World No. 1 Luke Humphreys put in a mesmerizing performance to set up a World Grand Prix final against Mike De Decker in Leicester.
Humphreys stole the show with a 5-0 thrashing of Ryan Joyce in one of the most impressive displays in the event’s history to go on to retain the title.
Belgian ace De Dekker began Saturday’s semi-finals by continuing his dream run with a 5-2 victory over compatriot Dimitri Van den Bergh at the Mattioli Arena to reach his first televised decider.
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Humphreys proudly admits his World Grand Prix semi-final performance felt “special” and reveals what Ryan Joyce told him after reaching the final…
Humphreys described Sunday’s bout as a “dream final” as he aims for his first ever televised title defense.
“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 great speeches. I know these performances can happen in big moments, and I had to make that performance,” said the 29-year-old from Newbury.
“It was special. I wanted to average 100 and I had to do it with five darts and I did it.
“Ryan actually told me it was like playing Phil Taylor. He said I was a generational talent.
“If I can win tomorrow, it will mean a lot. Nine major finals, that’s incredible.
“I think tomorrow is a dream final.”
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Watch Humphries’ incredible finish against Joyce in the semi-final…
The world champion was defeated by Stephen Bunting in the first round, but followed up with subsequent wins over Riccardo Pietrzko and Johnny Clayton, showing untouchable against Joyce.
Humphries averaged 100.30 and dropped just three legs in five sets, completing 60 percent of her doubles, starting more than 47 percent and landing eight 180s.
Joyce played his part, hitting 64 per cent of his opening doubles and averaging over 94, but the rambunctious No.1 allowed him just seven darts in doubles.
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“Ryan, you’re in trouble, son,” Humphreys cracked Joyce with this astonishing 112 cash.
Humphreys won the opening set without reply to immediately stamp his authority on the match and although Joyce hit two 12 darts to take the lead in the second set, it was the defending champion who took the next three; throw – double his advantage.
Joyce finished 11 down and trailed 2-1 in the third set, but Humphries raced to a 3-0 lead with a 144-bet and bettered it with a 146-bet before landing a 110-bet to take the final two sets without reply. .
This guy is a whole different breed. Ryan Joyce played his A-game and lost 5-0. That’s how good Luke Humphries was. I am delighted. Only Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen have come close to doing so. This guy does it day in and day out. I hope Mike De Decker didn’t watch that.
The tape tale
De Decker, a 100/1 pre-tournament shot who had never made it past the last 32 of a main event before this week, won his first televised final in style in the all-Belgium semi-final over compatriot Van den Bergh.
UK Open champion Van den Bergh ran unanswered in the opening set but was unanswered in a three-set blitz as De Decker pulled clear.
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With this 150 box office, De Decker broke Van den Bergh
The second set went to a decisive stage as De Decker leveled the match before he won six more straight legs; denying Van Den Berg a double in the fourth set of the match as he opened up a 3-1 cushion.
Van Den Berg opened the 5th set with a sensational 170 with 12 before De Decker responded with two bulls to finish on 120 before the former Premier League star finished legs 13 and 14 to take the set and halve the deficit. .
De Decker, however, fired a massive 150 in the sixth set sandwiched by double 16s as he raced to a 4-2 lead and a set away from the final.
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De Decker nailed this stunning 120 bull-to-bull finish…
Van Den Berg took the opening leg of the seventh set, but missed doubles proved costly as De Decker raced to a 13-shot lead to seal a memorable win.
De Dekker dropped just three sets in four matches to become the first Belgian to reach a World Grand Prix final, seeing off Damon Hetta, Gary Anderson and James Wade in a famous week at Matthiol Arena.
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De Decker said he was over the moon after beating compatriot Van den Bergh to reach his first ever grand final.
“I am over the moon. really, really happy,” said De Decker, who admitted the Belgian competition was a huge test.
“I was really nervous at the beginning of the game. There was so much focus on this match and when I took the second set I was relieved to know I could still play.
“Dmitri had a couple of sets where he didn’t start and I took advantage.
“I love the feeling of winning, the crowd has been so supportive and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
The tape tale
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