Humphries breaks barren final run, defends European Darts Matchplay title

Luke Humphries last won a European Tour at the European Darts Matchplay twelve months ago in Trier and after five finals since, he has defended that title in a dramatic final in Trier.

Humphries defeated Dirk van Duijvenbode in a dramatic final which saw him recover from 7-5 down and survive four match darts to seal an 8-7 win and his first European Tour title of the year.

Humphries opened with a 180 and 64 checkout to hold throw. It was a second maximum for Humphries but missed a break chance which allowed Van Duijvenbode back to finally make it 1-1.

A 127 checkout saw Van Duijvenbode make it 2-1. He missed two darts though to make it 3-1 but Humphries still flattered to deceive in taking the chances and Dirk made it 3-1.

Van Duijvenbode missed 105 but couldn’t take advantage this time and Humphries finally pounced to make it 3-2.

Van Duijvenbode started to miss doubles in a scrappy part of the game and Humphries broke for 3-3 on double five and was throwing to lead.

Van Duijvenbode though hit a 100 checkout on double 16 with Humphries waiting on 61 and he suddenly broke back to lead 4-3. He missed 72 to make it 5-3 and bust his score next throw allowing Humphries back for 52 to make it 4-4.

A 180 from Humphries left 43 and he pinned it to finally hold and make it 5-4. Van Duijvenbode leveled up on double eight at 5-5.

Van Duijvenbode smashed in a superb 161 checkout on the bull to make it 6-5 and he was throwing to go one away. Humphries missed 122 on the bull to break and Van Duijvenbode did hit double 20 after failing to get a shot from 80 previously.

Humphries made it 7-6 with a 54 checkout holding throw. Van Duijvenbode missed a match dart at 112 but Humphries slid into double five off 120 allowing the former back but he bust hitting single 16 on double eight.

Humphries as a result forced a decider where he had the throw. He couldn’t get the second treble for 160 but returned anyway for double 10 hitting all three on the wire.

Van Duijvenbode took aim at 50 but put both on the wire too and Humphries finally came back to hit double 10 for the title.