Luke Humphries has hit back at Peter Wright ahead of their showdown on Sunday in the World Darts Championship.
Humphries is looking forward to defending the title after defeating Luke Littler in an exciting final in 2024.
He reached the fourth round of the tournament with a straight sets win over Nick Kenny on Friday.
This sets up a round of 16 clash between defending champion and two-time winner Peter Wright who, despite visibly suffering from illness, produced his best performance of a difficult 2024 when he beat Jermaine Watimena 4-2.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Humphries says he won't give up his world title without a fight after he edged past Nick Kenny in the World Darts Championship
Wright's pre-match “mind games” prompted Humphries to respond.
“He's had a lot to say over the last couple of weeks, saying he's not afraid of me and Luke Littler. He says he's going to crush us. All the pressure is on him now because if he's not afraid, we'll go down.” “His face is not my face,” Humphries said of his next opponent.
“How many times have people said this will happen and this will happen and it never happens?
“I think Peter likes to play mind games but that's not for me. I'm one world title away from almost matching his career and I'm about 25 years younger. So I think one (more) world title will do the trick.” “It matches everything he achieved in the match.”
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Watch Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen and Humphries take on the Sky Sports challenge head-to-head
It's also believed Littler, 17, won't be bothered either. “I think he's trying to play mind games, but unfortunately, it's not going to work for me and it probably won't work for Luke. He (Wright) said he's not afraid of us. But if I wasn't afraid I would be.” “Someone I don't remember all the time,” Humphries said.
But he also disavowed his respect for Wright. “He's a dangerous player,” Humphreys said.
“I'm really looking forward to playing with him. He's a top-class guy, a former two-time world champion. He has tremendous experience and I respect him a lot.”
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live until Friday 3 January on the dedicated darts channel Sky Sports. Stream darts and more of the best sports with NOW
