Luke Humphries denies Gerwyn Price with epic comeback to reclaim World Grand Prix title

Luke Humphries pulled off an incredible comeback to defeat Gerwyn Price 6-4 and secure his second World Grand Prix title in Leicester on Sunday.

The world number two recovered from losing the first three legs to reel off six of the next seven and land his ninth major title at the Mattioli Arena.

Humphries defeated Price in the 2023 showpiece to clinch his maiden televised ranking title, and he fittingly returned to the winner’s circle with an inspired display.

“I needed this to give me a bit of confidence,” insisted Humphries, who had already created history by becoming the first player to feature in four consecutive World Grand Prix finals.

“It’s been a torrid 15 or 18 months for myself losing so many major finals.

“I felt like I had not much to give tonight. I just didn’t want to lose 6-0 and I wanted to give the fans something to be happy with, and all of a sudden I find myself 4-3 up.

“Gezzy was amazing for those first three legs, absolutely insane.

“He is going to win a major title soon. It’s written in the stars for him, he can’t keep playing this well and not win.”

Humphries’ second World Grand Prix triumph also halts his four-match losing run in televised ranking finals, dating back to last February’s Winmau World Masters.

The world number two accounted for Dave Chisnall, Jermaine Wattimena, Niels Zonneveld and James Wade earlier in the event, prior to his miraculous fightback against the Welshman.

“I’m just happy to get one back,” added Humphries, who joins Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and James Wade in becoming only the fourth multiple World Grand Prix champion.

“To have that run of losses in major finals off my back, it feels really special – this really means the world to me.

“I worked incredibly hard from 3-0 down there, showed a lot of grit and determination. These wins are more sweet than the ones you win with ease.

“I’m looking forward to taking the trophy home to my son, who can finally see his dad have another trophy and it not be a runners-up one!”

Despite missing out on a second World Grand Prix crown of his own, Price performed magnificently throughout the week, as he featured in a third consecutive major final.

The 2020 champion defeated Sebastian Bialecki, Ross Smith, Jonny Clayton and Nathan Aspinall to progress to Sunday’s showpiece – his fourth appearance in a double-start final.

“Luke played brilliant in the middle part of the game but I still squandered so many opportunities to put him under pressure,” said Price, also a runner-up at the World Matchplay and World Series Finals this year.

“I felt like it was a fantastic game and it was whoever took the opportunities – I missed quite a few at crucial times but Luke played fantastic.

“I’m gutted I’ve lost another one but I’ll move on.

“Like I said last week, I don’t care, I’m enjoying darts – I’m enjoying life. I’m going to be a farmer, so really I don’t give a sh*t.”

Price was unstoppable in the opening stages of the final, reeling off three straight legs in 12, 10 and 12 darts to strike first with a 132.62 average – the highest set average in World Grand Prix history.

The 41-year-old continued his rampant start with 101 and 82 finishes to double his advantage, before a clinical two-dart 91 checkout propelled him into a commanding 3-0 lead.

However, Humphries then converted a nerveless 105 combination to open his account in a pivotal fourth set, with Price poised on tops to move 4-0 ahead.

This was preceded by clutch 100 and 90 finishes from the 2024 World Champion – who then won nine of the next 13 legs in a remarkable mid-match turnaround to establish a 4-3 cushion.

Price refused to relent, punishing missed opportunities from Humphries in the early stages of set eight to restore parity at four apiece, but the pendulum continued to shift.

The Welshman fired in a clutch 92 finish to edge 2-1 ahead in set nine, but after missing two darts for a 5-4 lead, he was punished in merciless fashion.

Humphries conjured a spectacular ten-dart break to clinch the ninth stanza with a 107 set average, before landing a majestic 11-darter to complete a clean sweep in set ten and round off a famous fightback.