HUMPHRIES THE MASTERS CHAMPION

By Phil Lanning

LUKE HUMPHRIES made it SEVEN Major titles in 16 months after winning the World Masters.

The World No.1 produced an explosive burst of form to beat Jonny Clayton 6-5 in the World Masters final at Arena MK last night (Sunday).

It means ‘Cool Hand’ picked up another £100,000 to add to his astonishing £1.8m in ranking money and reassert his dominance at the top of the sport.

Humphries said: “I think I was a bit fortunate. I started to feel the nerves in the end. When I was 5-2 up and missing doubles, I was trying too hard then to close the game out and Jonny was coming back at me.

“As soon as it went 5-5, as much as I’m not a negative person, I felt the game maybe had gone. He was just scoring so well.

“There’s a reason he’s The Ferret, he’s just constantly at your heels and it’s a shame he is not in the Premier League because, the way he is playing at the moment, he probably would have been in there for me.

“That was a really tough game. I thought I played well in patches, but in the middle bit, Jonny was so dominant, I feel fortunate that I have won the trophy.

“But you have to take it, run with it and do what you can. That double top, I must admit I was shaking, my heart was pounding, but it went in. So I am really, really pleased.

“Winmau and Red Dragon have sponsored me for nearly 10 years now, so it’s really nice to be the first one to win the rejuvenated Masters.

“I felt like I could have played even better than I did this weekend, but you can’t be too critical. I know I am critical and people see me on the board and I am complaining , but it’s just because I know how I can play, but it’s an achievement when I am not at my best and still win. It’s amazing to win When you share the stage with great people like Jonny, it’s a privilege.

“For me, it’s a seventh Major title now. I am three away from the great James Wade and for me to be even close to someone like that, I can’t even believe it. I’m over the moon.”

Clayton, who picked up £50k, said: “I had to dig in. He was running with it and I would say he’s a class act. He gave me chances I took and I didn’t give up. It was a good game, but it was not my day.

“Games like that, one has to win and one lose. It’s a shame. All credit to Luke, fantastic person and player.

“It’s the beginning of the year, I feel good, new darts, looking forward to the season.”

Clayton drew first blood by taking the opening set against the throw. But the World No.1 responded swiftly to level it up. However Clayton took the next set with Humphries cutting a frustrated figure at his missed opportunities.

Cool Hand appeared to come back from the break more focused and then delivered a devastating burst to reel off FOUR successive sets with an average of 104 to lead 5-2 – and just one set away from glory.

But battling Clayton isn’t called The Ferret without good reason. He scrapped his way back into the clash to win the next three to make it 5-5.

However Humphries finally hit double top as it went to nail-biting deciding leg.

Images by Taylor Lanning.