The 26th
Players Championship of the year was a triumph for Luke Humphries. The reigning world champion defeated Stephen Bunting 8-7 in the final. However, the highest average of the day belonged to another player.
Ritchie Edhouse defeated Graham Hall 6-0 in the first round, posting a fabulous average of 120.24, no one did better at Players Championship 26. Edhouse eventually stranded at the last 16 after a 6-5 defeat to Dave Chisnall.
The second highest average came in the name of Mike De Decker. The 28-year-old Belgian won 6-2 over compatriot Mario Vandenbogaerde in the last 64, averaging 110.65. De Decker then reached the last 32, where he lost 6-4 to Rowby-John Rodriguez.
Mike De Decker was also on a roll again at Players Championship 26
Completing the top three is Jermaine Wattimena. The Dutchman defeated Robert Grundy 6-0 at the last 64, averaging 109.98. Wattimena was stranded one round later after a 6-4 defeat against Damon Heta.
Results Players Championship 26
Finale
Luke Humphries (93.84) 8 | 7 (96.92) Stephen Bunting
Semi-final
Luke Humphries (98.79) 7 | 6 (95.84) Luke Woodhouse
Stephen Bunting (100.51) 7 | 6 (96.92) Raymond van Barneveld
Quarterfinals
Luke Humphries (97.61) 6 | 5 (101.71) Dave Chisnall
Luke Woodhouse (91.53) 6 | 3 (94.86) Christian Kist
Raymond van Barneveld (92.43) 6 | 5 (94.12) Danny Noppert
Stephen Bunting (101.81) 6 | 4 (97.06) Robert Owen
Last 16
Dave Chisnall (98.89) 6 | 5 (88.06) Ritchie Edhouse
Luke Humphries (99.68) 6 | 2 (99.19) Josh Rock
Christian Kist (99.11) 6 | 4 (94.31) Daryl Gurney
Luke Woodhouse (92.43) 6 | 4 (95.98) Wessel Nijman
Raymond van Barneveld (104.36) 6 | 2 (101.78) Luke Littler
Danny Noppert (103.05) 6 | 5 (104.15) Damon Heta
Robert Owen (96.31) 6 | 1 (82.16) Rowby-John Rodriguez
Stephen Bunting (105.82) 6 | 4 (93.67) Radek Szaganski