Mike De Decker ‘over the moon’ to win PDC World Grand Prix

Mike De Decker revealed he is “over the moon” to have won the PDC World Grand Prix in Leicester.

The 28-year-old defeated the defending champion Luke Humphries 6-4 in sets to win his first TV major tournament.

The Belgian is the newest star in the TV winner enclosure and pockets £120k for his week’s work.

De Decker raced into a 4-1 lead before the world number one Humphries reeled off three consecutive sets to level at 4-4.

While under immense pressure, De Decker closed out the match by winning the last two sets securing a 6-4 victory.

“I’ve been crying backstage. There was a moment I was going to cry two minutes ago. I’m over the moon,” he said. “I’ve got this trophy and I’ve got a major title, I’m lost for words.

“It was unreal. I didn’t really know what to do with myself. I am so so happy. I’m over the moon.

“I never said I can’t win it, I just said I didn’t want to think about it. But at 4-1 I was up I was thinking I’m kinda close now. And then Luke [Humphries] decided to go mental on finishes and went back to 4-4.

“At 4-4, I don’t know why or what, but I relaxed. I was thinking ‘Well, he’s the reigning world champion and world matchplay [winner],’ and it helped.”

De Decker admitted he played “the best I”ve ever did” on stage throughout the tournament as he conquered against Damon Heta, Gary Anderson, James Wade, Dimitri Van den Bergh and then Humphries in the final.

He shared that the quality of opposition made the occasion even more special given their achievements within the game.

“It does [make it more special], [but] maybe not the route or the players I played against. One by one they’re all phenomenal players to play against, but just lifting my first trophy is massive. I will probably still be buzzing at four at night, but it’s an unbelievable feeling.

However, despite now winning one of the biggest PDC tournaments for the first time, the Belgian told SportsBoom that he is not thinking about a potential spot in the eight-player Premier League in 2025.

“I am happy with this [title] and I’m not think about the Premier League whatsoever.

“It’s 14 weeks against the top eight in the world every single week and it’s so hard. I’ve seen it with Kim (Huybrechts), I’ve seen it with Dimitri (Van den Bergh), I’ve seen it with Jelle {Klaasen) who is a good friend.

“I don’t know, if they put me in I’ll say yes, a hundred percent. If they don’t put me in, that’s fine. Maybe next year or the year after. It’s not up to me.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.