World No 1 Luke Humphries defended his Czech Darts Open title in Prague, defeating Josh Rock 8-5 within the ultimate.
The world champion has now received 3 times in Prague – defending the crown he received in 2022 in addition to final yr – as he produced a dominant day of darts on the PVA Expo.
Humphries earlier within the day dispatched Martin Schindler, Wessel Nijman and James Wade earlier than ending the job in opposition to Rock, who endured a second European Tour defeat in a row simply seven days on from dropping the Flanders Trophy ultimate.
Humphries, who was roared on by the passionate crowd all through, thanked the followers within the Czech capital after selecting up the eighth European title of his profession.
“I feel a bit emotional,” stated Humphries. “Typically once I play, I do not all the time really feel the love – however right here, I actually do. I’ve felt it in each recreation I’ve performed.
“If it were up to me, I’d have all 14 European Tours held here. You don’t win three times in the same place by accident – it’s clearly special to me.”
Luke Littler noticed his 19-match profitable run come to an finish as he fell to defeat in opposition to Gian van Veen within the afternoon session on Sunday, whereas Michael van Gerwen was eradicated by Rock on the similar stage.
Within the ultimate, Rock punished a sluggish begin from Humphries to determine a 3-1 cushion, earlier than defying a terrific three-leg burst from the world No 1 to revive parity with a 153 checkout in leg eight.
Nonetheless, Rock paid the worth for spurning three darts to degree at six apiece, as Humphries adopted up a scientific 98 kill by pinning double 10 to retain his title within the Czech capital.
The Northern Irishman took the positives from one other glorious match, as he accomplished a hat-trick of wins over the Dutch on Sunday by beating Van Gerwen, Van Veen and Jermaine Wattimena earlier than falling on the ultimate hurdle as soon as once more.
“We both didn’t play to our full potential,” stated Rock, “but I’m obviously happy to get to the final two weeks in a row, because it’s very hard when it comes to these European Tour tournaments.
“Again-to-back finals – completely satisfied days – I am going to get to a different one but. I am proud of my final two weeks, so I can not complain.
“I’m starting to be a proper darts player, getting further in tournaments, so I’m looking forward to the rest of the year. On to the next one!”
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