3-0)
Saturday December 28
Third Round
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
Ryan Joyce v Ryan Searle
Scott Williams v Ricardo Pietreczko
Nathan Aspinall v Andrew Gilding
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
Chris Dobey v Josh Rock
Michael van Gerwen v Brendan Dolan
Luke Littler v Ian White
Sunday December 29
Third Round
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
Jeffrey de Graaf v Paolo Nebrida
Kevin Doets v Krzysztof Ratajski
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Callan Rydz
Sunday December 29 (1900 GMT)
Third Round
Ricky Evans v Robert Owen
Fourth Round
Jonny Clayton v Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries v Peter Wright
All matches best of seven sets
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
