World number two Luke Humphries, known as ‘Cool Hand Luke’, has emphatically returned to the winner’s circle, securing the Players Championship 4 title in a dazzling display of darts in Wigan. He clinched the £15,000 top prize with a thrilling 8-6 victory over the in-form Wessel Nijman in a high-quality final. Humphries showcased his elite form throughout the day, consistently hitting exceptional averages, including a remarkable 104 in the final and six ton-plus averages across his matches, reaffirming his status as one of the sport’s premier talents and regaining vital confidence after a recent dry spell.
Humphries Masterclass: A Day of Dominance
Luke Humphries truly lived up to his ‘Cool Hand’ moniker, delivering a series of clinical performances that left no doubt about his championship pedigree. Despite a slightly shaky start, needing a deciding leg to overcome Martijn Dragt, Humphries quickly found his rhythm and never looked back.
The Road to Glory: Humphries’ Unstoppable Run
- Early Rounds: After defeating Martijn Dragt, Humphries powered through Marvin Kraft with a 103 average and Luke Woodhouse with a 104 average to reach the last 32.
- Premier League Clash: He then dispatched Premier League rival Stephen Bunting 6-3, showcasing his composure against top-tier opposition.
- Semi-Finals Spot: A sublime performance saw him average an incredible 108 in a 6-2 victory over Niels Zonneveld, booking his place in the semi-finals.
- Epic Showdown: The semi-final brought one of the day’s most anticipated matches against former World Champion Gerwyn Price. Both players averaged over 100, but it was Humphries who seized the crucial moments, triumphing 7-4 against the Welshman.
The Thrilling Final: Humphries vs. Nijman
The final against Wessel Nijman was a seesaw battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Nijman started strong, taking an early 2-0 lead, and later moved 5-3 ahead. However, Humphries demonstrated his champion’s resolve, reeling off four consecutive legs with incredible darting – 12, 12, 14, and 12 darts – to surge into the lead for the first time. Though Nijman fought back, Humphries maintained his composure, securing his fifth straight victory over the Dutchman with an 8-6 win, sealed by another impressive 13-dart leg.
Humphries’ Elation and Future Ambitions
Reflecting on his victory, Humphries expressed immense satisfaction. “Except for that first game, I thought I was really good today,” he stated. “I’ve had some really, really tough games… Stephen Bunting and Gerwyn Price; these are Premier League players.”
He added, “I feel elated! For me, these are big. It gives me a lot of confidence because it’s the first tournament I’ve won in a long time.” The win clearly meant a lot, providing a significant confidence boost. Humphries also shared a heartwarming thought, saying, “I think my son will be watching me at home… I’m sure he will be very happy as well!” He concluded with a determined outlook: “There’s going to be a lot of graft this year, but if I keep playing like that then the rewards will come.”
Nijman’s Stellar Performance and Other Standouts
While the title went to Humphries, Wessel Nijman’s impressive run to the final cannot be overlooked. Having won a ranking title just last week, Nijman continues to show why he’s a rising star. His journey included two more 100+ averages, notably a dominant 107 average in a whitewash victory over Marvin van Velzen, and hard-fought wins against Daryl Gurney and Callan Rydz. His consistent strong performances mean he now leads the race to qualify for the PDC Players Championship Finals.
Another player who shone brightly was Callan Rydz. He reached his first ProTour semi-final since February 2025, defeating former major winners Danny Noppert and Mike De Decker along the way. Rydz showcased his return to form with back-to-back ton-plus averages against Ryan Joyce and Andrew Gilding, including an outstanding nearly 108 average in his whitewash win against Joyce.
Gerwyn Price also came close to his first ranking title of the season, reaching the semi-finals. Despite falling short against Nijman a week earlier and then Humphries this time, he consistently demonstrated his quality, including a 100+ average against the eventual winner, after defeating Sebastian Bialecki, Kim Huybrechts, and Ricky Evans.
What’s Next in the World of Darts?
The darting action continues with a busy schedule. The PDC European Tour kicks off with the inaugural Poland Darts Open in Krakow from February 20-22. Following that, the 2026 PDC Players Championship series will resume on February 24-25 in Leicester. Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters as players battle for ranking points and prize money.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
