Luke Humphries sealed victory in emphatic style as he clinched World Grand Prix glory in Leicester.
‘Cool Hand’ came from three sets down against Gerwyn Price to cap off a stunning week and win the ninth major title of his career.
Welshman Price started like a house on fire, rattling off a ten-darter and staying in red-hot form to break into a 3-0 lead with form that Humphries simply couldn’t handle.
However, the turning point came in the fourth set when, during a deciding leg, Humphries took out 105 to finally chalk up his first set. Had that gone the other way it would have been hard to see a way back for the world number two.
And he didn’t look back from that point onwards, winning four on the spin to roar 4-3 in front. He then capitalised on Price missing darts for a 5-4 lead as he won the final five legs of the night to seal a fantastic 6-4 victory.
It completes yet another major for the 31-year-old in what was a fourth straight Grand Prix final for him. This win adds to his 2023 triumph (also over Price) as well as final defeats to Mike de Decker (2024) and Luke Littler (2025).
“This is really special, getting that barren major run off my back,” Humphries said. “I think the biggest shot of my career was the 180, 105 outshot in the fourth set, as if Gezzy [Price] goes 4-0 up then it’s game over. Then at 3-1, I relaxed.
“I feel I deserved a major. Maybe I didn’t tonight as Gezzy was maybe the better player but I worked hard and showed grit and determination.
“A win like that is sweeter than when you win with ease. I am looking forward to taking the trophy home to my son so he can see his dad not have a runners-up one!”
Price reflected: “I don’t want to win a major, do I?! Luke [Humphries] played brilliantly in the middle part of the game but I still squandered opportunities to put him under pressure, too many opportunities.
“It was a fantastic game and it was whoever took their opportunities. I missed quite a few at crucial times. I am gutted to lose another major final but I will get over it – I am bothered!”
