Luke Humphries Advances to Third Consecutive World Grand Prix Final After Thrilling Win Over Danny Noppert
In an exhilarating semi-final showdown on Friday night, world No. 1 Luke Humphries secured his spot in the World Grand Prix final for the third consecutive year, overcoming a tough challenge from Danny Noppert with a 5-3 victory. Battling fatigue and frustration, Humphries showcased his remarkable consistency at this prestigious double-start event.
With multiple televised titles already under his belt this year, Humphries is now just one win away from joining an elite group of players. His latest triumph makes him only the third player in the history of the tournament—following legends Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen—to reach three consecutive World Grand Prix finals.
Reflecting on his achievement, Humphries stated, “It’s a fantastic feeling to match Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen as the only other players to reach three consecutive World Grand Prix finals. I was in a good rhythm, but fatigue hit me unexpectedly, and I had to push through."
Early in the match, Humphries appeared in control, racing to a 3-0 lead, highlighted by a stunning 108 checkout and a remarkable bullseye finish for 72. However, Noppert, the 2022 UK Open champion, refused to back down. He fought back fiercely, winning two consecutive sets and capitalizing on Humphries’ missed doubles to narrow the gap.
As tension mounted, Noppert’s impressive consistency forced Humphries to dig deep. The Dutch player unleashed a series of 140s and 180s, putting pressure on the world No. 1. Yet, Humphries responded with back-to-back maximums, closing in on the final.
Humphries sealed his victory in style, hitting double 12 to secure his place in yet another title showdown. His mental fortitude proved pivotal in the match’s closing stages. After taking a break before the seventh set, he revitalized himself, saying, “That break did me the world of good—it helped me refocus. I told myself I had to go for it, and once I found that energy again, everything started clicking.”
Despite the loss, Noppert’s spirited performance earned him admiration from fans, while Humphries’ composure under pressure shone through once again. His blend of precision and resilience has become a defining characteristic of his ascent in the world of darts.
Looking ahead, Humphries is eager to cap off his impressive run with another major title when he takes the stage for Sunday’s final, solidifying his status as one of the standout players in the sport as we head into 2025. Don’t miss the action as he aims to make history!
