Reigning Grand Slam champion Luke Humphries was knocked out of the 2024 edition of the tournament after a 5-3 defeat to James Wade cemented his inability to get out of Group A.
In the crunch clash with Wade, both players needed victory to keep their tournament hopes alive after the world champion lost to Rowby-John Rodriguez and Wade to Mickey Mansell on the opening night.
At first, Wade was in the zone but Humphries found a sensational 130 checkout in the fifth leg for a crucial break and looked to be on top.
However, Wade battled hard and a brilliant break, followed by a pressure 76 checkout, gave him a 4-3 lead – his class on D10 helping him seal a momentous victory.
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Luke Humphries took out 130 during his Group A game against James Wade at the Grand Slam of Darts.
It means that world no 1 Humphries will not defend his title and has not gone back-to-back in either the World Grand Prix or Grand Slam.
“The best player in the world is out. Anyone now will be thinking why can’t they go and win this,” said Sky Sports Darts’ Wayne Mardle.
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Wayne Mardle says the Grand Slam of Darts is wide open after Luke Humphries was knocked out in the Group Stage.
“We’ve got to that point in darts now where no one is untouchable. When the top boys play well, they win, but when they play poorly, anyone can beat them.
“The last few months have proven that. The rest of the world will be thinking this might be their chance now the reigning champion is out.”
Elsewhere in Group A, Mickey Mansell kept his winning run going with a 5-3 victory over Rowby-John Rodriguez to put himself top of Group A.
Rodriguez was firing in maximums but Mansell managed to pull his darts back, 114 and 118 checkouts helping him secure another big win.
