Luke Humphries wins Players Championship event in Wigan

World champion Luke Humphries held his nerve to win Players Championship 26 with an 8-7 victory over Stephen Bunting in Wigan.

It was Bunting's third successive appearance in Players Championship finals in three days, but he was left to reflect on a hat-trick of defeats after Humphries rallied from 7-6 adrift.

Humphries booked his place in the final with a 7-6 success against Luke Woodhouse, while Bunting beat Raymond van Barneveld by the same score.

Humphries was also taken to a deciding leg by quarter-final opponent Dave Chisnall before prevailing, with Bunting beating Robert Owen 6-4.

"This was important for me," Humphries told the PDC website after his first ranking final appearance since July.

"You go through spells where you are playing fantastic darts, and then you go through spells where you can’t buy a win, and that can happen.

"I am dedicated to this sport and I know I can push the levels higher and higher, but it is important to gain a bit of confidence from somewhere."