Luke Humphries survived a massive scare as Gabriel Clemens threatened the biggest upset of the World Darts Championship before the 2024 winner pulled through.
England's Humphries was coasting along and led three sets to nil before the German Giant found his form, winning two sets and then missing three darts to send the game to a deciding set.
But the world number two, who averaged 100.14, kept his nerve and took out 81 to ensure his place in the last 16 where he will meet Nathan Aspinall or Kevin Doets.
He celebrated victory with a huge roar of relief, leaving Clemens - who averaged 101.49 - to reflect on what might have been.
Humphries told Sky Sports: "When I had that double to go 3-0 up I thought I had control and I don't feel like I dropped off.
"Gabriel got a lot better and really made me work hard for it. If that double hadn't gone in and it had been 3-3... I'm panicking.
"For me to get that double - you've seen the celebration there at the end - it means a lot. That could be the difference between being a two-time world champion and not."
HUMPHRIES WINS A CLASSIC!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 28, 2025
What. A. Match! 🔥
Luke Humphries defies an INSPIRED fightback from Gabriel Clemens to win another remarkable contest at this year's World Championship!
📺 https://t.co/59TualjgND #WCDarts | R3 pic.twitter.com/lZqGZ1OvGe
Earlier, third favourite Gian van Veen was too good for Latvia's Madars Razma.
The 23-year-old Dutchman averaged 97.91 in a 4-1 victory. He will face the winner of Ricky Evans and Charlie Manby.
WHAT A WAY TO WIN IT! 👏
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 28, 2025
Gian van Veen produces a fabulous 125 checkout to complete an emphatic 4-1 victory over Madars Razma!
📺 https://t.co/59TualjgND #WCDarts | R3 pic.twitter.com/I9tXhX0Smb
A crowd including Ryder Cup golfers Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton also saw three-time world champion Michael Van Gerwen beat Arno Merk 4-1.
The Dutchman, who averaged 99.7, produced some of his best play at the championship so far as he overcame the in-form German to set up a clash with Scottish veteran Gary Anderson.
Van Gerwen later claimed he had not been challenged and still had plenty of room for improvement.
He said: "Was it a contest? Not for me. I played too well today (for) him. We all know what he is capable of but I played good today.
"I think I had more in my power if I wanted to but I didn't need it. Overall I think I played an OK game."
Earlier two-time champion Anderson, 55, maintained his impressive form by holding his nerve in the deciding set to beat Jermaine Wattimena 4-3.
Dutchman Wattimena saved four match darts in total, while Anderson missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish in the decider before sealing a thrilling win.
Rob Cross, another past winner, thrashed Damon Heta 4-0 to book a date with reigning champion Luke Littler while Ryan Searle beat German number one Martin Schindler 4-0.
Monday 29 December
Afternoon Session (1230)
Round Three
Justin Hood v Ryan Meikle
Ricky Evans v Charlie Manby
Nathan Aspinall v Kevin Doets
Evening Session (1900)
Round Three x1
Josh Rock v Callan Rydz
Round Four x 2
James Hurrell v Ryan Searle
Luke Littler v Rob Cross
Additional reporting: PA
