Humphries pulls through to reach Matchplay semis
Luke Humphries has never reached the final at the World Matchplay
- Published
England's Luke Humphries won the final five legs to beat Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh 16-10 and book his place in the World Matchplay semi-finals in Blackpool.
The world number one raced into a 3-0 lead but Van den Bergh came roaring back to move in front 4-3.
Neither player then took the initiative as nerves appeared to creep in for both men before Humphries took control to go 11-10 ahead.
The world champion cruised to victory in the final five legs, which included a stunning 164 checkout in the 25th.
Humphries will now face England's James Wade, who overcame compatriot Ross Smith 16-10 to become the first player to reach the semi-finals.
Smith took the early initiative to lead 4-2 before Wade's experience told as he gained a foothold in the match.
The 41-year-old won five legs to move 7-4 in front and Smith never looked like recovering.
Wade, who finished two short of equalling his own Matchplay record of 15 maximum 180s, won the final three legs to reach his ninth semi-final at Winter Gardens.
Friday's quarter-finals
all times are BST
Michael van Gerwen v Andrew Gilding (20:15)
Michael Smith v Rob Cross (21:45)