Humphries beats Rock to retain Czech Open title

Luke Humphries, the world’s number one, defeated Josh Rock 8-5 in the final to defend his Czech Open title.

Rock, who had already defeated Michael van Gerwen in the final, had a lead in the opening throw, but England’s Humphries fought back and then reeled off a 12-dart leg to tie the game 3-3.

After the pair traded legs, Humphries won the next three legs of the spin against the Northern Irishman, 5-5.

Humphries won the title he won a year ago and won the top prize of £30,000 with a clinical final leg at the PVA Expo in Prague.

Although the 30-year-old’s three-dart average of 93.89 was marginally lower than Rock’s 94.1, his checkout rate (34.8% versus 26.3%) was higher.

Humphries won the tournament for the eighth time in his career in 2022 and 2024, taking home the title of PDC European Tour three times in four years.

“I would have all 14 European Tours held here if it were up to me. You can’t win three games at once, and it’s obviously special to me, Humphries said.

The last three months have been difficult since winning the Premier League. At times, I had trouble, and I even felt as though I had dragged Josh down at the beginning of the game. But I never give in; instead, I always look for a solution.