Unstoppable Humphries wins second major title as he storms to Grand Slam of Darts triumph
Newbury's Luke Humphries scooped his second televised title in as many months with a brilliant Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts triumph in Wolverhampton on Sunday, powering past Rob Cross 16-8 in the final.
Humphries had won his maiden PDC Premier ranking title at October's World Grand Prix, and claimed the Eric Bristow Trophy as Grand Slam champion to crown a wonderful week at WV Active Aldersley.
The 28-year-old had raced through the group stage with three wins for the loss of just four legs before defeating Ryan Searle and Gary Anderson with huge ton-plus averages to reach the semi-finals.
The world-number-four began Sunday's decisive final day in Wolverhampton by beating James Wade 16-10 in the last four, prevailing despite 36 missed darts at a double as he overturned an early 5-3 deficit.
Humphries then dominated the final against Cross, who was a 16-13 semi-final winner against Stephen Bunting to reach the Grand Slam decider for the first time.
However, Humphries produced another unstoppable display to claim the £150,000 top prize - plus a £3,500 group winner bonus - defying an early 170 checkout from Cross to pull away for a glorious triumph.
"To pick up two TV titles is fantastic - I don't believe it," said Humphries, who averaged 104.69, landed eight 180s and finished almost 60 per cent of his darts at a double.
"To pick up another major title after winning my first one not so long ago is a dream come true. It's something I didn't imagine so I'm really proud.
"It feels just as good - obviously nothing can ever beat the first one but the second one does feel as good, especially the way I've played again there.
"It was a long, gruelling slog but I think we put on a good show. It was a really tough game but I think we both played really well.
"I had to rely on that European Tour experience that I've had over the last couple of years where I seem to play my best stuff in semi-finals and finals.
"It was a contrast from the semi-final to the final, I played much, much better and I played pretty much how I did throughout the tournament.
"Rob was absolutely fantastic, he didn't give me a leg and I had to work for every leg. He's another great of our generation, a World Champion and I respect him a lot.
"This week I've beaten some great, great players who I've looked up to over the years - Gary, James and Rob. I'm very blessed and happy to be a two-time major champion."
Humphries will be hoping he can land his third major title when the World Darts Championship gets underway at the Alexandra Palace on December 15.
