Humphries lands first Players Championship title of 2024
Luke Humphries is the world number one
- Published
Luke Humphries claimed his first Players Championship title of 2024 by beating Stephen Bunting in Wigan.
The PDC world champion, who won a maiden World Series title in August, fought back from 7-6 behind to win 8-7 as Bunting finished runner-up for a third successive night.
"This was important for me," said Humphries, 29. "You go through spells where you're playing fantastic darts, and then you go through spells where you can't buy a win, and that can happen.
"I'm dedicated to this sport and I know I can push the levels higher and higher, but it's important to gain a bit of confidence from somewhere."
Humphries recovered from 4-2 down to defeat top seed Dave Chisnall 6-5, before holding off Luke Woodhouse, who rallied from 6-2 down to force a decider in their semi-final tie.
The first six legs of Thursday's final were shared, before Bunting - who lost out to Dutchman Wessel Nijman on Tuesday and Chris Dobey on Wednesday - battled back from 5-3 down to lead 7-6, only for Humphries to edge it.
The pair will meet again on Monday in Leicester when Humphries begins the defence of his World Grand Prix title. "I would love to retain it," he said.