Surprise finalist Mike De Decker shocked world No 1 Luke Humphries 6-4 to win his maiden World Grand Prix title at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester on Sunday.
Humphries had come into the final as the overwhelming favourite to retain his title after a superb 2024, and a breathtaking 5-0 semi-final victory, but ultimately was no match for the brilliant Belgian.
The world champion was outplayed for the majority of the night by De Decker, who completed a dream run through the tournament and claimed a momentous first televised title in style.
De Decker had led 4-1 earlier in the night before a Humphries comeback – started with a five-leg streak and consecutive 149 and 152 checkouts – brought it back to 4-4.
The challenger, though, produced brilliance of his own in the final two sets – including a 180 in the deciding leg – to clinch a shock win.
“I’ve over the moon,” said De Decker, who previously lost his tour card but has now proved himself against the world’s best. “I’ve been happy with my performance all week, but this tops it off.
“I was nervous in patches and got nervous at 4-4 but I did it. I am so, so proud.”
A gracious Humphries added: “There’s a lot more to come from him. You don’t play like that in a final if you don’t have a bit of bottle. You only need to look at what happened to me last year.”
More to follow.
What live darts is next on Sky Sports?
Live darts returns to Sky Sports with the Grand Slam of Dartswhich will be hosted in Wolverhampton as Luke Humphries looks to defend his title.
Attention then turns to the turn of the year and the 2025 PDC World Darts Championshipbeginning on December 15, as the darts calendar continues to provide excitement throughout the year – and you can enjoy the very best here live on Sky Sports.
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TVstreaming service NOW and the Sky Sports appgiving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
