Luke Humphries storms to Belgian Darts Open title

Luke Humphries secured his ninth European Tour title at the 2026 Belgian Darts Open with an 8-6 win over Jonny Clayton in the final in Wieze.

Humphries continued his trend of picking up European Tour silverware in each of the last five years as he stormed to glory at the Oktoberhallen on Sunday.

The world number two held off a resilient fightback from Clayton in the final to deny his fellow Premier League star and scoop the £35,000 top prize.

“I put myself under pressure, but it’s really nice to get that winning feeling again,” admitted Humphries.

“Usually in those circumstances I probably close the game out a lot better, but when you’re not winning as much, it becomes harder and you feel the nerves.

“Jonny is one of the most underrated dart players in the world. You cannot shake him off and big credit to him for fighting back, but this means a lot to me.”

“The European Tour has made me the player I am. I’ve learnt my trade here, and I’m going to keep pushing.

“I’m working so hard to try and push every dart player and be the best version of myself.

“I love this sport, I love being a part of it and winning trophies like this means the world to me.

“I’ve just got to keep trying, keep pushing, keep working hard and keep my aura levels up because I have to, and keep trying to be the second best player in the world, apparently.”

Clayton drew first blood in the final by claiming the opening leg, but only for Humphries to reel off six consecutive legs in response with checkouts of 142 and 130 along the way.

Clayton, however, hit back to take four of the next five legs, including a 126 checkout on the bull, to reduce the deficit to 7-6.

Humphries, though, denied Clayton the chance of a last-leg decider, defying the Welshman’s late heroics by producing a 13-darter to clinch the title.

Humphries’ triumph sees him become the joint second most successful player in European Tour history on nine titles, alongside Peter Wright and Gerwyn Price.

After defeating Dirk van Duijvenbode with a 100.2 average on Saturday, Humphries opened Sunday’s play with a 6-1 rout of Jermaine Wattimena with a 103 average.

The Premier League champion then came through a gruelling battle against Chris Dobey in a last-leg decider despite missing 27 darts at doubles throughout the contest, before thrashing Michael van Gerwen 7-2 in the semi-finals with a blistering 106 average.

Clayton, meanwhile, defeated Sebastian Bialecki in his opening match, before edging past Ross Smith 6-5 in a last-leg decider.

The 51-year-old then ended the hopes of home hero Andy Baetens, who enjoyed success with victories over Joe Cullen, Stephen Bunting and Martin Schindler, before falling at the hands of Clayton – who averaged just shy of 100 in a 6-1 thrashing.

Clayton then survived four match darts to clinch a 7-6 semi-final victory over Niels Zonneveld despite an average of just 89.

“I thought I was going home early when I was 6-1 down,” joked Clayton.

“Luke gave me a few chances. I got back in the game, but he missed a lot of doubles to be fair.

“Luke is a great dart player, a great asset to darts, and I’m proud to be part of this era of darts with these fantastic fans.

“I’m trying my best. When you’ve got to face the likes of Luke week in, week out, it’s difficult, but I’m still a part of it, so I’m proud of myself.”

Zonneveld performed superbly in his run to the semi-finals, dumping out Jani Haavisto and Mike De Decker, before dumping out defending Luke Littler in a deciding-leg thriller.

Littler had led 3-0 and produced a sensational 136 checkout to force a deciding leg, only for Zonneveld to land an incredible 147 finish to seal a memorable win.

The Dutchman then went on to beat his compatriot Danny Noppert 6-3 to book his place in a second successive European Tour semi-final.

Zonneveld was joined in the Last Four by Van Gerwen – who saw off Mickey Mansell, Daryl Gurney and Ryan Joyce, notably averaging 108.6 in a thrilling 6-5 win over Gurney.

Belgian Darts Open 2026 Day Three Results

Sunday March 22

Afternoon Session

Last 16
Luke Littler 5-6 Niels Zonneveld
Danny Noppert 6-5 Ryan Searle
Jonny Clayton 6-5 Ross Smith
Andy Baetens 6-5 Martin Schindler
Luke Humphries 6-1 Jermaine Wattimena
Chris Dobey 6-3 Kim Huybrechts
Michael van Gerwen 6-5 Daryl Gurney
Cristo Reyes 5-6 Ryan Joyce

Evening Session

Quarter-Finals
Niels Zonneveld 6-3 Danny Noppert
Jonny Clayton 6-1 Andy Baetens
Luke Humphries 6-5 Chris Dobey
Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Ryan Joyce

Semi-Finals
Jonny Clayton 7-6 Niels Zonneveld
Luke Humphries 7-2 Michael van Gerwen

Final
Luke Humphries 8-6 Jonny Clayton