Luke Humphries in 7th heaven as Cool Hand survives Jonny Clayton fightback to claim Winmau World Darts Masters

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

Luke Humphries was in seventh heaven after winning a dramatic World Masters.

The World No.1 survived an epic Final fightback from Jonny Clayton to win a last-leg shootout and seal a 6-5 success. Humphries’ triumph was his seventh major TV ranking title in just 15 months. At the same time, it has taken him to within three of third-placed James Wade on the all-time list who currently sits behind top two Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.

Humphries is thrilled at that achievement and said: “I am three away from the great James Wade and for me to be even close to someone like that, I can’t even believe it. I’m over the moon. I think I was a bit fortunate. I started to feel the nerves in the end. "When I was 5-2 up and missing doubles, I was trying too hard then to close the game out and Jonny was coming back at me.

“As soon as it went 5-5, as much as I’m not a negative person, I felt the game had maybe gone. He was just scoring so well.

“There’s a reason he’s The Ferret, he’s just constantly at your heels and it’s a shame he is not in the Premier League because, the way he is playing at the moment, he probably would have been in there for me.

“That was a really tough game. I thought I played well in patches, but in the middle bit, Jonny was so dominant, I feel fortunate that I have won the trophy.

“But you have to take it, run with it and do what you can. That double top, I must admit I was shaking, my heart was pounding, but it went in. So I am really, really pleased. Winmau and Red Dragon have sponsored me for nearly 10 years now, so it’s really nice to be the first one to win the rejuvenated Masters.

“I felt like I could have played even better than I did this weekend, but you can’t be too critical. I know I am critical and people see me on the board and I am complaining, but it’s just because I know how I can play.

"But it’s an achievement when I am not at my best and still win. It’s amazing and, when you share the stage with great people like Jonny, it’s a privilege. I can’t believe it.”

Clayton gave an outstanding show before coming up just short and he stated: “I had to dig in. He was running with it and I would say he’s a class act. He gave me chances I took and I didn’t give up. It was a good game, but it was not my day.

“Games like that, one has to win and one lose. It’s a shame. All credit to Luke, fantastic person and player. It’s the beginning of the year, I feel good, new darts, looking forward to the season.”

Get Record Sport's big Premier League Darts preview here!

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.