Luke Humphreys knows there is a long way to go in the World Darts Championship, but he enjoyed a stunning opening night at Alexandra Palace with a comprehensive win, a huge atmosphere and an unforgettable match.
Humphries captured the atmosphere when he was announced as the defending champion on opening night at Alexandra Palace, leading the crowd in a chant of his anthem 'I'm Expecting a Riot'.
Although it was not a stellar performance, the world number one reeled off a nine-match winning streak in a comprehensive 3-0 win to quickly and safely advance to the third round after Christmas.
Humphries gave an honest assessment of his victory, admitting it wasn't very “clinical”, but praised the crowd as one of the most special he'd been involved with.
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Luke Humphries is at 160 as he looks to claim victory against Thibault Tricole.
“That wasn't my best performance,” Humphries said. “I didn't feel like I was very decisive in moments. I'll be honest, after the walk, I was taken back a little bit because the crowd was so amazing.
“It was honestly one of the best crowds I've ever been in a room with. They should all be proud of themselves. They made me feel amazing and I don't feel that often, so it was very nice.”
“It wasn't anywhere near my best, but I've said in many interviews before that they're two different tournaments. Now, you go to the second part of the tournaments and come back after Christmas really thinking about becoming world champion.”
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We look at the impact Luke Littler is having after making his mark on the world stage this time last year.
Humphries will now face either Raymond van Barneveld, Nick Kenny or Stu Pontz in the third round, and although he is not trying to put too much pressure on himself, he knows that becoming a back-to-back world champion would be the perfect way to end the bout. A very strong year.
He added: “I am very proud of the past 12 months. For me, it has been one of the best years for the world champion since Michael van Gerwen won it.”
“Even if I don't win again, I'll be proud of the year I've had, but it would be a nice way to cap it off if I can become world champion twice in a row. But I've got five matches to get through.” “.
WEBSTER: Humphreys enjoyed the opening win
to Sky Sports Darts Mark Webster Humphries is having the “perfect night” as defending champion and champion, combining an emphatic win with enjoying himself on the big stage.
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Luke Humphries says rival Luke Littler is pushing him to improve as he looks back at 2024.
“Tricol will be disappointed that he let Humphreys off the hook in the first two legs. But from there, Luke was just enjoying himself,” Webster said.
“When he spoke to us earlier, he was saying he wouldn't feel pressured about doing well. It was just about winning and getting to the Christmas break.
“He did, he's got plenty of time now. This is the perfect night. His feet didn't give way, he can't complain. He looked like he really enjoyed it out there.”
What's next?
We've got an action-packed day coming your way on Monday 16 December with an afternoon session from 12.30pm on Sky Sports Darts and Main Event with Wesley Blaisier v Ryuusei Azimoto, Luke Woodhouse v Lawrence Ilagan, Alain Souttar v Kai Gotthardt and James. Wade plays the winner of Watimina and Belmont.
We then return from 7pm for a huge evening session with Nils Zonneveld vs. Robert Owen, Connor Scott vs. Ben Robb, Cameron Menzies vs. Leonard Gates, and Gerwyn Price vs. the winner of Huybrechts and Barry.
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live from 15 December to 3 January on the dedicated darts channel, Sky Sports. Stream darts and more of the best sports with NOW.
