World number one Luke Humphries produced a captivating performance in the World Grand Prix final against Mike De Decker in Leicester.
Humphries stole the show, retaining his title with a 5-0 thumping of Ryan Joyce in one of the most stunning displays in the event’s history.
Belgian ace De Decker began Saturday’s semi-final, reaching his first televised decision with a 5-2 win over compatriot Dimitri Van den Bergh at the Mattioli Arena.
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Humphries proudly admits he felt his semi-final World Grand Prix performance was ‘special’ and reveals what Ryan Joyce said to him after reaching the final.
Humphries described Sunday’s contest as a “dream final” as he aims for glory in the first defense of his TV rankings title and equalizes his top form.
“It was a really necessary performance. Ryan was great in his own right. I felt that way (it was the best I’ve ever played). I can make these big performances. I knew these performances could happen in big moments. I know that and I had to perform,” said the 29-year-old from Newbury.
“It felt special, I wanted to average 100 and I had to do it in five darts and I did it.
“Ryan actually told me it was like playing Phil Taylor. He said I had a generational talent.
“It would mean a lot if I could win tomorrow. Nine major finals – it’s amazing!
“I think tomorrow is the dream final.”
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Watch Humphries’ incredible finish in the semi-final against Joyce…
The world champion suffered a first-round defeat against Stephen Bunting, but was unbeatable against Joyce and followed up with further wins over Ricardo Pietreczko and Jonny Clayton.
Humphries averaged 100.30 and dropped just three legs in the fifth set, starting above 47% and finishing 60% of the doubles with eight 180s.
Joyce did his part, winning 64% of his starting doubles and averaging over 94, but the rampant world number one allowed him just seven darts at doubles.
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‘Ryan, we’ve got a problem my son’ – Humphries takes down Joyce with this awesome 112 payment!
Humphries immediately stamped his authority on the game by winning the opening set without reply, and although Joyce hit two 12-darters to take the lead in set two, it was the incumbent who took the next three, including a 112 for a 12-dart break. He was a champion. Throw – Doubles your advantage.
Joyce went back to 2-1 in the third set after 11 darters, but Humphries went up 3-0 with a checkout of 144 and did better with a 146 combination and a checkout of 110 to sweep the last two sets without a reply. . .
This guy is a completely different breed. Ryan Joyce brought his A game and lost 5-0. Luke Humphries was that good. I was in awe. Only Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen have come close to doing it with ease. This person does it every day. I hope Mike De Decker doesn’t see that!
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De Decker, a pre-tournament shot at 100/1 who had never advanced past the last 32 of a major before this week, advanced to his first televised final by beating compatriot Van den Bergh in the Belgian semi-final.
UK Open champion Van den Bergh got through the opening set without a reply but had no reply for a third-set blitz once De Decker cleared.
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De Decker broke Van den Bergh with this 150 payment.
The second set went to a deciding leg, with De Decker leveling the contest before winning six more straight legs. Van den Bergh denied a dart at the double as he opened a 3-1 cushion in the fourth set of the game.
Van den Bergh opened the fifth set with a stunning 170 from 12 darts, De Decker responded with two bullseyes to complete the 120 combination, with the former Premier League star completing legs of 13 and 14 darts to take the set. The deficit was cut in half. .
But De Decker hit a massive 150 in the sixth set and finished with a double 16 to lead 4-2 in the final.
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De Decker achieved this incredible $120-bull finish.
Van den Bergh took the opening leg of the seventh set, but a doubles failure proved costly as De Decker went ahead before completing 13 darters to secure a memorable victory.
De Decker defeated Damon Heta, Gary Anderson and James Wade in a famous week at the Mattioli Arena, dropping just three sets in four games to become the first Belgian to reach a World Grand Prix final.
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De Decker said he was very happy after beating compatriot van den Berg to reach his first major final.
“I feel really good. I’m really happy,” De Decker said. De Decker admitted that the entire Belgian competition was a huge test.
“I was really nervous at the beginning of the match. There was so much attention on this match, but after the second set I felt at ease knowing that I could still play.
“Dimitri had a couple of sets where he didn’t start and I took advantage of that.
“It feels really good to win. The crowd gave me a lot of support and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
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