Luke Humphries became just the fourth man to win the World Championship and World Matchplay in the same year after a dramatic triumph in Blackpool. The world No 1, who won at Alexandra Palace in January, cemented his position at the summit of the sport with a 18-15 win over Michael van Gerwen at the Winter Gardens.
He joins Phil Taylor, Van Gerwen and Peter Wright in winning the two most prestigious competitions in the same year.
Since Humphries was beaten in the Matchplay semi-final 12 months ago he has made eight finals in 10 major tournaments, winning seven of them in a stellar year where he has consistently been the best player, with only Luke Littler for competition. And he has a hoodoo over Van Gerwen as this was the eighth straight victory over the Dutchman, who was aiming for a fourth title in Blackpool.
Van Gerwen was hoping to end a lean 12 months by winning his biggest tournament since the 2023 Premier League but came up short against Humphries on top form. It was an enthralling battle, which could have gone either way and Van Gerwen will be leaving with regrets as he had four darts to level at 16-16 and then another three to make it 17-16. But Humphries claimed a maiden title in Blackpool and a ÂŁ200,000 first prize, by taking out 100 as his domination continued.
In the Women’s World Matchplay final, the 20-year-old Beau Greaves cemented her position as the game’s leading player by winning back-to-back titles in Blackpool with a 6-2 win over Fallon Sherrock. Victory gives her entry into the men’s World Championship and the Grand Slam of Darts, but Greaves will forgo the chance to play at Alexandra Palace in order to defend her WDF Women’s World Championship title.
Greaves, who won with a 98.75 average and four 180s, says she has no interest in trying to compete against men. “I just don’t think we will ever be good enough to play against the likes of Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen or Luke Littler,” she said. “You’re facing a losing battle before you’ve even thrown a dart.
“I think for me, the women’s game is more important. I don’t think any lady will ever go to Ally Pally and win that. You are literally being silly if you think that’s possible. I know how I can play but it doesn’t necessarily happen on the day.”
