07/03/2021

Humphries produces incredible display to thrash Van Gerwen and reach UK Open final

Luke Humphries is into the final of the 2021 UK Open Final after producing an incredible display to see off Michael van Gerwen 11-5.

Humphries will now face James Wade in a tie that wouldn't have been expected when the draw was released.

But 'Cool Hand' was utterly brilliant with a 107.4 average, four ton plus checkouts and 11/16 on the doubles and will now go for his maiden major title shortly.

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Humphries had an incredible start to the tie defying a 180 to hit a 112 checkout to lead and he doubled his lead with a brilliant 132 checkout.

He held from there and took out another ton plus in the form of 108 to go 4-0 up and could have been 5-0 up as he waited on double 12 with MVG on 139.

But in typical MVG fashion, he took it out to make it 4-1 and break to give a different complexion to the tie.

A 106 checkout saw Van Gerwen hold and make it 4-2 as he started to turn it around. But a 60 checkout saw Humphries hold himself and make it 5-2.

He missed 127 on the bull for a break after Van Gerwen missed three at double 20 but it turned to six. Humphries returned for a 42 checkout for a 6-2 lead.

His excellent combination finishing saw a 70 to make it 7-2 with a hold with Van Gerwen sat ready on 60.

Humphries produces incredible display to thrash Van Gerwen and reach UK Open final

They both kicked of 180 on Van Gerwen's throw and Humphries left 81 on his throw only for MVG to smash in another ton plus checkout in 130 on the bull before the break at 7-3.

An 81 checkout saw Humphries go three away at 8-3 up. He missed a dart to break and a 171 prior from MVG set up double 20.

MVG missed bull for a 130 to break and last dart in hand, Humphries pinned 68 to go 9-4 up. Van Gerwen kept in touch by holding for 9-5.

A stunning 128 checkout from Humphries undid Van Gerwen leaving 68 to break and sent 'Cool Hand' 10-5 up.

A 78 checkout on double six sealed it for Humphries and in hitting the winning double, the delight was all to see.