Gerwyn Price falls to Luke Humphries in World Grand Prix final
Gerwyn Price admitted he squandered too many chances to put Luke Humphries under pressure as his bid for World Grand Prix glory ended in another major final defeat on Sunday, reports BritPanorama.
The Welshman raced into a 3-0 lead at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena but ultimately could not maintain his advantage as Humphries staged a comeback to win 6-4 and secure the £150,000 first prize.
Price looked in command after a blistering start, taking the opening set in just 34 darts with a 132.62 average—the highest three-dart set average in World Grand Prix history. However, Humphries responded, executing a 105 finish in a deciding leg to avoid falling four sets behind.
Following the match, Price acknowledged that missed opportunities proved costly as the dynamics of the game shifted away from him. “Luke played brilliantly in the middle part of the game, but I still squandered so many opportunities to put him under a bit of pressure,” he told Sky Sports. “I felt like it was a fantastic game – I thought I played brilliantly, and Luke played brilliantly.”
Humphries won four consecutive sets to turn the tide and move ahead 4-3. Price managed to level at 4-4 but missed key opportunities to regain the lead, allowing Humphries to clinch the final two sets. This defeat extends Price’s wait for a major title, with his last victory coming in 2022.
This marks Price’s third consecutive major final defeat, having previously finished runner-up to Luke Littler at the World Matchplay and Ross Smith at the World Series Finals. Notably, he has now lost three World Grand Prix finals since lifting the title in 2020. Despite his early performance against Humphries, Price was unable to convert his dominance into a win.
Price attempted to downplay the disappointment, though he expressed frustration over the outcome. “I don’t want to win a major, do I?! It’s gutting I lost another one – I’m not bothered, but I am bothered,” he said. Meanwhile, Humphries commended Price’s efforts, predicting future success for him. “Gezzy was amazing for those first three sets, absolutely insane. He is going to win a major title soon. It’s written in the stars for him; he can’t keep playing this well and not win.”
For Humphries, this victory represents his second World Grand Prix crown, adding to his 2023 win over Price and positioning him as only the fourth player to win the tournament multiple times. After a series of runner-up finishes in high-stakes tournaments, including the World Grand Prix, European Championship, and Grand Slam of Darts last year, he finally secured a pivotal triumph on Sunday.
In sports, as in life, the margins can be razor-thin; Price’s early promise was met with a sobering reality. It highlights the unpredictable nature of competition, where a strong start does not guarantee victory, and a moment’s inattention can turn the tide entirely.
