Wayne Mardle expects big things from Mike De Decker after he claimed the World Grand Prix title, declaring the Belgian “has the guts, the composure and he’s got the game”.
De Decker put on the performance of his life Sunday night to claim the glory. Beating Luke Humphreys 6-4 in straight sets at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena.
The 28-year-old from Mechelen, Belgium had won his first televised final with a string of fine displays in the double-header tournament and took home the £120,000 top prize after a thrilling final.
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2024 World Grand Prix Highlights between Luke Humphreys and Mike De Decker
Defending champion Humphreys was left stunned as De Decker stormed out of the set to take a 4-1 lead with a brilliant and nerve-wracking burst.
The world No. 1 hit back with three straight sets to level but De Decker took the ninth set before sealing the win in the 10th set decider.
De Decker’s success makes him only the second Belgian, alongside Dimitri Van den Bergh, to taste victory in a televised PDC event and moves him from 36 to 25th on the PDC Medal of Merit.
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De Decker lifts the World Grand Prix trophy as Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” plays in a spine-tingling celebration.
The 200/1 pre-tournament outsider saved the match to beat Damon Heta before beating Gary Anderson and James Wade before upsetting compatriot Van den Bergh to reach the final.
Mardle felt the shock win against favorite Anderson changed his mindset.
Mardle said Sky Sports“Gary Anderson’s game proved something to him, because he actually said: “I thought Gary was going to beat me.” He absolutely went to her. darts
“He’s got the bottle, he’s got composure, he’s got the game.
“If you’re good enough, experience doesn’t matter. He was inexperienced in the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals, but he was good enough.
“I am very happy for him. It’s another new winner, and there are players on tour who are thinking: “Mike De Decker won a major. I might have beaten him last week, why can’t I win a major? Well, you.” gotta do it when it counts and this is the time it counts.
“It’s amazing from someone who came in as an outsider, but from someone who has won on tour. There are 28 winners out of 32 in this event. They are all world class. What a great story for darts too.”
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Watch the moment De Decker won the World Grand Prix after a stunning 6-4 win over Luke Humphreys
Roll of honor
What live darts is next on Sky Sports?
Last year, Luke Humphreys won his first Grand Slam title
Live darts are back! Sky Sports with Grand Slam Darts in Wolverhampton as Luke Humphries looks to defend his title from November 9-17.
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Humphreys beat Rob Cross 16-8 to win his first Grand Slam darts title.
The focus then turns to the anniversary and 2025 PDC World Darts ChampionshipStarting on December 15th, as the darts calendar continues to excite throughout the year, you can enjoy the best of the best here live. Sky Sports.
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