Players Championship 28 Round-Up | Luke Humphries sweeps up third ProTour success of 2026 as Luke Littler falters again in Minehead bid

The 28th Players Championship so nearly was a final we see so often in majors and other tournaments as Luke Humphries and Luke Littler appeared for all the will of trying to be on a collision course for a rare clash on the ProTour. But it was Humphries who won it 8-6 against a certain Brendan Dolan instead.

While Humphries at times this season has hoovered up titles, he like Littler has also not played as much as usual. But he has nearly rubber stamped his qualification for Minehead anyway unlike his main rival so in reality doesn't need to.

Littler has needed to this week and he set himself likely the task of winning two events and then if needs be he would potentially come back if he doesn't sneak into Minehead. But unfortunately for Littler, that gamble very much hasn't paid off. He lost again in the semi-finals again which is falling way short of heading towards that top 64.

The one to conquer him reached the final in a certain Brendan Dolan. 'The History Maker' has long been a darting spoiler and looking slender and in good nick, Dolan who of course is best known for in short order this time of year with the World Grand Prix is looking to cement his own charge.

Dolan managed to punish him after being 3-1 down with multiple bull finishes including a 72 to go 5-3 up and then a brilliant 85 to then win it for Dolan which denied Littler the chance to duke it out with Humphries in the final.

Littler had previously survived scares though and nearly went out in the first two rounds. He narrowly beat Stephen Rosney 6-4, but survived six match darts against Benjamin Pratnemer. He then hit top gear hitting a 107 average against Martin Schindler 6-1 before then taking down Andy Boulton and Krzysztof Ratajski.

While Humphries in reaching the final also had an uber successful day as he sealed the title. He saw off Mike de Decker in the semi-finals, Owen Bates in the Quarter-Finals, Danny Noppert, Bradley Brooks, Tommy Lishman with a 108 average and Mario Vandenbogaerde in the opener.

The final begun with Dolan sealing a protracted service hold at 1-0 pinning double 16. Humphries was sat waiting on 44. Double four for Humphries to hold for 1-1. Dolan was set to throw for 2-1.

Dolan sat on 86 to hold. Humphries took aim at 117 but was left frustrated. 'The History Maker' back but he missed bull on 86. Not something he was doing against Littler. But Humphries missed more darts and Dolan returned for 37 to make it 2-1. Humphries left 52 and he pinned double 16 to make it 2-2.

Humphries missed double 20 for a break on 80 and back comes Dolan for double 10 to make it 3-2 on double five last dart. 96 on double 18 for Humphries to make it 3-3. Humphries finally broke pinning 83 for 4-3. Humphries pinned 101 and he was 5-3 up. Three away from the finish.

Dolan missed 111 for a hold. Humphries came back for 94 but couldn't get a shot and Dolan returned for 5-4. Humphries missed 65 but Dolan couldn't pin 151 so Humphries returned to make it 6-4. 84 on double eight to make it 6-5 to Dolan. Humphries though pinned double 10 to make it 7-5. Dolan misseed 52 to go 7-5 down but Humphries misses 118 and he had to wait. Dolan missed three for the hold and Humphries got a match dart. He missed one for his third ProTour of the season and Dolan returned for double eight for 7-6 down.

But he regrouped and he went 140, 140, 180 to leave 41 after nine darts and pinned double 16 to win it. Talk about composure.