World No. 1 Luke Humphreys produced a brilliant performance to book a place in the World Grand Prix final against Mike De Decker in Leicester.
Humphries stole the show by defeating Ryan Joyce 5–0 in one of the most stunning performances in the history of the event and remained on his way to retaining the title.
Belgian star De Decker continued his dream run at the Mattioli Arena on Saturday as he made his semi-final debut with a 5-2 victory over compatriot Dmitry Van den Bergh to reach his first televised decider.
Humphries described Sunday’s contest as “a dream final” as he aims for glory in his first defense of a televised rankings title – and goes into the tie in top form.
“It was a performance that was much needed. Ryan himself was brilliant. It felt like it.” [the best I’ve ever played]I am capable of these big performances. I know these performances can happen in big moments and I had to deliver those performances,” 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 that.
“Ryan actually told me it was like playing Phil Taylor. He said I was a generational talent.
“If I could win tomorrow, it would mean a lot. Nine major finals – it’s incredible!
“I think tomorrow is a dream final.”
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Watch Humphries’ incredible finishing during the semi-final against Joyce…
The world champion suffered a first-round defeat against Stephen Bunting, but followed that up with wins over Riccardo Pietrzko and Jonny Clayton with an untouchable performance against Joyce.
Humphries averaged 100.30 and dropped only three legs in five sets, finishing 60 percent of his doubles, starting over 47 percent and reaching eight 180s.
Joyce played his part, hitting 64 percent of his opening doubles and an average of over 94, but he was allowed only seven darts in the doubles by the massive world No. 1.
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‘Ryan you’re in trouble my son’ – Humphries smashes Joyce with this brilliant 112 checkout!
Humphries won the opening set without reply and quickly took control of the game, and although Joyce hit two 12-darters to take the lead in the second set, the defending champion won the next three sets – including a 12-dart. The break also included a 112 finish. Of throws – to double your profit.
Joyce finished an 11-darter to claw back from 2-1 down in the third set, but Humphreys went 3-0 up with a 144 checkout and did better with a 146 combination before landing a 110 checkout and no reply. Passed the last two sets of. ,
This boy is a completely different breed. Ryan Joyce played his A-game and lost 5-0. Luke Humphries was so good. I am surprised. Only Phil Taylor and Michael Van Gerwen have come close to the ease of doing it. This guy is doing this day after day. I hope Mike De Decker didn’t see that!
tale of the tape
De Decker, a 100/1 pre-tournament shot who had never progressed past the last 32 of a major event before this week, beat compatriot Van den Berg in his all-Belgian semi-final in style in his first televised final. Achieved victory.
UK Open champion Van den Bergh responded in the opening set, but had no answer to a three-set blitz as De Decker took the lead.
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De Decker breaks Van den Bergh with this 150 checkout
The second set went into a decisive stage as De Decker leveled the contest, before winning six consecutive sets – denying Van den Bergh a dart at the double in the fourth set of the game as he took a 3–1 lead Was.
Van den Bergh opened set five with a sensational 170 finish for 12 darts, with De Decker responding with two bullseyes to complete a combination of 120, before the former Premier League star followed with 13 and 14 darts. Completed the legs and won the set and halved the deficit. ,
However, De Decker produced a huge checkout of 150 in set six, sandwiched by a brace of double 16 finishes as he went 4–2 up and a set away from the final.
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De Decker achieved this amazing 120 bull-bull finish…
Van den Bergh took the early stages of the seventh set, but missing the doubles proved costly as De Decker went ahead before completing a 13-darter and secured a memorable win.
De Decker has lost only three sets over the course of four games and has become the first Belgian to reach a World Grand Prix final, defeating Damon Heta, Gary Anderson and James Wade during a famous week at the Mattioli Arena.
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De Decker said she was on cloud nine after reaching her first major final by defeating compatriot Van den Bergh.
“I’m in seventh heaven – very happy, really,” said De Decker, who admitted that the all-Belgian competition was a huge test.
“At the beginning of the game I was really nervous. There’s a lot of focus on this game and when I won the second set I relaxed, knowing I could still play.
“Dmitri had a few sets where he wasn’t able to start and I took advantage of that.
“I feel great to win, the crowd has supported me so much and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
tale of the tape
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