HUMPHRIES BATTERS BUNTING! What a performance from the World Champ! 👏 Luke Humphries demolishes Stephen Bunting 10-2 with a 102 average to storm through to the semi-finals in Minehead! 📺 bit.ly/UKOpen24Live #UKOpenDarts | QFs
Luke Humphries first man through to UK Open semi finals after convincing win over Stephen Bunting
PDCSunday, 03 March 2024 at 14:41
Luke Humphries comfortably secured his passage to the semi finals of the UK Open after beating a disappointing Stephen Bunting 10-2. Humphries averaged 102 and was 10 out of 19 on the doubles.
Humphries, who was on a 22-game unbeaten run in ranked televised events before today, started as he left off on Saturday, racing into a 4-0 lead, with a 108 in leg two to hold throw after Bunting missed four darts to break straight back. The St Helens star made sure he wouldn't be whitewashed in the opening session, though, with a 12-darter.
Humphries stepped on the gas after the break, with legs of 14, 14 and 11, in which he went six into the perfect nine to break throw again. The only surprise was it took the World Champion until leg eight to hit his first maximum. In a flash it was 8-2.
Coming into this weekend, Bunting had only won one match on the ProTour since picking up his first PDC major, but appeared to be heading in the right direction again after hard-fought wins against Kevin Doets and Peter Wright in last-leg deciders. He was still averaging over a ton, but that stat was inflated due to the World No. 17 being afforded less opportunities at double.
Bunting had no answer after the second break, as Humphries saw himself through to the last four with a break and a hold. It is the furthest the World No. 1 has reached at the UK Open since losing in the final in 2021.
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- When Littler has at least five ranking Majors he’s in the discussion, until then, forget it.Mysstree14-11-2024
- This is the difference between other players and Phil Taylor. Phil would be completely motivated even before his walk on and didn't need anything else to do so.richieburnettrocks14-11-2024
- Still impressive though. Also literally everyone cares about averages that's what makes darts fascinating.medinabello14-11-2024
- BS he won a Euro Tour during this down period something that not many players can say. Dobey, Noppy, DvD, Ross Smith to name just a few.medinabello14-11-2024
- Maybe the supposed top players are burnt out from the endless travelling and tournaments, I just don't think they have the dedication or outright desire to win. I think they are more interested in the money and being popular, just keeping their rankings steady. The only thing that mattered to Phil Taylor was winning, not winning a few games to top up the money pot and seeking the fans attention. Maybe there is too many tournaments now and the enthusiasm is gone. This year especially has seen so many different winners and unexpected draws and line ups.richieburnettrocks14-11-2024