Luke Humphries fought back tears after winning the Winmau World Masters and then cheekily reminded James Wade he’s rapidly closing in on his tally of darts majors after his compatriot’s jibe towards him days ago.
The world No.1 beat Jonny Clayton 6-5 in a topsy-turvy final in Milton Keynes after eliminating Joe Cullen, Josh Rock, Damon Heta and Danny Noppert en route to the final.
The 2024 world champion was pushed all the way by Welshman Clayton. He led 5-2 before three straight legs from his opponent set up a decider. After Clayton missed a 120 to win it, Humphries checked out on a D20 for his first title in 2025.
Humphries is now just three majors behind Wade, who pre-tournament branded him and Luke Littler “quite lazy”. Wade added: “They’re not Phil Taylors, they’re not Michael van Gerwens at their best, but they are phenomenal players.”
During the event, Humphries responded: “There’s no player that works harder than me. I’m working incredibly hard and that’s all I care about.”
And speaking on stage after beating Clayton, Humphries told ITV Sport: “For me it’s a seventh major title now. I’m three away from the great James Wade. For me to be even close to someone like that, I can’t even believe it.
“I’m just over the moon. I can’t believe it. That double top, I’ve had a close shaves in a few majors and I’m really, really pleased this one is coming back with me.”
Humphries felt lucky to win, saying: “I think I was a bit fortunate there. I started to feel the nerves in the end to be honest. When I was 5-2 up and I was missing doubles, I was then trying too hard to close the game out.
“Jonny came back at me and as soon as it went 5-5, I’m not a negative person but I felt the game had gone for me.
“He was just scoring so well. It’s the reason he’s the ferret – he’s just constantly at your heels. It’s a shame he’s not in the Premier League. The way he’s playing at the moment, he probably would’ve been in there for me.
“I thought I played well in patches but in the middle bit there, Jonny was so dominant. I feel fortunate I won the trophy. I’ve had a bit of luck this weekend.
“You’ve got to take it, run with it and do what you can. That double top, I was shaking and my heart was pounding but it went in so I’m really, really pleased.”
After banking £100,000 with his win in the final, the 29-year-old added: “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 Winmau World Masters.
“I felt like I could’ve played better than I did from Thursday. You can’t be too critical. I know I’m critical, everyone can see on a dart board I’m always complaining and stuff, but it’s just because how I can play on the practice board.
“It’s still an achievement if I’m playing well but not at my best. To win trophies like these, honestly it’s amazing. When you share the stage with great friends like Jonny, it’s a privilege.”
Runner-up Clayton said: “I had to dig in. He was running away with everything. This guy is a class act. He gave me a chances of which I missed and a lot of chances that I took.
“I didn’t give up, that’s the main thing. I wanted to give Luke a great game and I think it was a good game! That 120, I was praying that was going to go in.
“Listen, not my day. It’s this young man’s – fantastic. In games like that you need a winner, one has to lose!
“Genuinely all credit to Luke. Fantastic person, fantastic player, what can I say? It’s the beginning of the year, I feel good, new darts, I done alright – I’m looking forward to this season!”
