\n<\/p>\n
Humphries won the first set against Clemens despite averaging just 89.82, but was more purposeful in going 2-0 up with a second-set average of 108.59. <\/p>\n
He also claimed the third set but the signs of Clemens sparking into life were there. <\/p>\n
The German reached the semi-finals in 2023 but had failed to progress past round three in the past two years. <\/p>\n
He won the fourth set without dropping a leg, and took out 121 and 116 finishes.<\/p>\n
Clemens also claimed set five and at this stage he was on a roll, winning eight of 11 legs across sets three to five.<\/p>\n
This was not a case of Humphries’ level dropping – he took out 170 in set five and averaged 103.25 and 110.25 in the two that Clemens won. <\/p>\n
Clemens had three darts at double 20 to earn a deciding set but went inside on 20 and 10 before going high on the double five. <\/p>\n
Humphries needed 81 to secure his passage and, after nailing double 13 with his final dart, wheeled off in celebration and jumped around the stage fist-pumping in a rare showing of emotion and relief for the world number two. <\/p>\n
“I don’t think I really dropped off but Gabriel got a lot better,” Humphries, who averaged 100.14 to Clemens’ 101.49, told Sky Sports.<\/p>\n
“If that double 13 doesn’t go in, it is 3-3 and I’m panicking. <\/p>\n
“That could be the difference between being world champion again or not. <\/p>\n
“I just found another level there when I needed it.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n