Wayne Mardle, the well‑known Sky Sports Darts analyst, offered his thoughts on Luke Humphries’ impressive achievement of becoming a two‑time World Grand Prix champion. The Englishman secured the title after an exhilarating comeback, overturning a 0‑3 deficit against Gerwyn Price to clinch a 6‑4 victory in the double‑start format.
Mardle reflected that, a few years ago, he doubts Humphries would have had the resilience to stay in such a match and pull off a win. According to Mardle, what set Humphries apart was sheer belief – a blend of courage and determination that convinced him he could succeed, no matter the opponent or the scoreline. "He can do it against anyone from any position," Mardle said, emphasizing that Humphries’ confidence is rooted in a history of victories across a variety of settings.
The champion’s experience of winning multiple titles has forged a mindset that, when under pressure, he simply focuses on settling into his rhythm rather than fearing a humiliating defeat. Mardle pointed out that the mental approach is crucial: "When you have won before, and Luke has done many, many times and in many, many ways, there is that belief of, 'I'm under pressure but let's just see as I know if I settle down my game can win', rather than 'oh no, I am going to get beat or get embarrassed 6‑0'." In other words, past success breeds a calm confidence that allows a player to simplify the situation and play his natural game.
During the final, after Humphries captured the fourth set, the momentum shifted. Price began to feel the pressure and his game tightened, while Humphries remained composed.
Mardle noted that Humphries found himself in trouble repeatedly – "then a bit more and then a bit more" – yet each time he managed to claw his way back, showcasing an extraordinary level of effort and mental fortitude. The last two sets of the match were, by Mardle’s account, Humphries’ finest. He endured more than an hour of intense darts, never capitulating to the barrage of throws from Price, affectionately nicknamed "Gezzy". "He stood up to everything Gezzy threw at him, which was a lot," Mardle observed, highlighting the champion’s resilience.
Looking ahead, Mardle believes Humphries can now enter the World Championship with a bold mindset: "someone stop me". The confidence gained from winning in a set‑play format is likely to stay with him throughout the season.
If the two were to meet again in a World final, Mardle warned that the encounter could become a battle of one‑upmanship, with each player trying to out‑do the other. Turning to Price, Mardle acknowledged that the Welshman is known for speaking his mind in the heat of competition.
Yet his competitive drive is evident – he wants to win, and his focus in the final was undeniable. Mardle admitted that it is "disheartening and disappointing when you are 3‑0 up and don't win", but also recognized that Price has suffered enough final losses to understand that nothing is guaranteed in darts. Price, still relatively young, will have many more chances to chase titles.
He knows his own quality and, despite the setback, will continue to strive for success. Mardle urged that Price not be too hard on himself: "Gezzy can't beat himself up too much." Mardle also praised the statistical excellence of Humphries in the closing stages. Averaging 106 in one set and 107 in the next, Humphries delivered a level of play that Mardle described as "unplayable" – a benchmark that will be difficult for any opponent to match. Beyond the Grand Prix, the European Tour season is pressing on.
Upcoming events include the Swiss Darts Trophy (9‑11 October) and the Dutch Darts Championship (16‑18 October), leading into the European Championship in Dortmund from 22‑25 October. Sky Sports will continue to be the primary broadcaster for darts, covering the Grand Slam of Darts (14‑22 November) and the World Darts Championship (10 December‑3 January) live. Fans can also stream matches and additional content via the NOW platform without a contract, ensuring easy access to the sport's biggest moments.
In summary, Mardle’s analysis paints a picture of a champion who has honed his mental game as much as his technical skill. Luke Humphries’ ability to recover from a daunting deficit, maintain composure under relentless pressure, and finish with astonishing averages underscores why he is considered one of the sport’s most formidable competitors. As the season unfolds, both Humphries and Price will look to build on their experiences, with the former likely entering future tournaments with an even greater belief that "someone stop me" – a sentiment that could shape the narrative of darts for months to come.