ITV cameras picked up Luke Humphries’ classy gesture after beating Beau Greaves – with her sister praising the former world champion.
The men’s world No1 beat the women’s world No1 in the fourth round of the UK Open in Minehead.
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.
“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, including Greaves’ sister.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”‘Redraw needed’ – Darts fans spot HUGE Luke Humphries mistake in UK Open draw with a ball still left in bowl at the end” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6369476572112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Bobbi wrote on social media: “What a gent with boo. Love that.”
In another post, she added: “Wow!!! Absolutely amazing all day babe, and a brilliant game to end your UK open debut, so so so proud of you , always. Well done to Luke Humphries, well deserved.”
Cool Hand replied: “Thanks Bobbi! Amazing game, enjoyed every moment of that. She’s amazing.”
Bobbi responded: “Thank you for being so nice to her and for all your kind words, means the world. Good luck for the rest of the tournament!”
Humphries and Greaves then did a joint interview together after the thrilling contest.
[quote credit=”Luke Humphries”]Beau will find she’s got the level that will match me, Littler and van Gerwen – she’s got a massive future[/quote]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.
