In the electrifying atmosphere of Milton Keynes’ Arena MK, the 2026 Winmau World Masters delivered a moment of pure darts magic that will be etched in the memories of fans for years to come. Defending champion Luke Humphries, the world number two and a force of unyielding precision, stepped onto the oche for a last-16 clash against the resilient Luke Woodhouse. What unfolded was not just a match, but a rollercoaster of drama, skill, and sheer willpower, culminating in Humphries’ triumphant 4-3 victory in a best-of-seven-sets thriller.
From the outset, Humphries asserted his dominance, racing through the first four legs with the kind of effortless authority that has made him a household name in the sport. The crowd, already buzzing with anticipation for this PDC ranked major, erupted into pandemonium during the second set. Humphries unleashed a flawless nine-darter—the first televised perfect leg of 2026—sealing it with a clinical 141 checkout on double 12 after two maximum 180s. The roar from the stands was deafening, a wave of exhilaration that swept through the venue like a storm. This wasn’t just any nine-darter; it marked Humphries’ third on television in the past 12 months, underscoring his evolution into one of darts’ most consistent performers under the bright lights.
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Humphries shared his intuition: “When I hit those two 180s, I just felt like it was going to go. It was a great moment, but if I don’t win the match, it means nothing, so I’m really glad I got the win to go with it.” Indeed, the nine-darter propelled him to a commanding 2-0 lead, with both players trading blows at averages soaring over 105. Woodhouse, far from intimidated, showcased why he’s emerging as a formidable contender. He fired back with a stunning 114 finish and mounted a gritty comeback, clawing his way from 3-1 down to level the score at 3-3. The tension was palpable as Woodhouse survived a match dart on double 19, broke Humphries twice in the fifth set, and forced a decider that had the audience on the edge of their seats.
In the final set, Humphries missed three more darts at the match, but his composure never wavered. Holding his throw, he clinched the win with a composed 54 checkout followed by a sharp 14-darter, sealing his place in the quarter-finals. “It was a really close game,” Humphries admitted afterward. “I would rather win the game and not hit a nine-darter than hit a nine-darter and lose, so I am just glad I did both.” He praised his opponent’s growth, noting, “Luke put me under pressure every single set. He’s definitely hit that next peak in his career. I think he knows he’s got the game to beat anybody, and that’s what I said to him: ‘The world is your oyster now.'”
This victory positions Humphries as a strong favorite to become the first back-to-back World Masters champion since Michael van Gerwen, a feat that would further cement his legacy. At 30, Humphries has already conquered the world stage, but matches like this remind everyone of the mental fortitude required to stay at the top. His next challenge comes against Dutchman Danny Noppert, who earlier dismantled Stephen Bunting 4-0 with a blistering 107 average in the opening set.
The day’s action wasn’t limited to Humphries’ heroics. Teenage sensation Luke Littler, the 19-year-old world champion, continued his quest for a first Masters title with a dominant 4-1 dismantling of Ross Smith. Littler, who survived a nail-biting 3-2 win over Mike de Decker the previous night, elevated his game dramatically, posting a staggering 107.88 average and eight maximums. He opened with a ruthless display, taking the first four legs in just 49 darts and building a three-set cushion that left Smith reeling. Despite Smith claiming the fourth set with an average over 102 and six maximums of his own, Littler closed out the match emphatically. “I played very well tonight, far better than Friday,” Littler reflected. “That’s what I had to do against Ross. We always have brilliant games, so I’m just glad to get through. Me and Josh [Rock] have had some really good games in the past, and hopefully we can have another one.”
Littler’s next opponent, 24-year-old Josh Rock, advanced with a convincing 4-1 win over Rob Cross, winning the last five legs in style to reach the last eight for the first time. Other notable results included Gian van Veen’s 4-2 upset of Nathan Aspinall, setting up a clash with James Wade, who fought back from 2-0 down to edge Gary Anderson 4-3 with an average of 96.71 and six maximums. Gerwyn Price staged a remarkable recovery from two sets down to defeat Jonny Clayton 4-3, featuring four ton-plus checkouts including a 161, and will face Chris Dobey, who survived a 4-3 scare against Damon Heta with a dramatic 127 bullseye finish.
As the tournament heads into Sunday’s quarter-finals—starting with afternoon matchups like Littler versus Rock, Humphries versus Noppert, van Veen versus Wade, and Dobey versus Price—the stage is set for more fireworks. Semi-finals and the final follow in the evening, promising a best-of-nine and best-of-11 sets spectacle. Humphries’ nine-darter not only ignited the crowd but also highlighted the ever-rising standard of professional darts, where precision meets pressure in ways that captivate global audiences. In a sport where every throw counts, this World Masters is proving why it’s one of the most thrilling events on the calendar, blending veteran prowess with youthful ambition in a symphony of tungsten artistry.
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