Luke Humphries shows true colours with message to Stephen Bunting after final victory

Luke Humphries spoke of his respect for friend and rival Stephen Bunting after their dramatic Players Championship meeting, which the world champion won in a last-leg decider

Luke Humphries showed his class after condemning Stephen Bunting to his third final defeat in as many days.

The world champion clinched his maiden Players Championship title of 2024 on Thursday, producing a late burst to deny the Bullet. Humphries fought back from 7-6 down to win 8-7, marking the perfect preparation ahead of his World Grand Prix title defence, which he begins against the same player on Monday.

It was a bittersweet few days in Wigan for Bunting, who made the final of all three Players Championship events, only to lose on each occasion. He lost to Wessel Nijman on Tuesday and Chris Dobey on Wednesday prior to his defeat to Humphries.

During his victory interview, Cool Hand paid tribute to Bunting, who has been unwell all week. He said: “The impressive thing was, Stephen’s not very well. He’s really not well. Not seriously ill but he’s not been great. To make three finals, yeah, that is dedication.”

Humphries later added: “Fair play, making three final when you’re not 100%, that’s very impressive. I know what it takes. Right now, I’m absolutely exhausted so imagine having done it for another two days.

“I’m gutted for him – because he’s a really good friend of mine – that he didn’t win one but to make three finals, he’ll walk away with some confidence. I know I’ve got a really tough game against him [at the World Grand Prix] because he’s really good on his doubles [the Grand Prix is a double-start tournament].

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“But these are the moments I live for. I’ve achieved everything I ever wanted. Now I want to go up and play the best and be involved in these great games against Stephen, Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, all these players on the big stage, and give the fans what they want, enjoyment.”

Last year’s Grand Prix saw the start of Humphries’ year of darting domination. Since clinching his first major title in Leicester, he has won the Grand Slam, Players Championship Finals, World Championship and World Matchplay.

“Hopefully it’s a great Grand Prix and I’d love to retain it,” he added. “But there’s some dirty draws in there, it’s going to be a tough one.”

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