Luke Humphries Storms into US Darts Masters Quarter‑Finals
Luke Humphries powered through his opening match at the US Darts Masters on 26 June 2026, beating former North American champion Leonard Gates 6‑1 to lock a quarter‑final berth in New York. The world No 2’s dominant display set the stage for a potential back‑to‑back title run.
The opening night at Madison Square Garden saw two Lukes in the spotlight. While teenager Luke Littler survived a scare to beat Jim Long, Humphries made short work of Gates, delivering a crisp 6‑1 victory. The Northern Irishman opened with a steady rhythm, taking early legs and never looking back. His confidence was evident as he praised the venue, calling it "one of the best in the world".
Humphries’ precision on the double 20 and his high‑scoring 140‑plus visits kept Gates on the back foot. After a quick start, Humphries built a 3‑0 lead, then added three more legs before Gates could muster a single leg. The match lasted just under ten minutes, and Humphries finished with a 140 checkout to seal the win. His average hovered around the high 90s, a figure that underlines his form heading into the later stages.
The US Darts Masters is the only World Series event where Humphries holds the defending champion’s mantle. A strong start against Gates not only preserves his title hopes but also sends a message to rivals. With Stephen Bunting awaiting in the quarter‑finals, Humphries will need to maintain his scoring power against a player who recently posted a 99 average against Gary Mawson.
Humphries now faces Stephen Bunting, the former World Championship finalist, in a quarter‑final clash scheduled for Friday evening. Bunting entered the tournament with a 6‑2 win over Alex Spellman, showcasing a solid average and a flawless doubling display. The winner will move on to a potential semi‑final against Jonny Clayton, who dispatched Gary Mawson with a 6‑2 scoreline. Humphries’ path is clear: keep his scoring sharp and his doubles clinical to chase a historic repeat.
Other notable results from Day One include Dutch No 1 Gian van Veen’s 6‑1 demolition of newcomer Fred Krueger and Gerwyn Price’s 6‑4 victory over Canadian Brayden Hall. Jim Long’s upset over Josh Rock, a 6‑4 win, adds another surprise to the tournament narrative. The quarter‑finals promise high‑octane darts, with several top‑10 players converging on the iconic stage.
The US Darts Masters will wrap up on Friday night, delivering a decisive quarter‑final round that could see Humphries either cement his dominance or face a tough exit. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports or via the NOW streaming service.