Dobey Claims Second Title of 2026 as Humphries' Struggles Persist

Luke Humphries' recent form woes continued with a disappointing exit in the last 16 at the Players Championship 9 in Wigan, while Chris Dobey dominated the competition to secure his second title of 2026. Humphries' struggles began four days prior with a quarter-final loss to Jonny Clayton, putting his Premier League finals hopes in jeopardy, and he was unable to bounce back, falling 6-4 to Andrew Gilding. Gilding's impressive run included a 6-3 win over Beau Greaves, who made history by becoming the first woman to reach a ProTour quarter-final. However, Gilding's campaign ended with a 7-1 semi-final loss to eventual champion Dobey, who overwhelmed Luke Woodhouse and Richard Veenstra en route to the final, where he defeated Justin Hood 8-4 to claim the £15,000 prize. Dobey overcame a slow start to claim six of the next seven legs, showcasing his exceptional skill with a 105.28 average. 'I've been playing well all year, and I'm eager to win more titles,' Dobey said. 'It's challenging to win just one, so winning multiple is an incredible feeling. I played consistently well throughout the day, and I'm thrilled with another victory.' A notable highlight from the tournament was Thomas Lovely's nine-darter in his round three loss to Woodhouse. The competition also saw several thrilling matches, including the last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, which ended with Dobey's 8-4 victory over Hood. As the Premier League Darts season progresses, Luke Humphries will be defending his title, and fans can catch the action every Thursday on Sky Sports.