CALLAN RYDZ is through to the quarter-finals of the World Darts Championship for the first time after claiming a 4-1 win over Alan Soutar.

But hopes of a potential all-North East semi-final were dashed this afternoon when Chris Dobey lost a final-set decider against Luke Humphries.

Bedlington-based Rydz had never previously progressed beyond the second round at Alexandra Palace, but after losing the opening set against Scotsman Soutar – the first set he had dropped in the whole tournament – he rattled off four quickfire sets to reach the last eight.

The 23-year-old has achieved some excellent results on the floor this season, and is delighted to have successfully transferred his form to the biggest stage of all.

“I’m winning games and the confidence is growing,” said Rydz. “I lost the first set, and it’s the first set I’ve lost (at this year’s Championships), but that’s probably the best I’ve felt, losing that first set. That pressure’s off then. Then, I really played after that.

“I was never going to win every game to nil, so I’m actually happy now I’ve lost a set and I can concentrate on my own game.

“We’ll see what happens. At the minute, it’s going well, but hopefully I want it to continue.

"If you’re going to do it right, on the stage is the time to do it. I’ve had a good year on the floor, and I’m so happy it’s coming out on the big stage now.

"It’s coming all together, and now it’s on to the quarter-final.”

Newcastle’s Dobey was in the same quarter of the draw, having received a bye to the last 16 when former World champion Michael van Gerwen was forced to withdraw because of Covid.

He looked destined for the last eight himself when he performed superbly to race into a 3-1 lead against Humphries.

However, his seeded opponent dug deep to turn the tide, with three huge ton-plus finishes ultimately proving decisive.

“I got human at the end, my nerves kicked in,” said Humphries, who scored 177 to leave tops before missing match darts and finally finishing the job on double one. “At the end my hand was shaking, my heart was going mad. Nerves got the better of me.

“It’s time for me to kick on now. The last two-quarter finals I was very new to the tour. But I’ve got more knowledge and experience now to go into the next game with more ambition to go further.”