Michael Smith Faces Luke Humphries in 2025 Grand Slam After Chris Dobey Thriller
Michael Smith achieved a stunning comeback by defeating Chris Dobey 10-9 in a gripping match at the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts. This victory sets the stage for an exciting quarter-final clash with world No. 1 Luke Humphries.
Match Highlights
The match was a nail-biter, featuring a series of intense exchanges. Initially, both players traded legs evenly, with Smith and Dobey separated by a mere 3-2 lead for Dobey after five legs. The turning point came when Dobey broke Smith’s throw, but Smith countered with a remarkable 164 finish on the bull, leveling the score at 5-5. He continued his impressive form, securing two crucial legs but faced a challenge as Dobey fought back, taking the score to 9-9.
Final Leg Drama
The climactic final leg saw both players miss a staggering 18 match darts. Ultimately, Smith hit D4 to clinch the match. After the game, he reflected on his unforeseen victory, stating, “I shouldn’t have been in that match but I’ll take it.”
Quarter-Final Matchup: Smith vs. Humphries
Michael Smith will now face Luke Humphries, who advanced after defeating Jurjen van der Velde 10-3. Despite battling a back spasm, Humphries displayed remarkable resilience and skill, achieving a stunning average of 117.42 in the opening session.
Humphries’ Health Concerns
Humphries admitted to suffering from significant pain prior to the match, fearing he might have to withdraw. After three hours of treatment with his physiotherapist, he managed to perform at an elite level. “Adrenaline got me over the line,” he remarked, emphasizing his fighter spirit.
Other Results from the Grand Slam of Darts
- Gerwyn Price defeated Martin Schindler 10-6 in another competitive match.
- Ricky Evans achieved a 10-9 victory over Luke Woodhouse in a dramatic finish.
Quarter-Finals Lineup
| Matchup | Details |
|---|---|
| Ricky Evans vs. Gerwyn Price | Evans pulled off a comeback victory against Woodhouse. |
| Luke Humphries vs. Michael Smith | Humphries returns to face Smith after his impressive win over van der Velde. |
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming matches to see if Michael Smith can continue his resurgence against the top-seeded Humphries.
