Danny Noppert took the title in sensational fashion at the eighth
Players Championship tournament of the year. 'The Freeze' defeated world champion
Luke Humphries to win a Players Championship tournament for the fifth time in his career.
The Dutchman won earlier in his first two rounds against Robert Owen (6-3) and Jim Williams (6-2), before Noppert had to work hard in the last 32. He trailed 4-5 against Stephen Burton, but still managed to come through 6-5.
Then a big test awaited against former world champion Gerwyn Price, but the Welshman was defeated 6-3. Then Kevin Doets (6-3) and Radek Szaganski (7-2) could not give Noppert a hard time.
However, the former UK Open champion had yet to beat the man in form, Luke Humphries. 'Cool Hand Luke' had dealt with the likes of Jeffrey de Zwaan (6-1), Chris Dobey (6-5), Gary Anderson (6-4) and Gian van Veen (7-6) on his way to the final.
In the final, Humphries took a 3-1 lead via a 12-darter, but with three good legs, Noppert retook the lead. Humphries had three chances to break Noppert in the 11th leg, but missed his chances. A 20-darter then took 'The Freeze' to 6-5. Moments later it was 7-6 after Noppert hit 72. Humphries started the fourteenth leg, but was not out in five visits. Then Noppert managed to take the title with a 64 finish.
Results Players Championship 8
Last 16
Luke Humphries (99.94) 6 | 5 (98.29) Chris Dobey
Gary Anderson (92.06) 6 | 2 (77.83) Danny van Trijp
Stefan Bellmont (96.75) 6 | 5 (100.92) Rob Cross
Gian van Veen (82.22) 6 | 3 (82.97) Josh Rock
Radek Szaganski (100.99) 6 | 4 (94.57) Ricky Evans
Andrew Gilding (91.68) 6 | 4 (85.18) Jonny Clayton
Kevin Doets (82.40) 6 | 5 (86.28) Daryl Gurney
Danny Noppert (95.77) 6 | 3 (101.66) Gerwyn Price
Quarterfinals
Luke Humphries (97.13) 6 | 4 (94.40) Gary Anderson
Gian van Veen (90.02) 6 | 5 (87.87) Stefan Bellmont
Radek Szaganski (94.82) 6 | 5 (91.85) Andrew Gilding
Danny Noppert (100.95) 6 | 3 (90.80) Kevin Doets
Semi-final
Luke Humphries (92.07) 7 | 6 (99.98) Gian van Veen
Danny Noppert (91.85) 7 | 2 (88.80) Radek Szaganski
Final
Danny Noppert (95.59) 8 | 6 (95.70) Luke Humphries