Mike De Decker shocked the darting world by defeating Luke Humphries to capture his first major at the World Grand Prix.
The Belgian beat overwhelming favourite Luke Humphries 6-4 with a supremely composed display that saw him survive a comeback from Cool Hand.
Many thought Humphries had the trophy wrapped up before a dart had even been thrown and it’s been described as one of the best major finals for the last few years.
The darts world has reacted to the back-and-forth tie between De Decker and Humphries.
The darting world hails Mike De Decker and Luke Humphries clash
Many professionals and pundits took to social media to praise the high quality of the final in Leicester.
World No. 8 Damon Heta said: “What a final & what a week from Mike!” while Cameron Menzies declared: “Mike, wow he’s been amazing and now a major winner fair play. Class game.”
‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans said: “Fair play fella, great tournament” and Humphries himself said: “What a final that was! I’ve known Mike since youth days, and I always knew he had the potential to win trophies”.
The Belgian claimed his first-ever major tournament in his maiden televised final and many have been calling for Mike De Decker to be given a Premier League spot.
De Decker won in style at World Grand Prix
Heading into the final as an underdog, it was clear the Belgian was more than a match for Humphries from the off.
De Decker averaged two points higher than Humphries, hitting more 180s and 140s than the World No. 1 and securing a bigger checkout than his opponent.
De Decker also notched up a better starting success in the double star format, with a 50% success rate to Humphries’ 45%.