Luke Humphries has been crowned the champion of the 2024 New Zealand Darts Masters in Hamilton, following an emphatic 8-2 victory over Damon Heta in Saturday’s final. This triumph marks Humphries’ first-ever World Series of Darts title, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s elite.
Humphries’ Road to Victory
En route to his maiden World Series final, Humphries showcased his skill and resilience, defeating a series of formidable opponents. He began his campaign with a win over Kayden Milne, followed by a victory against the formidable Michael Smith. However, it was his remarkable semi-final comeback against Luke Littler that truly highlighted his determination. Trailing 6-2, Humphries staged an extraordinary rally to secure his place in the final.
Damon Heta, on the other hand, displayed exceptional form throughout the tournament. He secured wins against his Australian World Cup of Darts partner Simon Whitlock, Rob Cross, and Peter Wright, earning his spot in his third World Series final. Heta’s lethal accuracy on the doubles had been a standout feature of his run, with the Aussie hitting 20 out of 28 darts at double before the final.
The Final Showdown
The final began with Heta continuing his impressive finishing, taking the opening leg with a double-double finish to hold throw. Humphries quickly responded, getting on the board in leg 2 before seizing the momentum. In the third leg, the world champion and world number one secured the first break of throw, gaining an early advantage. A clinical 15-darter in leg 4 pushed Humphries further ahead, and another break of throw in the fifth leg extended his lead to 4-1. As the players headed into the interval, Humphries held a commanding 5-1 lead.
After the break, Heta managed to halt Humphries’ streak of five consecutive legs with a hold of throw, but the momentum remained firmly with the Englishman. Humphries responded by holding throw in leg 8, moving within two legs of his first World Series title. Another break of throw in the following leg put him on the brink of victory.
In the decisive moment, Humphries demonstrated his composure, pinning double 16 with his third match dart to seal the 2024 New Zealand Darts Masters title.
This victory not only adds a prestigious World Series title to Humphries’ growing list of achievements but also cements his place at the top of the darts world. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see what the future holds for “Cool Hand Luke” as he continues to rise through the ranks.
