In one of the biggest upsets in recent darts history, former two-time PDC world champion Peter Wright stunned reigning champion Luke Humphries 4-1 to advance to the quarter-finals of the 2024/25 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace in London.
An Aging Wright Turns Back the Clock
The 53-year-old Wright, currently ranked world No. 17, produced his vintage best form to dethrone the man most expected to defend his title. Wright averaged 101, hit 70% of his doubles, and won 17 consecutive legs on throw in a spellbinding performance.
Humphries, 12 years Wright’s junior, had previously bragged that he was “one world title away from almost matching [Wright’s] career.” But Wright used those words as motivation, determined to prove he still has what it takes to win on the sport’s biggest stage.
“Because I’m a double world champion, that’s why. I’m not too old. You’ve only got to play well for three weeks in the whole year. These three weeks are all that matters.”
– Peter Wright on how he summoned his top form
Wright’s Mastery of the Big Moments
While Humphries played well, averaging 99 and hitting 56% of his doubles, he was simply outclassed by Wright when it mattered most. An incredible 12-darter from Wright in the deciding leg of set 4, where Humphries had averaged 108, epitomized his ability to find an extra gear at crucial times.
Wright now moves on to face either Stephen Bunting or Luke Woodhouse in the quarter-finals as he chases an improbable third PDC world title that would rank him among the all-time greats.
Price Also Advances After Shaky Performance
In the other marquee matchup of the evening, 2021 champion Gerwyn Price overcame a mid-match slump to defeat fellow Welshman Jonny Clayton 4-2. Price stormed out of the gates, averaging 111 early on, but faded to a 92 average by the end.
Still, Price did just enough to move through to the quarters and keep his hopes of a second world title alive. He knows he’ll need to be much sharper as the tournament reaches its business end.
With Wright and Price still in the hunt, and Michael van Gerwen looming on the other side of the draw, this World Championship looks set for a thrilling conclusion. Write off the old guard at your peril – there is plenty of magic left in their darts.
