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Superb Humphries thrashes Joyce to reach World Grand Prix final

Luke HumphriesImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Luke Humphries won the tournament last year, beating Gerwyn Price in the final

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World number one Luke Humphries destroyed fellow Englishman Ryan Joyce to set up a final against Belgium's Mike de Decker at the World Grand Prix in Leicester.

Humphries, the defending champion, despatched Joyce in his semi-final on Saturday night 5-0.

The 29-year-old was in superb form and raced to victory, dropping just three legs.

It was a one-sided affair but Joyce scored well, averaging over 94 on the night.

But he was no match for in-form Humphries who averaged 100 and recorded eight 180s.

"Ryan was brilliant but I am capable of these big performances," Humphries told Sky Sports.

"I believe in myself in these big moments and I had to put in that big performance. It felt special. I said to him he played well but I was just on fire.

"If I could win tomorrow it would complete the most incredible 12 months.

"Five-nil is quite flattering as Joyce played well. I was relaxed tonight and I played my best."

In the last year Humphries has dominated the sport, winning tournaments including the World Darts Championships, the World Cup for England and the World Matchplay.

He will meet unseeded De Decker in Sunday's showpiece - the first time a Belgian has made the final in the tournament. It will also be the first time De Decker has played in a major final.

De Decker, 28, beat countryman Dimitri van den Bergh 5-2 in his semi-final.

"I've been trying to block it all out. I was really nervous but after the third set I relaxed. I'm so happy," De Decker said.

Asked what he needed to improve, he said: "My nerves. I got away with it. After winning my second set I relaxed. Tomorrow it has to be better."

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