Superstar was advised to keep his calm because his wish leads to his……

Luke Humphries has survived a scare in the opening round of the Players Championship Finals. ‘Cool Hand Luke’ fought from behind to eventually see of Martin Lukeman 6-4.

With two major title in the last few weeks, Luke Humphries was a massive favourite vs Martin Lukeman. Nevertheless it was the underdog of the pair that raced out the blocks into an early lead with a break of throw. After Lukeman missed a dart at the bullseye for a 5-3 lead though, Humphries punished to break back and level at 4-4. From there, normal service was resumed as Humphries ran out a relieved 6-4 winner.

In the final game of the session on the main stage, Dave Chisnall faced Lee Evans. Although ‘Chizzy’ was threatening to run away with things early on, Evans refused to go down without a fight, including a brilliant 136 checkout for his first leg on the board. In the end though, Chisnall’s quality would prove key as he ran out a 6-2 winner.

On board 2, Dirk van Duijvenbode’s injury woes continues to plague him as he fell to a 6-3 defeat to Jermaine Wattimena. The ‘Aubergenius’ averaging just 80. To round off the night, Joe Cullen sealed his place in the second round with a comfortable 6-1 win over Jamie Hughes.