Cool Hand Luke Humphries strode through Alexandra Palace with the composure of a man utterly unmoved by sentiment, calmly and clinically dispatching the evergreen Paul Lim with the concession of just a solitary leg.
For a fleeting moment, the crowd dared to dream. The opening two visits to the oche delivered a perfect snapshot of what everyone hoped this contest might become – maximums traded like ceremonial salutes, respect wrapped in tungsten. Lim, as he so often does, rolled back the years. Humphries nodded politely. And then the world number two went to work.
What followed was ruthless efficiency. The 2024 champ roared into a 2–0 set lead, scoring with authority and control, the darts flowing as if guided rather than thrown. There was a brief easing of pressure, a gentle lifting of the foot from the accelerator, and Lim was allowed his chalk on the board – a courtesy rather than a concession. The Singapore Slinger accepted it with gratitude. Humphries begrudged him nothing. Because admiration does not interfere with obligation.
As the Berkshire born superstar later admitted on stage, fan or not, there was a job to be done. It was completed with minimum fuss and maximum professionalism. After all, it was only a few year’s back the legendary Lim caused Luke’s Ally Pally exit. Humphries now retreats into the Christmas interval, where a reunion with the resurgent Gabriel Clemens awaits – another stern examination.
Beginning the evening’s action, the Palace faithful bore witness to something altogether more explosive. Reigning European and World Youth Champion Gian van Veen ignited the night with a performance that currently stands as the benchmark of the tournament. From a set down, the Dutch prodigy detonated into life, tearing past the impressive Alan Soutar in breathtaking fashion.
Remarkably, van Veen had not won a single match on the Ally Pally stage prior to this year’s championship. And yet, he arrived as the bookmakers’ third favourite to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy. On this evidence, that faith was not misplaced. A monstrous 108.28 average thundered through the building – a statement performance if ever there was one.
It could have been different. Soutar began as he had against Teemu Harju in his opening tie – fearless, forceful, fully engaged. Van Veen scored heavily but misfired on the doubles, and the Scot snatched the deciding leg to take the opening set against the darts. Then came the moment. Needing 71 to double his advantage, Soutar agonisingly drifted into a neighbouring double and busted his score. Van Veen returned, efficient and unforgiving, and levelled the match. From there, the contest became a procession. Six legs on the spin. Total dominance. A merciless surge that included yet another searing 170 checkout to send the crowd into rapture. Soutar was excellent. Van Veen was simply superior. The reward is a post-Christmas meeting with Latvia’s Madars Razma.
Also safely through is two-time PDC major winner Nathan Aspinall, who booked his place in round three with a straight-sets victory over the flamboyant Leonard Gates. The dancing Texan never truly found top gear, and in truth neither did The Asp, but control matters more than fireworks at this stage. Every set ended 3–1 in legs to the Stockport man. Professional. Efficient. Drama-free. Aspinall now advances to face Kevin Doets.
And to close the penultimate night before the Christmas ceasefire, the fairytale continues for debutant Manby. Champagne Charlie delivered a composed, dominant straight-sets victory over Adam Sevada, whose below-par display marked the end of North American interest in this year’s championship. For Manby, however, the future continues to glitter.
The Huddersfield youngster, long tipped for big things, played with the assurance of someone utterly at home on the biggest stage. If nerves were present, they were expertly concealed. Scoring was solid. Finishing was decisive – just shy of 50 percent – while Sevada was starved of opportunities, limited to just three darts at double across the entire match, of which he pinned just the soltary effort. Victory for Manby now sets up a mouth-watering all-English clash with Ricky Evans the other side of Christmas.
After a tournament riddled with ambushes and upheaval, this was a session that largely obeyed the expected order. Which, at Alexandra Palace, often makes it all the more ominous.
MONDAY 22nd DECEMBER – Monday Evening Session
Gian Van Veen 3-1 Alan Soutar
Nathan Aspinall 3-0 Leonard Gates
Luke Humphries 3-0 Paul Lim
Charlie Manby 3-0 Ricky Evans
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
