Wayne Mardle, the veteran commentator for Sky Sports Darts, recently shared his thoughts on Luke Humphries' remarkable achievement of securing a second World Grand Prix title. Humphries staged a dramatic comeback, overturning a 3-0 deficit against Gerwyn Price in the final and ultimately prevailing 6-4 in the double‑start format. Mardle reflected that, a few years ago, he doubted whether Humphries would have been able to endure such a pressure‑filled encounter and emerge victorious. He emphasized that the key to Humphries' success was pure belief, combined with courage and determination, and that the player possesses the ability to defeat anyone, regardless of the scoreline or the stage of the match.
Mardle noted that experience plays a huge role in shaping a competitor's mindset. "When you have already tasted victory on numerous occasions, as Luke has, you develop a certain confidence," he said. "That confidence translates into a calm approach under pressure: you think, ‘I’m under pressure, but if I settle down my game will speak for itself,’ rather than spiralling into thoughts like ‘I’m going to be embarrassed 6‑0.’" This mental shift, according to Mardle, allowed Humphries to simplify the situation and focus on executing his own game plan.
During the final, after clinching the fourth set, Humphries appeared to relax, while Price seemed to tighten up. Mardle observed that Humphries had been in a precarious position several times throughout the match, yet each time he managed to claw his way back. "He was in trouble, then a little more trouble, and then even more.
To escape from that position required an extraordinary effort," Mardle explained. The last two sets, in particular, showcased Humphries at his very best. He endured more than an hour of intense darts, never yielding to the barrage of pressure that Price – affectionately known as "Gezzy" – threw at him. Looking ahead, Mardle believes that Humphries can now approach the World Championship with an almost invincible mindset, thinking, "Someone try to stop me." The experience of winning a set‑play tournament like the Grand Prix, he argues, will stay with him for the rest of his career.
If the two were to meet again in a World final, Mardle predicts a fascinating battle of one‑upmanship, with each player trying to out‑think and out‑execute the other. Turning his attention to Gerwyn Price, Mardle acknowledged that Price often speaks impulsively in the heat of the moment, yet his competitive drive is undeniable. "You can’t maintain the level of focus Price displayed in that final unless you truly care about the outcome," Mardle said.
He admitted that it is disappointing when a player leads 3‑0 and then fails to close out the match, but reminded listeners that Price has experienced enough final defeats to understand that nothing is guaranteed in darts. Price, still relatively young, will have many more opportunities to add major titles to his résumé. He knows his own ability and, despite the setback, will continue to chase success. Mardle also pointed out that the quality of Humphries' play in the final two sets was extraordinary – averaging 106 in one set and 107 in the next – a level of performance that is virtually unplayable for most opponents.
While Price may feel disappointment, Mardle urged him not to be too hard on himself. The European Tour schedule is already in motion, with the Swiss Darts Trophy set for October 9‑11 and the Dutch Darts Championship slated for October 16‑18.
These events will lead into the European Championship in Dortmund, Germany, from October 22‑25. Sky Sports will continue to be the primary broadcaster for darts throughout the season, covering the Grand Slam of Darts in November (14‑22) and the World Darts Championship in December and January (December 10‑January 3). Fans can stream all the action live via the NOW platform without a long‑term contract. The upcoming calendar promises plenty of high‑stakes matches, giving both Humphries and Price ample chances to showcase their talent, refine their strategies, and perhaps meet again on the biggest stages in the sport.
The narrative of belief, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence that Mardle highlighted will undoubtedly continue to shape the journeys of these two top‑class competitors.