World No. 1 Luke Humphries gave a mesmerizing performance in Leicester in the World Grand Prix final against Mike Dekker.
Humphries remained on course for the title with an enthralling 5-0 victory over Ryan Joyce in one of the most stunning matches in the history of the competition.
Belgian ace De Dekker continued his dream run at the Mattioli Arena in Saturday’s semi-final, defeating compatriot Dimitri van den Berg 5-2 to reach his first televised final. .
Humphries described Sunday’s match as a “dream final” and will be in top form heading into the final as he aims for glory in his first televised defense of his ranking title.
“That was a much-needed performance. Ryan himself was great. That’s how I felt.” [the best I’ve ever played]. I’m capable of these big performances. We knew that a performance like this could happen at a crucial moment, so we had to deliver that performance,” said the 29-year-old from Newbury.
“It felt special. I wanted to average 100 points and I had to do it with five darts and I did it.
“Ryan actually told me it was like playing Phil Taylor. He said I was a generational talent.
“If we could win tomorrow, it would mean a lot. Nine major finals, that’s unbelievable!”
“I think tomorrow will be a dream final.”
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Watch Humphries’ incredible finish in the semi-final against Joyce…
The world champion suffered a face defeat to Stephen Bunting in the first round, but an untouchable performance against Joyce led to further wins over Ricardo Pietrezko and Johnny Clayton.
Humphries averaged 100.30 points, dropped only three legs through five sets, finished 60% of his doubles, and hit eight 180s with over 47% starts.
Joyce did his part, hitting 64 percent of his starting doubles and averaging over 94, but the rampaging world number one allowed just seven darts on doubles.
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“Ryan, you’re in trouble, son” – Humphries beats Joyce with this stunning 112 checkout!
Humphries took the first set without answering and quickly established his authority over the game. Joyce led with two 12-darters in the second set, but it was the reigning champion who took the next three — including a 112 finish with a 12-dart break — to double his advantage in throws. For.
Joyce hit 11 darters in the third set to pull it back to 2-1, but Humphries took a 3-0 lead with a 144 checkout and topped that with a 146 combination before finishing with a 110 checkout. He won two sets without answering. .
This person is a completely different breed. Ryan Joyce was on his A game and lost 5-0. That’s how great Luke Humphries was. I am in awe. Only Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen could do it so effortlessly. This person does it day in and day out. I hope Mike DeDecker didn’t see this!
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De Dekker had a pre-tournament record of 100/1 and had never been above the last 32 at a major tournament until this week, but he did brilliantly on TV against compatriot Van den Bergh in the all-Belgian semi-final. He made it to his first final.
British Open champion Van den Bergh ran through the first set unresponsive, but was unresponsive in the third set when Decker cleared the match.
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De Dekker defeated Van den Bergh in this 150 checkout
Dedecker tied the score in the second set and advanced to the deciding leg, then won six more legs in a row, denying Van den Bergh a double dart to open up a 3-1 lead in the fourth set.
Van den Bergh started the fifth set with a sensational 170 finish with 12 darts and De Decker also responded with two bullseyes to complete the 120 combination before the former Premier League star finished with 13 darts and 14 He completed the darts leg and won the set, halving the difference. .
However, De Dekker set a record of 150 checkouts in the sixth set, and with a series of double 16 finishes in between, he extended his lead to 4 wins, 2 losses, and one set away from the final.
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De Dekker scored this stunning 120 bull bull finish…
Van den Bergh took the lead in the first leg of the seventh set, but took a narrow lead before Dekker hit 13 darters and a missed double proved costly, sealing the memorable victory. I decided.
De Decker became the first Belgian to reach a World Grand Prix final, defeating Damon Geta, Gary Anderson and James Wade in a famous week at the Mattioli Arena, dropping just three sets from four matches. .
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De Dekker said he was overjoyed to beat compatriot Van den Bergh to reach his first major final.
“I’m very happy. I’m really, really happy,” Decker said. He admitted that the all-Belgian contest was a big test.
“I was really nervous at the beginning of the match, there was a lot of attention on this match, but when I won the second set I relaxed thinking I could still play.
“Dimitri didn’t get off to a good start in some sets, but I took advantage of that.
“I really like the feeling of winning. The crowd gave me a lot of support, so I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
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