Luke Humphries edged past Gabriel Clemens to reach the fourth round of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, as multiple former champions continued their runs at Alexandra Palace on Sunday.

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Humphries Holds Off Clemens in Tense Third-Round Clash

Humphries, the 30-year-old former champion, raced into a commanding 3-0 lead against Germany’s Clemens before being pegged back to 3-2. Clemens, who reached the semi-finals in 2023, missed darts to level the match, allowing Humphries to eventually secure a 4-2 victory.

The world number two averaged 100.14, narrowly behind Clemens’ 101.49, and needed a crucial double 13 to seal the win. Humphries expressed relief after the match:

“If that double 13 doesn’t go in, it is 3-3 and I’m panicking. That could be the difference between being world champion again or not. I just found another level there when I needed it.”

Humphries will face Nathan Aspinall or Kevin Doets in the fourth round, aiming to defend his 2024 title.

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Van Gerwen, Anderson, Cross Progress

Three-time champion Michael van Gerwen also advanced with a 4-1 victory over German debutant Arno Merk. Van Gerwen will face two-time winner Gary Anderson in the last 16, after Anderson survived a thrilling 4-3 contest against Jermaine Wattimena, including a near nine-dart finish in the deciding set.

Anderson, aiming to become the tournament’s oldest champion at 55, averaged 102.24, with a checkout success of 37.5%. He said after the match:

“It’s no good for my age. It’s hard, especially with Jermaine on you. What a game.”

Defending champion Luke Littler will meet Rob Cross, who comfortably beat Australian 16th seed Damon Heta 4-0, in the next round.

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Other Third-Round Winners

• Gian van Veen (10) defeated Latvia’s Madars Razma 4-1.
• Ryan Searle (20) demolished Germany’s Martin Schindler (13) 4-0, reaching the fourth round for the first time since 2021.

The third round showcased high-quality darts and several tense finishes, highlighting the competitive depth of the World Championship field.

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Upcoming Matches (Third Round)

Monday, 30 December

• Afternoon session (12:30 GMT): Justin Hood vs Ryan Meikle, Ricky Evans vs Charlie Manby, Nathan Aspinall (15) vs Kevin Doets
• Evening session (19:00 GMT): Josh Rock (11) vs Callan Rydz

Fourth Round

• James Hurrell vs Ryan Searle (20)
• Luke Littler (1) vs Rob Cross (17)