Wayne Mardle was left 'bewildered' at the brilliance at Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price during the final of the World Grand Prix in Leicester.
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Humphries achieved major destiny in an epic win over 'The Iceman' who did not play poorly and even said he played better.
Comparisons between him and Michael Smith finally getting over the line have been made, but Mardle isn't making wild guesses at the future path of 'Cool Hand Luke' despite becoming a major champion.
"Michael Smith was always considered, he'll win a World's even though he hadn't won a major and that was the general consensus with Luke (Humphries). Now he's won a major, is he going to go on and win the World's? Is it going to be win the Grand Slam and then win the World's? We don't know. What we do know is that for any of the frailties people thought Luke had, he hasn't got them," said Mardle to Sky Sports.
"He didn't beat someone who was having a night off. He beat someone playing well and Gezzy said he played the better darts, he didn't. He does not believe that one bit. Luke was better and that's why Luke won."
"There was so much to enjoy about that game. I'm watching it and I'm bewildered at their brilliance. Even just listening to Luke, this is just great. We love darts and we're kind of biased anyway but I just love sport being played well. That wasn't just well, that was perfect."
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
HUMPHRIES HAS FINALLY DONE IT 🏆🚨
It's stunning. It's staggering. WHAT A WAY TO WIN IT! 🤯
An absolutely ridiculous 138 checkout from Luke Humphries to lift his very first TV title 😱
What a moment to win the 2023 @BoyleSports World Grand Prix!