The third day of the 2024 World Grand Prix brought more thrilling matches and some upsets. World number four Rob Cross advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time, and Ryan Joyce continued his surprise run through the tournament.

Nathan Aspinall – Ryan Joyce

Nathan Aspinall and Ryan Joyce faced each other for the first time in a televised major tournament. The match was incredibly close, with both players holding their throw through the first six legs. It came down to a deciding set at 2-2 to separate the players. In a dramatic final set, with many missed opportunities from both sides, Joyce eventually won the match, despite Aspinall having match darts on two separate occasions.

Rob Cross – Martin Schindler

Rob Cross played impressively in his 3-1 win against Martin Schindler. Cross dominated the first set with little resistance, while Schindler struggled with his game. However, Schindler fought back strongly in the second set, winning three straight legs to level the match at 1-1. In the third set, the German seemed poised to take the lead again, but Cross recovered and won the final two legs, giving him a 2-1 lead in sets.

In the decisive fourth set, Cross maintained his focus and capitalized on Schindler’s mistakes. After starting strong and securing a 105 checkout, Cross won the set and match with a double 8. The victory means Cross has reached the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix for the first time in his career, where he will face Ryan Joyce.

Luke Humphries – Ricardo Pietreczko

Luke Humphries secured his spot in the World Grand Prix quarter-finals after a 3-1 victory over Ricardo Pietreczko in the second round. Humphries dominated the first set, winning 3-0. Pietreczko, however, leveled the match by taking the second set 3-1. In the third set, Pietreczko missed the chance to take the lead, allowing Humphries to win the set with a fine 130 checkout. In the fourth set, Humphries immediately broke Pietreczko’s throw, giving him the advantage, which he never relinquished. Humphries sealed the 3-1 victory with a 90 finish, sending the reigning champion to the quarter-finals.

Jonny Clayton – Ross Smith

Ross Smith started the strongest, winning the first set 3-0, but then lost his grip on the match. Jonny Clayton took control, winning three straight legs in the second set and taking the lead in the third after an exciting deciding leg where Smith missed the chance to reclaim the lead. Clayton capitalized on his opportunity, moving into a 2-1 lead in sets. In the fourth set, Clayton left no room for doubt, winning the set and securing a 3-1 victory. The win puts Clayton into the World Grand Prix quarter-finals for the second time in his career. The last time he reached this stage was in 2021 when Clayton went on to win the entire tournament.