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Humphries triumphs at Madison Square Garden to win bet365 US Darts Masters




Newbury’s Luke Humphries celebrated a sensational victory in the bet365 US Darts Masters with an 8-6 defeat of Nathan Aspinall, claiming the title in front of a North American record crowd in New York on Saturday night.

The world number one tasted glory on the PDC's World Series of Darts circuit for just the second time, sinking to his knees after hitting the winning double in front of 4,000 fans in The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Luke Humphries wins in New York - Photo: Matt Heasley/PDC
Luke Humphries wins in New York - Photo: Matt Heasley/PDC

The success for Humphries follows victories in the World Masters and Premier League this year, as he continued his big-stage form with another impressive title.

He defied a typically determined fightback from Aspinall to prevail in the decider, with the 2019 US Darts Masters champion hitting back from 3-0 down to level at five-all with a clutch 90 finish on the bullseye.

Humphries, though, showed his class with a 142 checkout to respond in style, and he held his nerve before landing double eight to seal a memorable triumph.

"This is the most iconic venue that we play in and it's really special to win this event," said Humphries.

Luke Humphries wins in New York - Photo: Matt Heasley/PDC
Luke Humphries wins in New York - Photo: Matt Heasley/PDC
Luke Humphries wins in New York - Photo: Matt Heasley/PDC
Luke Humphries wins in New York - Photo: Matt Heasley/PDC

"It's one of the top venues in the world and it's one I've always dreamed of winning. When I finally won it tonight it was an amazing relief.

"Once I knew I was in a winning position I started getting nervous – I'm really pleased to win and I'm over the moon. It's another massive event ticked off for me.

"I've won World Championships, World Matchplays, Premier Leagues and these big titles and it felt like I'd won another major.

"That's how big it is – it's very special and you could see my relief at the end. This was the one on the World Series that I really wanted to win.

"The crowd have been absolutely amazing this week, and to have my mum and dad here to see me win again means the world to us all."

Humphries followed up Friday's first round defeat of Stowe Buntz by ending American hopes in New York with a 6-2 quarter-final win over Danny Lauby.

He then reeled off five straight legs to pull clear from two-all to win his semi-final with Gerwyn Price 7-2.

Luke Humphries wins in New York - Photo: Matt Heasley/PDC
Luke Humphries wins in New York - Photo: Matt Heasley/PDC

Aspinall had overcome top-ranked Canadian Matt Campbell in Friday's first round, and continued his superb form to take victory in a quarter-final of the highest quality against Luke Littler.

The World Champion averaged almost 109 in a 6-4 defeat, as Aspinall averaged 106 to book his spot in the semis, where he defied a 170 checkout from Damon Heta to claim a 7-3 win.

Earlier, Price was a 6-3 winner over two-time US Darts Masters winner Michael van Gerwen in their quarter-final, while Heta whitewashed American qualifier Jason Brandon - who had knocked out Rob Cross 24 hours earlier.

The PDC's World Series of Darts continues next weekend with the Superbet Poland Darts Masters in Gliwice, where a 16-player field will compete on July 4-5.



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