Luke Humphries Clinches World Matchplay Title

Luke Humphries triumphed in the World Matchplay, adding the title to his World Championship win with a thrilling 18-15 victory over Michael van Gerwen. The 29-year-old Englishman, competing at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, maintained his composure despite a strong challenge from the Dutchman. Humphries sealed his win with two crucial double 20 finishes in a 100 checkout, demonstrating his skill under pressure.

Humphries is only the fourth player to win both the World Championship and World Matchplay in the same year, joining the ranks of Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright and Phil Taylor. “Honestly, I’ve felt more emotion than when I won the worlds. I am going to watch back that double tops 100 times tonight. I feel so blessed to have my name on that trophy,” Humphries remarked, having secured his fifth major title in nine months.

The world number one Humphries, who averaged 100.94 throughout the tournament and hit 12 180s, earned a £200,000 prize. Despite Van Gerwen’s vow to “teach a lesson” and his record of seven consecutive losses to Humphries, the match was fiercely contested. Humphries, making his first World Matchplay final appearance, initially trailed 3-2 but surged ahead with four straight legs.

Michael van Gerwen fought back to level the score at 12-12 with impressive checkouts, but Humphries responded with a 131 checkout and finished with double double tops to secure the win. Van Gerwen, who averaged 104 but missed key doubles, acknowledged Humphries’ performance, saying, “Luke is a fantastic player and we know what he is capable of. I think I deserved a little bit more today.”

Earlier in the tournament, Beau Greaves successfully defended her women’s title with a 6-3 win over Fallon Sherrock.