Luke Humphries is the 2023
Grand Slam of Darts champion adding a second major title of his career and of the season with glory in Wolverhampton on Sunday evening against Rob Cross.
Humphries sealed darting destiny at the World Grand Prix and in the very next tournament shown on Sky Sports sealed another with many now seeing 'Cool Hand Luke' as one of the main protagonists for the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace next month.
It is not hard to see why with a 16-8 triumph averaging nearly 105 with eight 180's and a high checkout of 144 with 59.3% on the outer ring as he defied 103 average from Cross and 40% on the outer ring.
Humphries kicked off with a 14-darter to lead before Cross made the ultimate start with a terrific 170. Humphries though led at the interval 3-2 and kick started a tremendous run post break.
He stretched his lead to 7-2 with a 144 checkout but was punished for two missed darts at doubles as Cross found double three to make it 7-3.
But he got back on track with double 10 averaging 105 as he made it 10-3. He continued his march towards glory at 11-4 before hitting a 104 to make it 12-4.
Averaging 106.5 and hitting 58% on the outer ring, Humphries moved two away at 14-5. Cross broke with a 92 checkout to make it 14-7 as he looked for a way back into the contest albeit running out of legs. Humphries though went one away.
He missed bull for a 130 checkout for the title. Cross broke again on double nine in repost. But his race was ran with a 91 checkout from Humphries for the win.
