Luke Humphries wins inaugural PDC Winmau World Masters after surviving epic comeback from Jonny Clayton

Luke Humphries has become the inaugural Winmau World Masters champion after seeing off Jonny Clayton in a thrilling conclusion to a superb weekend in Milton Keynes winning 6-5 in sets.

Clayton won the previous format back in 2021 but it changed this year to mirror the BDO event of yesteryear with the sets returning and he was 5-2 down. He sent it all the way to a decider and it was actually 'Cool Hand Luke' who looked more likely to lose. But he managed to find a way as Clayton suffers major heartbreak while Humphries wins a seventh major ranking title in 15 months.

Clayton took the opening set hitting double 12 for 1-0 up. An 86 checkout saw Humphries level up at 1-1. Clayton hit 60 to go 2-1 up and he leads early on at the first break.

Clayton drifted into single one off 101 and Humphries got a let off hitting double four to go 2-2 in sets. Humphries hit a superb 80 checkout drifting the single dart into the double 20 to go 1-0 up and hold throw. Clayton started off with four perfect darts. Humphries missed 121 on double 14 and Clayton levelled up at 1-1. But Humphries hit 80 to make it 2-1.

A 91 checkout for an 11-darter saw Humphries lead set six with a break and hit double 10 for 4-2. He went one away from glory at 5-2 up with Clayton needing to win every set from here.

Clayton got one of the sets back hitting double 10 for 5-3. Humphries fluffed his lines and Clayton broke and he went one away from being 5-4. Clayton missed 140 but Humphries missed 170 and Clayton hit double five for 5-4.

Humphries goes 1-0 up as he looks to finally seal the win. But Clayton with his back against the wall hit a 120 checkout to make it 1-1.

Humphries missed 124 on the bull for the title and Clayton pinched the set on double 19 to make it 5-5. Clayton missed two to break and Humphries had a chance but missed the opportunity to hold throw. ‘The Ferret’ returned finally for double five.

Clayton was tentative on his throw and Humphries hit a 180 to leave 81. He missed it on double 16 but Clayton was on a bogey number so 'Cool Hand Luke' returned to send it all the way. Clayton couldn't hit 120 to seal the win and Humphries got over the line.