"A lot of people discredited me said about standing no chance" - Humphries pleased to prove doubters wrong with Van Gerwen win

Luke Humphries heads into the final day of the Grand Slam of Darts later today after seeing off Michael van Gerwen in a 16-10 win where despite both not being at their best, 'Cool Hand Luke' dominated in periods and could've been an even more comfortable winner reaching the semi-finals.

"I am delighted. I think a lot of people discredited me said about standing no chance being the first to 16 legs but I just proved them wrong. The averages 95, 96 weren't the best in the world but there were a lot of missed doubles in there especially from Michael.

"I had a lot of clutch finishes and that gave me control to go on and win the game. I don't think we were nervous, we were just trying too hard to get a big lead on each other.

"I think the last 16 legs from the break, I thought I played really well, I was much more clinical and much more like a champion would be because if I played like I did in the first 10 legs, I wouldn't be winning this title no way."

Read also

Humphries dumps out struggling three-time champion Van Gerwen to reach Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals, set to face Aspinall

But he is not getting ahead of himself in terms of winning the title and believes it will be a good day regardless.

"I'm not going to get ahead of myself because there's a long way to go so it's going to be a lot of ups and downs tomorrow. But I have envisioned myself winning a major and I know I can do it but there are players waiting to win one. Two of us have never won one, one has and Barney has won loads but I think it's going to be an exciting day of darts."

He also spoke more about the Van Gerwen effect and how he was discounted as soon as he stepped on the oche and that 18 months ago he likely wouldn't have won.

"People discount you when you play Van Gerwen saying you've got no chance playing first to 16 as he's too strong but I proved there if you stick in there. The resilience I've gained in the last 18 months, I've gained that mental strength and not let it affect me."

Read also

Tournament centre 2022 Grand Slam of Darts: Schedule, results, prize money breakdown and TV guide