The Grand Slam of Darts just witnessed a thrilling showdown that left fans on the edge of their seats! Luke Humphries punched his ticket to the semi-finals with a commanding 16-8 victory over Michael Smith, but it wasn’t without a fierce battle. And this is the part most people miss: despite Smith’s spirited comeback to level the match at 7-7, Humphries unleashed a relentless streak, winning nine of the next ten legs to seal the deal. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Humphries’ dominance a testament to his skill, or did Smith’s momentum simply fizzle out? Let’s dive in.
The world number one, Humphries, stormed out of the gates with a flawless 4-0 lead in the best-of-31-leg match. Yet, Smith, known for his tenacity, fought back to even the score, setting the stage for a nail-biting clash. At 30 years old, Humphries showcased his championship mettle, averaging an impressive 104.98 and boasting a 44.4% checkout percentage—numbers that highlight why he’s the reigning 2023 Grand Slam champion. But here’s a thought: could Smith’s comeback have been sustained if not for Humphries’ late-game precision?
Next up, Humphries will face Gerwyn Price, who secured his spot with a 16-9 win over Ricky Evans. This semi-final matchup promises fireworks, as Price’s fiery personality clashes with Humphries’ cool-headed strategy. Meanwhile, the drama isn’t over yet—the remaining quarter-finals at the WV Active Aldersley centre in Wolverhampton are set for Saturday. World champion Luke Littler takes on Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock, while Germany’s Lukas Wenig battles Dutchman Danny Noppert. Who do you think will rise to the occasion?
But here’s the real question: Is Luke Humphries the unstoppable force of darts, or is there still room for an underdog to steal the spotlight? Share your thoughts below—we want to hear your take on this electrifying tournament!