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.
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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.
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He contributes to DartsNews.com, where he covers professional darts through news, match reports, analysis, and live coverage across the PDC calendar and major tournaments.
A key part of his work is on-site reporting from leading events. Kieran has covered the PDC World Darts Championship in person, reporting daily from the venue and providing first-hand insight from the tournament. During his coverage, he has conducted interviews with leading players including Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price.
He is also one of the leading voices of the English-language Dartsnews Podcast, contributing regular analysis and discussion on developments across the professional darts circuit.
In his reporting, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles when new, verified information becomes available.
NOPPERT TAKES THE TITLE! 🥶🏆
Danny Noppert defeats the World Champion, Luke Humphries, 8-6 to secure glory at Players Championship 8!
'The Freeze' has NEVER been beaten in a Pro Tour final!