The final four of Premier League Darts has been confirmed as Luke Humphries won his first evening by beating Gerwyn Price in Birmingham
Luke Humphries was the ultimate comeback kid in Birmingham on Thursday night.
The defending Premier League Darts champion hasn’t quite had the title defence he had been hoping for so far this campaign. However, he came out swinging on night 15 at the Utilita Arena. In his quarter-final match, Cool Hand beat Stephen Bunting.
However, by the time he came out for his semi-final with Luke Littler, Gerwyn Price had snapped up the third place in the play-off spots. It was win or bust for Humphries, he knew he needed a big night if he wanted to defend his title.
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Littler won the opening three legs, but Cool Hand rallied – dusting off six on the spin to reach the final against Price. He was back controlling legs, and broke Price in the third to take a giant step towards a first nightly win.
Humphries was flying as he moved to 4-1 into the lead, meaning Price needed two breaks of throw if he wanted any chance of winning.
But Cool Hand was in no mood – and he buried back to back 180s to set up a nine dart attempt. However, he couldn’t check out, and after messing about on the outer ring, Price took out D6.
The Iceman nailed tops and it was 4-4, it was still advantage Humphries, but he was doing it the hard way. And he took out D8 to move within one.
And Price missed the big fish allowing Humphries to take out 117. Cool Hand and Price have now joined Johnny Clayton and Littler in the play-offs in two weeks time.
Speaking after his win, Humphries said: “I’m incredibly proud of myself, probably the most proud I’ve ever been in my life. For me, the last two Premier Leagues have been easy, getting through in 14 weeks.
“For the last few weeks there has been a lot of pressure on my shoulders. To make three finals and win one means a lot. I get written off a lot as a player but this means I have that grit and determination.”