Dobey Claims Second Title of 2026 as Humphries' Struggles Persist

Luke Humphries' poor form continued with a disappointing exit in the last 16 at the Players Championship 9 in Wigan, while Chris Dobey secured his second title of the year. Humphries, still reeling from his quarter-final defeat to Jonny Clayton four days prior, was beaten 6-4 by Andrew Gilding. Gilding went on to defeat 22-year-old Beau Greaves, who had made history by becoming the first woman to reach a ProTour quarter-final, 6-3. However, Gilding's run was ended by Dobey in the semi-finals, who then overcame Justin Hood 8-4 in the final to claim the £15,000 prize. Dobey, who had started the final slowly, recovered to win six of the next seven legs and seal the victory with a 105.28 average. 'I'm hoping to pick up more titles this year,' said Dobey. 'It's not easy to win just one, so to win ten is an incredible feeling.' Dobey, who consistently produced high averages throughout the tournament, expressed his desire to translate his form to TV and European Tour events. The tournament also witnessed a nine-darter, courtesy of Thomas Lovely in his round three defeat to Luke Woodhouse. The Premier League Darts schedule continues, with Humphries looking to defend his title.