Sky Sports Darts pundit Wayne Mardle reflects on Luke Humphries becoming a two-time World Grand Prix champion after 'Cool Hand' rallied from 3-0 down against Gerwyn Price in the final to triumph 6-4 at the double-start event… I may be wrong but, a few years ago, I don't think Luke would have hung in a game like that to win it. That was sheer belief: guts and determination knowing that you can do it - and he can do it against anyone from any position. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player When you have won before, and Luke has done many, many times and in many, many ways, there is that belief of, 'I'm under pressure but let's just see as I know if I settle down my game can win', rather than 'oh no, I am going to get beat or get embarrassed 6-0'.
He played his game and he won. I am not saying it's that simple but sometimes you have to simplify it. When he won the fourth set he relaxed and Price tightened up.
Humphries was in trouble, then a bit more and then a bit more - so to get out of it was an incredible effort. He was under the cosh for more than an hour but didn't succumb. He stood up to everything Gezzy threw at him, which was a lot.
Luke can now go into the World Championship thinking, 'someone stop me'. To do it in set-play registers and sticks with you. If Humphries and Price meet in a World final, something could crop up.
This is all about one-upmanship. On to Price, and he says things in the spur of the moment but the way he competes, he wants it. You can't be as focused as he was in the final if you don't care.
It is disheartening and disappointing when you are 3-0 up and don't win but he has lost enough finals to know nothing is a given. He is still a young man and will get many more opportunities. He knows he is good enough.
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