Luke Humphries produced a moment of darts history on Day Three of the Winmau World Masters, landing a sensational nine-dart leg before edging Luke Woodhouse in a dramatic deciding-leg finish to keep his title defence alive in Milton Keynes. Humphries followed a fast start by completing the perfect leg with 180, 180 and 141, thrilling the Arena MK crowd, before Woodhouse staged an outstanding fightback to level the match at 3-3. After missing three match darts, the reigning champion eventually sealed victory in sudden death. Reflecting on the feat, Humphries said: “When I hit those two 180s, I just felt like it [the nine-darter] was going to go,” before adding, “It was a great moment but if I don’t win the match it means nothing.” He also praised his opponent, noting: “Luke put me under pressure every single set… ‘the world is your oyster now.’”

Luke Littler progressed more comfortably, producing a superb 4-1 win over Ross Smith with a 107.88 average. “I played very well tonight, far better than Friday,” said the 19-year-old, who now faces Josh Rock in a highly anticipated quarter-final. Rock impressed with a 4-1 victory over Rob Cross, stating: “I think it was a very good performance from myself… It would be fantastic to have a run here.”

Elsewhere, Gerwyn Price edged Jonny Clayton in a last-leg thriller, while Danny Noppert whitewashed Stephen Bunting to book a clash with Humphries. Gian van Veen overcame Nathan Aspinall and will meet James Wade, who battled past Gary Anderson. Chris Dobey also advanced after a tense win over Damon Heta.

Finals Day takes place on Sunday, with quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final deciding the £100,000 champion.

Source: PDC.TV