Luke Humphries booked his place in a third straight World Grand Prix final after overcoming a fierce test from Danny Noppert in a thrilling semi-final on Friday night.
The world No1 battled fatigue and frustration to claim a 5–3 victory, continuing his incredible run of consistency at the unique double-start major. Humphries, who has already won multiple televised titles this year, is now one win away from joining elite company once again.
His triumph means he becomes only the third player in history — after Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen — to reach three consecutive World Grand Prix finals.
After the match, he said: “It’s a great achievement matching Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen as the only other players to reach three consecutive World Grand Prix finals. I was in a flow state and then all of a sudden I was tired and it was a struggle.
Luke Humphries has now reached his third consecutive World Grand Prix final
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"Danny pushed me really hard. I was a little frustrated in myself. I went into the break before the seventh set and splashed water on my face and said ‘it’s now or never’. I came back fired up and it worked."
Humphries had looked in control early on, racing into a 3–0 lead with a string of clinical finishes, including a 108 checkout and a stunning bullseye finish for 72.
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Noppert, however, refused to back down. The 2022 UK Open champion rallied impressively, taking two sets on the spin and capitalising on missed doubles from Humphries to close the gap.
As the contest tightened, Noppert’s consistency forced Humphries to dig deep. The Dutchman produced a series of 140s and 180s to keep the pressure on, before Humphries responded with back-to-back maximums to move within touching distance of the final.
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Luke Humphries was unstoppable in the opening sets
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He sealed victory in style, pinning double 12 to complete the match and punch his ticket to yet another title showdown.
The world No1’s mental strength proved crucial in the closing stages. His decisive reaction after the mid-match break swung momentum back in his favour and underlined why he currently sits at the top of world darts.
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He emphasised how much the break before the final set helped: “That break did me the world of good — it helped me refocus. I told myself I had to go for it, and once I found that energy again, everything started clicking.”
Noppert’s spirited display drew admiration from fans despite the defeat, but it was Humphries’ composure under pressure that once again stood out.
Danny Noppert caused the world No1 a host of issues despite losing
|PA
His blend of precision and resilience has become a defining feature of his rise.
Humphries will now look to crown his run with another major title when he steps on stage for Sunday’s final, aiming to cement his dominance as the sport’s standout player of 2025.