ITV cameras picked up Luke Humphries’ classy gesture after beating Beau Greaves.
The men’s world No1 beat the women’s world No1 in the fourth round of the UK Open in Minehead.
Luke Humphries showed his class after beating Beau Greaves[/caption]
The pair shared a warm embrace after their UK Open match[/caption]
Humphries called Greaves back to the stage[/caption]
He raised her hand aloft in a brilliant gesture[/caption]
He came within three legs of being dumped out at 7-5 down but survived a major shock to prevail 10-7.
Cool Hand closed out the win by checking out 36 before hugging magnanimous Greaves and kissing her on the cheek.
They shared some private words during the extended warm embrace before they shook hands with the officials.
Greaves, 21, then started to wave goodbye and walk off the stage at Butlin’s to allow Humphries to enjoy the adulation of the crowd.
But Humphries, 30, beckoned her back and held her hand aloft as the pair soaked up the magnificent support.
It was a superb, selfless move which showed Humphries’ respect for Greaves and women’s darts.
The commentator said: “Look at this as Luke Humphries tells her to come back and share the acclaim.
“They’ve given us a terrific show.
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“Luke Humphries wins it but Beau Greaves shows that the women’s game, through her brilliant performances, is in a very strong place indeed.”
And the moment went down a storm with viewers watching the action.
One wrote: “It can’t be overstated just how good an ambassador Luke Humphries is for darts in general. Just a proper sound fella.”
Another said: “Proper sporting behaviour.”
A third added: “Class from Luke Humphries to get Beau Greaves back on stage for more applause after their UK Open clash.”
And a fourth replied: “That’s exactly why I’ll never understand anyone who hates Luke Humphries.
“Just won and instead of making it about himself he gets the crowd to applaud Beau Greaves. Class act.”
Humphries and Greaves then did a joint interview together after the thrilling contest.
Beau will find she’s got the level that will match me, Littler and van Gerwen – she’s got a massive future
Luke Humphries
The 2024 PDC world champion said: “I really enjoyed it. Beau played great. She belongs in big-time darts.
“She belongs in this environment. She really did test me there and if we were in a Premier League game she would have beaten me.
“In five years she can be in the Premier League. She’s in the top 64 players in the world right now.
“In the next few years she will find she’s got the level that will match me, Luke [Littler], Michael [van Gerwen] – she’s got a massive future ahead of her.”
Greaves, a three-time queen of darts, added: “To play Luke, he’s amazing, and for me and my game. It will bring me on a long way.
“I’m watching these sorts of players all the time on the telly so it’s nice to be here. Honestly, I just enjoyed watching him throw.”
Humphries was pitted against Ryan Searle in the fifth-round draw – but the draw was overshadowed by controversy.
That is because Humphries’ No23 ball was placed back in the bowl after being pulled out second.
Incredibly, the remaining 30 balls were all picked out, leaving the No23 left at the end – but crucially the draw was legitimate.
The moment went down well with the fans[/caption]
Humphries progressed with a 10-7 victory from 7-5 down[/caption]
They were full of respect for each other afterwards[/caption]
The fifth-round draw was dramatic after a major blunder[/caption]
