Wayne Mardle expects huge issues from Mike De Decker after he claimed the World Grand Prix title, declaring the Belgian “has bottle, composure and he’s got the game!”
De Decker produced the efficiency of his life to say glory on Sunday evening, defeating Luke Humphries 6-4 in units at Leicester’s Mattioli Area.
The 28-year-old from Mechelen, Belgium had gained by way of to his maiden televised closing with a sequence of very good shows within the double-start match and scooped the £120,000 prime prize following an exhilarating closing.
Reigning champion Humphries was left reeling as De Decker got here from a set down to steer 4-1 with an excellent and nerveless burst.
The world No 1 hit again with three straight units to degree, however De Decker took set 9 earlier than closing out victory within the deciding leg of set 10.
De Decker’s success makes him solely the second Belgian – alongside Dimitri Van den Bergh – to style victory in a televised PDC occasion, and catapults him from thirty sixth to twenty fifth on the PDC Order of Benefit.
The 200/1 pre-tournament outsider saved a match dart to defeat Damon Heta earlier than thumping Gary Anderson and James Wade after which upsetting compatriot Van den Bergh to achieve the ultimate.
Mardle felt the shock win in opposition to favorite Anderson modified his mindset.
Mardle advised Sky Sports activities: “The Gary Anderson game proved something to himself because he actually said ‘I thought Gary was going to beat me’. He absolutely railroaded him. He was better than Gary and he was better than Luke Humphries in a game that went to 45 legs of darts.
“He is acquired the bottle, he is acquired the composure, he is acquired the sport!
“If you’re good enough then experience doesn’t matter. He had no experience in quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals but he was good enough.
“I am so happy for him. It is one other new winner and there are gamers on the tour pondering ‘Mike De Decker has gained a serious. I perhaps beat him final week, why cannot I win a serious? Properly, you have to do it when it counts and that is when it counts.
“Astonishing from someone who came into this as an outsider but someone who has won on tour. There’s 28 winners on tour in this event out of 32. They’re all world-class. What a great story for darts as well.”
Roll of Honour
What reside darts is subsequent on Sky Sports activities?
Reside darts returns to Sky Sports activities with the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton as Luke Humphries seems to be to defend his title from from November 9-17.
Consideration then turns to the flip of the yr and the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, starting on December 15, because the darts calendar continues to offer pleasure all year long – and you may take pleasure in the perfect right here reside on Sky Sports activities.
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