This should be a cracker of a quarter-final with Luke Humphries favourite but having lost all four matches against Gian van Veen this year.
I'm expecting this to go the distance with over 7.5 sets backed and for Gian van Veen with a +1.5 handicap. The Giant could also pull off an upset.
Luke Humphries vs Gian van Veen - Tale Of The Tape
| Luke Humphries | Category | Gian van Veen |
|---|---|---|
| England | Nation | Netherlands |
| 30 | Age | 23 |
| Cool Hand Luke | Nickname | The Giant |
| 2 | World Ranking (PDC OoM) | 10 |
| Winner (2024) | PDC World Champs Best | Round 4 (2026) |
| 1/3 | Match Odds | 10/3 |
| 3/1 | Tournament Odds | 9/1 |
Head to Head
The head-to-head stands at 4-4 but it is Gian van Veen with the upper hand having won the last four meetings.
All four of them came in 2025 in the Players Championship, World Matchplay, European Championship Final and Players Championship Finals.
Luke Humphries Form
Luke Humphries' season includes titles in the Premier League Finals, Czech Darts Open and US Darts Masters
The former winner began his 2026 World Championship campaign with a professional 3-1 victory over Ted Evetts with a 98+ average and eight 180s.
His average was at a similar level in a one-sided second round against veteran Paul Lim. Humphries completed the job in straight sets to progress to the third round.
In the third round, Humphries averaged 100 and needed it too as he held off an impressive Gabriel Clemens 4-2. He was more impressive in the last 16, averaging 103 in a dominant 4-1 win over Kevin Doets.
Gian van Veen Form
Gian van Veen came into the World Championships in the form of his life, having beaten Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries in the European Championship Finals.
The two-time World Youth Champion got the better of Cristo Reyes in his opening match at Ally Pally, before averaging 108 in a 3-1 victory over Alan Soutar.
The Giant sealed a comfortable 4-1 victory over Madars Razma in the third round and again brought his best to the Ally Pally stage in the fourth round.
Van Veen posted an average of 98+ as he defeated Charlie Manby 4-1 to continue his dream run in the World Championship.
Verdict
Gian van Veen has had Luke Humphries' measure in all four clashes this year. He could pull off another upset on the biggest stage. Take him with a +1.5 set handicap and for this to go over 7.5 sets.
Live Stream
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