Image source, Getty Images

That's your lot for tonight, folks, after a brilliant first day back following the Christmas break!

In the afternoon session, Damon Heta hit a nine-darter but lost, Jonny Clayton held off Daryl Gurney's valiant fightback and Stephen Bunting advanced with a polished display.

Then this evening, Gerwyn Price and Joe Cullen played out an instant classic, Peter Wright overcame illness to win in style before world champion Luke Humphries cruised through.

You can read about it all here in Callum Matthews' report.

We'll be back for tomorrow's evening session - when a certain Luke Littler is back in action - from 18:45 GMT. Be sure to join us then!

Image source, PA Media

Here's how Saturday's schedule looks at the World Darts Championship...

Afternoon Session (12:30)

Third round

Ryan Joyce v Ryan Searle

Scott Williams v Ricardo Pietreczko

Nathan Aspinall v Andrew Gilding

Evening Session (19:00)

Third round

Chris Dobey v Josh Rock

Michael van Gerwen v Brendan Dolan

Luke Littler v Ian White

There will be live text commentary on the evening session from 18:45 GMT on the BBC Sport website and app.

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Here's how the draw is shaping up after another action-packed day at Alexander Palace. Players face the opponent directly below or above in the next round. I.e Stephen Bunting will play Luke Woodhouse in round four, while Jonny Clayton plays Gerwyn Price.

First quarter

(1) Luke Humphries (England)

(17) Peter Wright (Scotland)

(8) Stephen Bunting (England)

Luke Woodhouse (England)

Second quarter

(4) Luke Littler (England) v Ian White (England)

Ryan Joyce (England) v (20) Ryan Searle (England)

Scott Williams (England) v Ricardo Pietreczko (Germany)

(12) Nathan Aspinall (England) v (21) Andrew Gilding (England)

Third quarter

Kevin Doets (Netherlands) v (31) Krzysztof Ratajski (Poland)

(15) Chris Dobey (England) v (18) Josh Rock (Northern Ireland)

(7) Jonny Clayton (Wales)

(10) Gerwyn Price (Wales)

Fourth quarter

(3) Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands) v (30) Brendan Dolan (Northern Ireland)

Jeffrey de Graaf (Sweden) v Paolo Nebrida (Philippines)

Ricky Evans (England) v Robert Owen (Wales)

(11) Dimitri van den Bergh (Belgium) v Callan Rydz (England)

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Luke Humphries talking to Sky Sports: "It was one of those games where I didn't want to take it for granted. He played a lot better and he was relaxed. I was expecting a tough game. I knew I wasn't firing I suspected there was so much more to give, but it just wasn't coming out of me. It was a solid performance, as long as I keep winning every set that is all that matters.

"I don't want to give anyone an inch because they can take a mile. I'm not going to give up this world title without a fight. It is not my best but when someone pushes me I know I can provide the goods.

"The thing I've developed the most is confidence under pressure and still winning when not at my best. A lot of people would live for an average of 98.5. Peter Wright in the next round, I'm looking forward to that, trust me. He said he doesn't fear me and Luke Littler so we'll see in the next round."

Luke Humphries is safely through to face Peter Wright - who impressed in the evening's second game - in the last 16.

The defending champion averaged 98.59, hit four 180s and 12 of his 23 darts at double.

More than good enough to win tonight but with plenty more to come as the tournament progresses.

Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on Sky Sports

If I'm being critical of Luke Humphries, I would maybe score this seven out of 10 because I know what he's capable of, but in terms of how he's managed it you can't ask for much more. He did seem in a hurry to finish it early on.

There will be drama in the next few days.

Was it ever in doubt?

Luke Humphries only briefly touched his top level but he was still a cut above and cruises into the fourth round.

Nick Kenny gave his all but Humphries was simply too good.

Superb from Luke Humphries - he's a leg away now.

A magnificent 145 shuts the door on Nick Kenny, who had hit a 140 to leave himself a very manageable finish.

Humphries will throw for the match.

Luke Humphries holds but only after a brief scare.

The defending champion was in control of the leg but misses the bullseye to clinch.

That gives Nick Kenny a shot at 121 and he only just misses the double 14 to get it.

Luke Humphries is a set away from getting the job done.

Barely a ripple of applause from the crowd as he hits the double eight to wrap up the third set with a 13-darter.

They know that - barring a miracle - this one is done.

Luke Humphries is taking control now.

He is very clinical on the outer ring again, needing just one dart at double 16 to break.

He will have darts as he tries to close out the third set.

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Luke Humphries still doesn't look entirely happy but he takes out 76 to level this third set.

Nick Kenny starts a set well once more.

A 13-dart hold is sealed by a double 18. A reminder that this game isn't won yet for Luke Humphries.

Despite a very slow start by his own sky-high standards, Luke Humphries now averages 96.52 - some way off his best but not bad.

Nick Kenny has hit three of his five darts at double, though, so Cool Hand will have to be wary of giving the Welshman even a sniff.

Being broken in the first leg of the set seems to have sparked Luke Humphries into life.

He's reeled off three very efficient legs in a row and double 10 puts him two sets up.

The world champ is halfway there.

Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on Sky Sports

There are just signs that Luke Humphries is starting to settle in here.

Nick Kenny needs to ride that out, which is easier said than done.

Luke Humphries hits another 180 - his third of the match - and quickly seizes control of the leg.

He is disappointed to miss a couple of darts at double but Nick Kenny is a long way back.

Humphries returns to hit double six. These last two legs are more like what we expected in this match.

Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on Sky Sports

It feels like Luke Humphries wants to get this done in double-quick time. He needs to be a little bit patient.

The world champion might just be waking up now.

Four straight 100-plus visits - culminating in a 170 set-up - leave him 31 to break back.

He does it in two darts, hitting double eight for a 14-darter.

Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on Sky Sports

This is good and clinical from Nick Kenny.

Luke Humphries hasn't got going at all.