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Wednesday, 22 November 2023 SPORTS 11

Securing Second Major Title

Luke Humphries Dominates

Grand Slam of Darts

A compelling final at the Grand Slam
of Darts in Wolverhampton, Luke

Humphries secured a convincing 16-8
victory over fellow Englishman Rob
Cross. This triumph marks Humphries’
second major title, following his

success at the World Grand Prix in
early October.

The Grand Slam of Darts, one of the

PDC’s five major tournaments, gathers
finalists from TV tournaments over the
past year, supplemented by winners
from other series and qualification

events. Distinguished by its unique
group stage format, this competition
sets itself apart in the PDC calendar.

Humphries displayed exceptional form
throughout the tournament, winning
all his group stage matches, including
a notable 5-1 victory over Dirk van

Duijvenbode. Despite facing some
challenges in the quarterfinal against
Gary Anderson, Humphries powered
through to set up the final clash with

Cross.
to hold his own leg, allowing Humphries imately €171,000), while Cross
The championship match initially to seize the opportunity. Ranked fourth receives £70,000 (almost €80,000).
hinted at a closely contested battle, in the world, Cross struggled to find Humphries’ stellar performance at the

with Humphries taking an early 2-0 his rhythm as Humphries extended his Grand Slam of Darts not only solidifies
lead, only to be swiftly countered lead to 7-3 before the second break. his status as a rising star in the darts
by Cross. In a dramatic turn, with world but also underscores his ability
Humphries trailing significantly, Cross Humphries, maintaining a remark- to compete at the highest level on the

executed a spectacular 170 checkout, ably high average, showcased strong PDC circuit.
unnecessary but impactful. The 2018 finishing, preventing Cross from making
world champion leveled the score, and a comeback. Despite Cross winning a The 28-year-old’s consistent and domi-
Humphries maintained a narrow 3-2 few legs to resist at 14-5, Humphries nant play in Wolverhampton serves as

lead heading into the first break. secured victory on his second match a testament to his skill and determi-
dart. nation, marking a memorable journey
The pivotal moment in the game to secure his second major title in the
occurred right after the break. Cross This triumph earns Humphries a highly competitive realm of profes-

faltered, missing three darts on a double substantial prize of £150,000 (approx- sional darts.