World Matchplay Darts: Luke Humphries joins the greats after beating Michael van Gerwen to assert title in Blackpool

Luke Humphries grew to become simply the fourth man to win the World Championship and World Matchplay in the identical yr after a dramatic conquer Michael van Gerwen in Blackpool.

The world No 1, who received at Alexandra Palace in January, cemented his place on the summit of the game with a shocking 18-15 win over Van Gerwen on the Winter Gardens.

Victory sees him be part of the Dutchman, Phil Taylor and Peter Wright in profitable the 2 most prestigious competitions in the identical yr.

The match may have gone both means, with Van Gerwen lacking 4 darts to make it 16-16 as Humphries claimed a maiden Matchplay title.

“I am really blessed to be up on this stage in this great sport. To put my name on the Phil Taylor Trophy means the world to me,” Humphries informed Sky Sports activities.

“I’ve just got to a level where I feel really comfortable. I’ve worked incredibly hard on my game and this is the reward I get for it.”

Victory sees Humphries be part of Van Gerwen, Phil Taylor and Peter Wright in profitable the 2 most prestigious competitions in the identical yr.

Since Humphries was overwhelmed within the Matchplay semi-final 12 months in the past he has made eight finals in 10 main tournaments, profitable seven of them in a stellar yr the place he has persistently been the perfect participant, with solely Luke Littler for competitors.

And he has a hoodoo over Van Gerwen as this was the eighth-straight victory over the Dutchman, who was eyeing a fourth title in Blackpool.

Van Gerwen hoped to finish a lean 12 months by profitable his largest match for the reason that 2023 Premier League however got here up quick in opposition to the Humphries juggernaut.

It was an enthralling battle that might have gone both means and Van Gerwen shall be leaving with regrets as he had 4 darts to stage at 16-16 after which one other three to make it 17-16.

However Humphries claimed a maiden title in Blackpool and a £200,000 payday, by taking out 100 as his domination continued.

Van Gerwen stated: “We all know I didn’t start off the game very well, but I had my chances. I made mistakes but I also felt I was the better player. I have to do a little bit more.

“I all the time battle, however if you hold lacking doubles it may be such a irritating recreation typically.

“People need to know I never give up.

“I will make [this rivalry with Humphries] actually troublesome within the subsequent couple of years. I simply felt I deserved slightly bit extra.”

What’s subsequent on Sky Sports activities?

The 2024 BoyleSports World Grand Prix is subsequent on the Sky Sports activities darting calendar.

The annual £600,000 match will happen on the Mattioli Area in Leicester from October 7-13, as 32 of the world’s prime stars compete for the coveted title which was received by Luke Humphries.

Humphries celebrated his maiden TV rating title with victory over Gerwyn Worth in final yr’s match, and the world No 1 will return to defend his title later this yr.

Six-time champion Michael van Gerwen can also be set to star, with teenage celebrity Luke Littler poised to make his double-start debut within the East Midlands.

In a change to final yr’s format, Saturday’s semi-finals on October 12 shall be contested over the perfect of 9 units, with the ultimate set to be performed over the perfect of 11 units on Sunday, October 13.

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