Danny Noppert defeats world champion Luke Humphries in final of Players Championship 8

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.

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

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

Luke Humphries (92.07) 7 | 6 (99.98) Gian van Veen

Danny Noppert (91.85) 7 | 2 (88.80) Radek Szaganski

Danny Noppert (95.59) 8 | 6 (95.70) Luke Humphries