LUKE HUMPHRIES hoped Gian van Veen was going to “s*** himself” in the European Championship final.
But the young Dutchman held his nerve to dump the World No1 11-10 in a thrilling decider in Dortmund.
World Youth champ GVV, 23, played on despite his bleeding thumb which he injured on his dart grip during the semi win over Michael van Gerwen.
It was Humphries’ second successive major final loss and he said: “I’m a very good loser. I was hoping he was going to s*** himself at the end and he didn’t!
“He’s an amazing player. I kind of expected him to win a major but it was against me. It’s frustrating.
“The way he played in the second and third session was just amazing. I knew this was coming, he’s Premier League material. I’m devastated.”
Van Veen picked up £120,000 and moves up to World No7.
He added: “I said it to my girlfriend that when I won my first stage title I wouldn’t cry. But here we are, I’m crying.
“It’s such a phenomenal feeling. When I missed 100 to win it 10-9, Luke hit the 85 on the bull, I thought ‘this is over’.
“But to hit the 100 checkout, the same checkout to win it, it’s amazing.
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“I’ll never forget this moment. It’s phenomenal to win my first ever major here in Germany. What a night.
“Even how Luke congratulated me after the game. He’s devastated to lose the final.
“But how he showed his sportsmanship to me, it’s why he’s the World No1. An amazing person Luke is.”
Humphries looked to be in cruise control taking a 4-1 lead. But Van Veen steamed back to level it up at 5-5, including a stunning 160 kill and averaging 117 in the session.
The young Dutchman pulled off a key moment by breaking the ‘Cool Hand’ throw with another wonder 121 finish to lead 8-7 and to go within just three legs of the title.
Humphries then kept his cool to stay in the clash with a vital break back on Van Veen’s throw to bring parity again at 9-9 to set up a thrilling finale.
But remarkably GVV immediately returned the compliment to break Humphries’ throw and the World No1 survived two match darts to take it to a decider.
Humphries then missed tops to win it and Van Veen took out double 16 to take victory.
