HUMPHRIES CLINCHES US DARTS MASTERS TITLE

LUKE HUMPHRIES became the king of New York City after beating Nathan Aspinall to win the US Darts Masters title. 

World No. 1 Humphries followed up his World Masters and Premier League titles with an 8-6 win in the World Series of Darts event. 

‘The Asp’ made a slow start in the final and was 3-0 down before levelling it at 5-5 thanks to a 90 finish on bullseye. 

Eight-times major champ Humphries then hit a magnificent 142 checkout to lead 6-5 at Madison Square Garden.  

Aspinall missed two darts to level the bout 7-7, with Humphries seizing the opportunity and sealing the win with double eight. 

Humphries admitted he was relieved to come through the pain of his swollen thumb.  

He said: “Yeah it was tough for me there, everyone knows with the thumb and that, it was really swollen. 

“I’m really good under pressure and I managed to go over the line there.  

“This is the most iconic venue that we play in and it’s really special to win this event. 

“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.” 

The 30-year-old shared just how much it meant to finally get his hands on the trophy in the Big Apple.

He added: “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.” 

Cheshire thrower Humphries defeated Danny Lauby 6-2 in the quarter-final.  

Humphries cruised past Gerwyn Price 7-2 in the last four.