Luke Humphries has recorded a 5-2 victory over Gerwyn Price to win the World Grand Prix, claiming his first major title.
The consistency of the 28-year-old on and off the television stage had seen him sit in sixth place in the PDC Order of Merit ahead of this tournament.
However, Humphries has now broken the prolonged stranglehold of the top four by ousting Price from that position, recovering from losing the opening set to produce the performance of his career.
Humphries averaged close to 100 during sets two to four, almost unplayable in the double-in format, to establish a 3-1 lead over the former world champion.
1️⃣3️⃣8️⃣ CHECKOUT FOR THE TITLE! 🤩❄️
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) October 8, 2023
LUKE HUMPHRIES, YOU ARE THE 2023 WORLD GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONS! 🎯🏆 pic.twitter.com/MQeqRGG2x1
A squandered dart for a 4-1 lead had the potential to prove decisive, with Price taking the fifth set and moving into a 2-1 lead in the sixth.
Nevertheless, Humphries put together a nerveless fourth leg to set up a decider before seemingly being on the verge of being taking to 4-3 when Price left 56.
Instead, Humphries hit a majestic 138 checkout to seal the win, ending a high-quality performance with eight 180s, a 40.48% checkout ratio and a 93.3 average.
Although several high-profile events are to be held between now and the start of January, Humphries has realistically done enough to earn his debut in next year's Premier League having controversially missed out on selection at the beginning of 2023.
