It has been another hugely successful few days for Luke Humphries, who added yet another Players Championship title to his ever-expanding collection – his second-floor event triumph of the season – alongside securing the opportunity to defend his Premier League crown later this month.
The world number two continued his recent fine form in Leicester by capturing the floor title title of his career, producing a series of dominant displays before eventually overcoming Jermaine Wattimena, who offered little resistance in a relatively comfortable final.
Beginning his Mattioli Arena afternoon, Humphries burst out of the blocks in devastating fashion, averaging a colossal 112.18 during his opening victory over Rhys Griffin. From there, the former world champion barely lifted his foot off the accelerator, dispatching Hofkens, Hood and Kist while repeatedly posting three-figure averages.
That impressive run set up an enticing quarter-final clash with prolific Pro Tour winner Wessel Nijman. However, the Berkshire-born thrower once again proved too strong, clinically brushing aside the talented Dutchman before producing another commanding display to defeat fellow Dutch star Danny Noppert in the semi-finals, once more returning to the familiar territory of a ton-plus average.
Despite dropping the opening two legs in the final, Cool Hand responded with the sort of ruthless authority that has become synonymous with his rise to the summit of world darts. Once he found his rhythm, the contest quickly became a one-way procession where the cream inevitably rose to the top, as Cool Hand powered over the finish line to seal yet another title.
Overall, it was another high-quality afternoon of action in Leicester, packed with heavy scoring and eye-catching performances throughout the field. A special mention must also go to Kevin Doets, who reached yet another semi-final – his fourth of the campaign – to continue an excellent season that already includes his memorable triumph in Hildesheim.
Meanwhile, Derek Coulson once again impressed with a pair of excellent victories before eventually bowing out at the board final stage. And there were also good runs for Rob Owen, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting exiting at the quarter-final stage. Then an encouraging afternoon for Noppie, reaching his second successive semi.
Ultimately though, the day belonged to Humphries, who stormed to yet another Pro Tour crown without ever looking genuinely troubled.
2026 PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP – EVENT 17
Leicester, England (Mon 18 May)
Quarter-Finals
Luke Humphries 6-3 Wessel Nijman
Danny Noppert 6-5 Rob Owen
Kevin Doets 6-4 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Jermaine Wattimena 6-3 Stephen Bunting
Semi-Finals
Luke Humphries 7-3 Danny Noppert
Jermaine Wattimena 7-2 Kevin Doets
Final
Luke Humphries 8-4 Jermaine Wattimena
—–Emds——
Images: PDC
