Luke Humphries delivered a masterclass performance at the 2026 ČEZ Czech Darts Open, defeating rising star Beau Greaves 6-2. This decisive victory ended Greaves’ groundbreaking run, where she made history as the first woman ever to win a match on the prestigious European Tour. Humphries, a formidable three-time champion, now continues his dominant quest for a potential fourth title in Prague.
A Clash of Titans: Experience Meets History-Maker
The PVA Expo in Prague witnessed a highly anticipated encounter as darting sensation Beau Greaves, known for her incredible talent, faced off against the world-class Luke Humphries. Greaves had already made headlines, securing her place in the history books by becoming the first woman to win a match on the European Tour. Her journey had captivated fans, showcasing her immense potential on a stage typically dominated by male players.
Humphries’ Clinical Dominance
However, Greaves ran into an almost unplayable Luke Humphries. The three-time Czech Darts Open champion demonstrated why he is considered one of the sport’s elite, averaging just short of an astonishing 109 points per visit. His performance was a display of relentless accuracy and power, booking his place in Sunday’s last 16.
The match began with Greaves showing her own class, opening with a sharp 13-dart leg. But Humphries, known for his ability to respond under pressure, immediately countered with brilliant legs of 12 and 14 darts, seizing early control of the contest. Despite Greaves, the three-time Women’s World Matchplay champion, showing her trademark resilience to narrow the gap to just one leg, Humphries then rattled off three consecutive legs to seal a commanding 6-2 victory.
Champion’s Respect and Determination
Reflecting on his performance, Humphries acknowledged the challenge Greaves presented and his own need to perform at his best. “I knew I had to play a lot better than last week,” Humphries stated, referring to his recent early exit at the Hungarian Darts Trophy. He also revealed a surprising element to his preparation: “48 hours ago I wasn’t sure whether I was going to play; I seem to play better when I have an injury!”
Humphries was full of praise for his opponent, highlighting the respect he has for Greaves’ talent. “She’s an amazing player, she pushed me all the way… If I had lost today, I wouldn’t have been disgraced. I would have lost to a really great dart player.”
On Track for Another Title
With this impressive win, Humphries now advances to face Andrew Gilding in the last 16, after Gilding secured a 6-2 victory over Nathan Aspinall. The result keeps the three-time champion firmly on course as he continues his bid for a third consecutive title in Prague, a feat that would further solidify his legendary status at the ČEZ Czech Darts Open.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
