Luke Humphries hailed for risking World Matchplay Darts title to perform ‘typically classy’ gesture live on Sky Sports
LUKE HUMPHRIES was hailed for a “typically classy gesture” as he risked his World Matchplay title.
‘Cool hand Luke’ won his SIXTH major TV title in nine months after shrugging off Michael van Gerwen at the Winter Gardens.
The 29-year-old produced a Hollywood double tops finish to finally shrug off the Dutchman in a thrilling 18-15 decider on Sunday.
Humphries was blitzing MVG took a 9-6 lead 9-6 including a slick 141 finish before the latter then missed bull for a 164 finish.
Humphries grabbed that opportunity to lead 15-13 with a sensational 131 with double 16 kill giving the Englishman a three-leg cushion.
But Van Gerwen retaliated with 160 and broke Humphries to set up a nail-biting finale.
MVG blew the chance to level as he missed four darts at doubles and then Humphries went within a leg of the title.
The Dutchman missed four chances at double eight and Cool Hand wrapped it up with the 100 and double double checkout.
MVG blew the next leg – but broke back instantly to trail just 14-13 on throw.
And it was at that moment that Humphries’ class oozed through for everybody to see.
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Just as Van Gerwen was lining up for his double 10, some of the crowd started jeering and cheering in order to try and put him off.
But Humphries was spotted in the background behind him waving his hand and calling for fans to stop it – just as MVG hit the D10 to claw it back.
The act from ‘Cool Hand Luke’ did not go unnoticed as the Sky sports commentator said: “Typically classy from Luke Humphries there. Waving to quieten down whoever was whistling.”
Van Gerwen would miss a bull for a 164 finish to allow Humphries to nip in and extend his advantage.
A 131 checkout then put Humphries two legs from victory – but MVG replied with a 160 and then broke to be just 16-15 behind.
MVG then wasted three shots at double 10 – and Humphries took attempts at the same double to edge one leg off victory.
The final leg went the same way – but with an even more incredible finish in the form of a match-sealing double-double as he won £200,000 and also became the only player since Phil Taylor to produce a ton-plus average in every game in Blackpool.
And Humphries has also joined an elite group of four players who have won the Worlds and Matchplay in the same year.
He said: “I feel more emotional than when I won the Worlds. I got lucky that Michael missed some doubles.
“I was feeling nervy and under pressure, I won’t lie.
“He missed a few doubles and let me in. I don’t care, I’m the Matchplay champion now.
I feel blessed to be on this stage and hold this trophy and to follow great players, especially Phil Taylor.
“To put my name on it, I’m absolutely over the moon.”