Luke Humphries has sealed a third major title in seven weeks in dramatic fashion at the 2023 Players Championship Finals, as Michael van Gerwen like in March at the UK Open is left defeated in a Minehead final.
Van Gerwen was going for an eighth crown and looked to have it all but sewn up, but in truth darting drama Humphries came from 9-5 down to stun the nine-dart hero 11-9 and complete a hat-trick including the World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts.
He now heads to the World Darts Championship as the out and out favourite and in the eyes of many, the best player in the world and the man to beat. Utterly incredible from 'Cool Hand Luke'.
To start the tie amidst an early barrage, Humphries hit 130 on the bull and MVG followed it up with a 126 on double six. Humphries missed 80 to hold and MVG got a break chance but missed it and Humphries returned for a 2-1 lead.
A 180 saw Humphries first to a finish on MVG’s throw, but he got a chance as MVG missed two darts to hold. But Humphries missed one to break and MVG saved his skin on double four to make it 2-2.
MVG hit back-to-back maximums and pinned a nine-dart finish to break and head into the interval 3-2 up. Humphries on return from the break sat at 4-3 down still chasing a break to get back on level terms.
Van Gerwen missed the bull for a 170 checkout and Humphries hit double 10 last dart in hand to sit 5-4 down. Humphries missed 108 on double 18 to make it 5-5 and Van Gerwen picked his pocket for 6-4.
Humphries missed bull for a 164 and Van Gerwen hit a 90 checkout for 7-4. Van Gerwen made it 8-4 on double 16. Humphries hit a 12-dart 98 checkout but only to hold at 8-5.
A 171 left double eight for a 10-darter to make it 9-5 for Van Gerwen. Humphries made it 9-6 at the break as he faced a make or break return. He hit double 10 to make it 9-7 and was throwing to go one behind.
He did so and hit a 142 on double 11 and was throwing to go one away. He did so on double 10. MVG missed two darts to force a decider. Humphries missed 86 on double seven for the title but MVG couldn’t get a decider either.
Two more darts for the title went for Humphries and three more went for MVG and eight in all and Humphries hit double one.
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