"I’m lucky I’m not walking off this stage absolutely devastated": Humphries survives in remarkable Dobey thriller

Luie Humphries kept the defence of his European Darts Grand Prix title alive on the European Tour yesterday, eventually coming through a last leg decider against Chris Dobey.

Following the match, it's fair to say relief was Humphries primary emotion. “I was in so much control, and I’m lucky I’m not walking off this stage absolutely devastated,” said 'Cool Hand Luke' who at one point was 5-1 up. Missing eight match darts though, Humphries allowed Dobey back in before the Premier League player then returned the favour and missed three match darts of his own.

For Humphries, retaining his title is about more than just adding to his trophy collection. If the Englishman could win the tournament, a spot alongside Michael Smith at the World Cup of Darts awaits him.

“There’s a lot for me to play for this weekend. I’m here to get as much ranking money as I can, and if I can win this title, what comes with it is a bonus," he says. “There’s a long way to go. There are four games to win, but we all know how good I can be on Finals Day.”

Humphries takes on Raymond van Barneveld in the third round on Sunday afternoon in Glaspalast.