Gerwyn Price hammers Luke Humphries as pair smash darts file at non-TV occasion

Gerwyn Price and Luke Humphries produced one of the highest-quality darts matches in the history of the sport on Saturday night – but the latter was on the end of a humbling

Luke Humphries delivered one of the highest unofficial darts averages ever recorded on Saturday night – but was still outplayed by Gerwyn Price.

The pair put on a spectacular show at an exhibition event in Ireland, delivering one of the most high-quality matches in the sport’s history. Despite not being televised, those present at the ‘friendly’ meeting in Ennis are unlikely to forget the incredible statistics produced during their intense duel.

Humphries, known as ‘Cool Hand’, finished with a jaw-dropping three-dart average of 119.88 – a total officially surpassed only three times on TV. Yet, he managed to win just one leg against Price, who secured a remarkable 6-1 victory.

Price, nicknamed ‘The Iceman’, has been showing signs of his top form since the start of the year. His three-dart average of 118.64 is also among the highest on record.

As both players raced to the doubles, it was Price who seized his opportunities, leaving Humphries to nurse the wounds of an unexpected defeat, reports the Express.

Their combined average of 238.52 far exceeds the official record (228.65), set by Peter Wright and Adrian Lewis in the Premier League eight years ago.

However, as the face-off between Humphries and Price took place at an exhibition event, their total will not be recognised as the new official benchmark.

Humphries and Price were tantalisingly close to the highest individual televised average of 123.40, set by Michael van Gerwen in 2016. This impressive performance sets them up nicely for the Pro Tour this week and the second night of the Premier League in Glasgow on Thursday.

‘Cool Hand’ triumphed on the first night in Belfast, defeating Nathan Aspinall, Van Gerwen and Chris Dobey to secure the £10,000 cash prize and rack up five crucial points.

Price gave Dobey a run for his money but fell short in their quarter-final. The Welshman will be eager to progress further next time.

Early indications for Price’s season are positive, with the player claiming he has only recently rekindled his passion for darts. Following a quarter-final exit at the World Darts Championship, he made it to the final of the Bahrain Darts Masters, where he delivered a commanding victory over Luke Littler with an average of 115.31.