Wayne Mardle, a Sky Sports pundit, says Luke Humphries is now a serious contender for the World Championship this Christmas after winning the World Grand Prix for a second time. Humphries was down 3-0 against Gerwyn Price in the final before turning things around to take the match 6-4 at the double-start event.
The pundit described the comeback as sheer belief, guts and determination. Mardle said Humphries can now face anyone from any position and win. He added that the win gives Humphries confidence heading into the biggest tournament of the year.
The Comeback That Changed Minds
Mardle reflected on how Humphries has changed since a few years ago. “I may be wrong but, a few years ago, I don’t think Luke would have hung in a game like that to win it,” he said. “That was sheer belief: guts and determination knowing that you can do it.”
Humphries had already established himself at the highest level before securing the victory. Mardle observed that previous wins change how a player approaches things. He explained that “When you have won before, and Luke has done many, many times and in many, many ways, there is that belief of, ‘I’m under pressure but let’s just see as I know if I settle down my game can win’,” noting that “rather than ‘oh no, I am going to get beat or get embarrassed 6-0’.”
He put himself into play and came out on top. It wasn’t a straightforward path, but at times the simplest way is the right one.
Set By Set, Humphries Turned It Around
The comeback unfolded set by set. Humphries was in trouble, then a bit more and then a bit more. Mardle described the effort as an incredible one. “He stood up to everything Gezzy threw at him, which was a lot,” he said.
The last two sets were his best. “He was under the cosh for more than an hour but didn’t succumb,” Mardle added. When Humphries won the fourth set, Price tightened up.
Mardle’s numbers show Humphries saving his best form for the end, with his averages in the final two sets reaching 106 and 107. The commentary added: “But let’s get it right, the way Humphries played in the last two sets – a 106 average and a 107 average – is unplayable,”.
What The Win Means For The World Championship
Humphries can now go into the World Championship thinking, “someone stop me,” Mardle said. He argued that the set-play format makes the win register and stick with you.
Should Humphries and Price face off in a World final, something might come up, according to Mardle’s suggestion, which centres on one-upmanship.
Price’s Side Of The Story
Mardle acknowledged that losing a final is hard. “It is disheartening and disappointing when you are 3-0 up and don’t win,” he said. But he reminded Price that nothing is given in darts.
“He has lost enough finals to know nothing is a given,” Mardle said. “He is still a young man and will get many more opportunities. He knows he is good enough.”
Mardle also pushed back on the idea that Price should blame himself. “Gezzy can’t beat himself up too much,” he said.
The Schedule Ahead
The European Tour season continues with two more events before the European Championship. The Swiss Darts Trophy runs October 9-11, followed by the Dutch Darts Championship from October 16-18. The European Championship takes place in Dortmund, Germany from October 22-25.
Both the Grand Slam of Darts, which runs November 14-22, and the World Darts Championship, spanning December 10-January 3, continue to call Sky Sports their home for live coverage. Viewers can stream darts and more through NOW without a contract.
The Numbers Behind The Win
- Final score: Humphries 6-4 over Price
- Comeback start: Humphries trailed 3-0
- Last two set averages: 106 and 107
- Next event: Swiss Darts Trophy, October 9-11
- World Championship: December 10-January 3
What We Learn From This
Mardle’s judgment is plain: Humphries has demonstrated his ability to win from behind against anyone. His recovery against Price establishes that point.
The victory gives Humphries a mental edge, since it shows he can manage pressure and recover after falling behind.
The defeat stings, yet Mardle made plain that it is far from a catastrophe. Price remains youthful and will get plenty of opportunities down the line. The important thing is not to fixate on this setback.
The Order Of Events
- Swiss Darts Trophy: October 9-11
- Dutch Darts Championship: October 16-18
- European Championship: October 22-25
- Grand Slam of Darts: November 14-22
- World Darts Championship: December 10-January 3
The Bottom Line
Mardle’s point is straightforward: Humphries can achieve success against anyone from any position. The recovery against Price shows it.
For now, the focus stays on Humphries. He earned it.
Source material: “Mardle: Humphries can do it against anyone from any position,” Sky Sports.
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