Some low scoring from Michael van Gerwen at the start of the sixth leg opens the door for Humphries to break for a second time.

Humphries gets six darts at checkouts before Van Gerwen gets any.

Following an 100 set-up, Humphries finishes off 24 on double six to make it 3-3.

We're back after a quick break.

Just some more numbers on those doubles.

Humphries has had 10 attempts on doubles, taking two.

Van Gerwen has had four chances, but has finished three of them.

Luke Humphries is averaging north of 104 after five legs, while Van Gerwen's is just over 93.

The stark contrast has been in finishing.

Humphries' doubles percentage is just 20% so far, a mile behind Van Gerwen's 75%.

Dan Dawson
Commentator on Sky Sports

Michael van Gerwen has stolen that session away from the world number one.

With Michael van Gerwen trailing, Luke Humphries gets a go to take out 70, but misses out on double 16.

Van Gerwen takes out 62, doing what Humphries could not do and finish on double 16, going 3-2 up in the process.

Time for a quick break.

Humphries leaves himself with another low finish after nine darts, needing to take out 98 to break.

He almost takes it out, just going over on double 12.

Humphries is given the chance to re-visit but misses three further darts on doubles.

Van Gerwen checks out on double 16 to level.

Image source, Mark Robinson/PDC

Humphries makes light work of this third leg and after nine darts, has just 50 left.

He returns to take it out, an 18 before two darts at double 16, landing the second.

Humphries gives himself three darts to take out 53 and break back in the second leg.

He does so in two, 13 and then tops. 1-1.

Van Gerwen gets a glimpse of an early break with a potential checkout of 155, but does not take it out.

Humphries responds by missing two darts at double 16, allowing Van Gerwen to break

The Dutchman takes the first leg against the throw.

A few practice throws for Luke Humphries and Van Gerwen before the start of this match.

A couple of sections of the crowd are giving Humphries a bit of stick for being a Leeds United fan, although he responds to it in good jest.

Humphries to throw first in this first to 18 legs (best of 35) final.

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

Michael van Gerwen's talent is to focus and get to his best game as much as he can when he needs to.

I think he needs to know that he's the wiser of the two, but he's not going to get more chances of doubles than Luke Humphries, so he is going to have to finish better than he did.

Michael van Gerwen walks up to the oche first before being joined by Luke Humphries, with both players getting somewhat of a mixed reception on their way to the stage.

The Winter Gardens crowd however do sing along to Humphries' walk-on music of "I Predict A Riot".

Michael van Gerwen speaking on Sky Sports: "Every competition I compete in, I want to win.

"Whether it is my first title, 10th or 20th, I want to win."

A bit of news before this final gets underway.

Luke Humphries has won the bull up backstage, meaning he will throw first in this match.

Of course, it is a longer format in a best of 35 leg fixture, but that start will give Humphries an advantage before a dart has been thrown.

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

Humphries is playing that well and that consistently and we can see him now starting to come out of his shell as well.

This match was billed for an 20:00 BST start.

It looks like it is going to be a few minutes later than that, but not by much, so we do not have long to wait for this match to get underway.

Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports

Luke doesn't need to change anything that he does, it is just another tick for him in this tournament.

Michael van Gerwen can't go defensive, but he has to try and limit Luke Humphries' visits. He can't allow Luke to throw 15-dart legs on his throw or on the break.

Both Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen have guaranteed that they will each walk away with a six-figure sum in prize money after tonight's final.

For reaching the final, both players have guaranteed themselves £100,000 each in prize money.

The winner of the final will double their personal prize money to £200,000.

The total prize money from the whole competition is £800,000, with all players entering pocketing a minimum of £10,000 each.

Tonight's final will be the ninth meeting between Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen in 2024.

In those eight meetings, Humphries has won each of the last season clashes.

Van Gerwen's last win over Humphries being in the Premier League on 15 February in Glasgow.

Image source, Getty Images

Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports

Luke Humphries has never been mediocre, even at youths. He's always been on an upwards trajectory. Now, he's an absolute champion. This is not a spell, this is how he plays.

It wouldn't surprise me in 10 years if Humphries has a similar trophy haul to Van Gerwen.