Grand Slam of Darts: Luke Humphries beats Rob Cross 16-8 to win final
- Published
Luke Humphries has risen to fourth in the world rankings this year
Luke Humphries continued his fine form by beating Rob Cross 16-8 to win the Grand Slam of Darts.
Six weeks after winning his maiden major title at the World Grand Prix, the 28-year-old from Berkshire cruised to victory over Cross in Wolverhampton.
Humphries won four European Tour events last year and has carried that form into the PDC Tour this year.
"I was just happy to make a second final, so to pick up a second [title] is fantastic," he said.
"The European Tour is where I get all of my success apparently, I can't do it on the big stage, but I can, I promise.
"I have always dreamed of being up on this stage and winning. I am very blessed and lucky to be a two-time major champion, I just can't believe it."
Victory earns Humphries prize money of £150,000, along with £3,500 as a group winner bonus.
Cross was going for his biggest title since 2021 and at one point was averaging more than when he beat Phil Taylor to win the 2018 World Championship.
The 33-year-old finished with an average of 103.61 but Humphries had 104.69 and threw eight 180s to lift the Eric Bristow Trophy.
He is now ranked fourth in the world and will be considered a real contender at the World Championship, which begins next month.
"I feel like a new player," Humphries said. "People have been telling me I have got no personality, but I don't care, as long as I keep picking up trophies.
"I have been on a journey, it has not been easy, but these are the things that make me believe. I think I can get a lot, lot better."