Humphries Clinches World Grand Prix Title with Dramatic Comeback Against Price

Luke Humphries secured his second World Grand Prix title by staging a remarkable comeback to defeat Gerwyn Price 6-4 in the final at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena. The victory marks Humphries’ first major triumph of the year and extends his remarkable record of reaching the final four consecutive times, a feat no other player has achieved.

After falling behind 3-0 early in the match, Humphries rallied to win six of the next seven sets, showcasing exceptional finishing prowess with an average of 93.16 and ten maximum scores throughout the contest. The former world champion capitalized on Price’s missed opportunities to reverse the momentum and close out the thrilling encounter.

Price began the final in sensational fashion, taking just 34 darts to claim the opening set with six perfect throws. He followed this by breaking serve again to take a two-set lead, including a crucial 101 checkout in the third set. However, Humphries refused to unravel, responding with a vital 105 finish in the deciding leg of the fourth set to stay in contention.

The turning point came as Humphries went on a four-leg winning streak to take the fifth set and then edged ahead in the sixth. Price, who had posted finishes of 99 and 94, was unable to hold his nerve as Humphries broke back to level the match. The Englishman then took control, breaking serve with an 11-darter and continuing his dominance to win the eighth set after a scrappy opening leg.

Humphries sealed the title with another extraordinary 10-darter to move a set ahead, before racing through the final set in straight legs. The victory earned him the £150,000 first prize and denied Price, known as the Ice Man, another television major title.

This marks the second time in four years that Humphries has defeated Price in the World Grand Prix final, recalling his 5-2 win in 2023. The next major event on the Sky Sports calendar is the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton from November 14-22, followed by the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace from December 11 to January 3.