Luke Humphries knows he has a long way to go in the World Darts Championship but he enjoyed a stunning opening night at Alexandra Palace with a wide victory, a big atmosphere and a walk-on to remember.
Humphries took the mood when he was announced as the defending champion on the opening night of Alexandra Palace, leading the crowd as they sang his walk-up anthem 'I predict a riot'.
Although it wasn't quite the 'Cool Hand' performance of old, the world No.1 rattled off nine legs in a row in the comprehensive 3-0 victory to progress safely and quickly 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's been involved with.
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Luke Humphries completes 160 as he looks to cruise to victory against Thibault Tricole.
“It wasn't my best performance,” Humphries said. “I didn't feel very clinical at times. I'll be honest, after I got going I was taken back a bit by the crowd was so amazing.
“That was honestly one of the best people I've ever been in a room with. They should all be proud of themselves. They made me feel amazing and I don't get that very much. often, so it was very nice.
“It was nowhere near my best, but I've said in many interviews before that it's two different competitions. Now, you go into the second part of the co -tournaments and you come back after Christmas and think about being world champion.”
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Let's take a look at the impact Luke Littler has had since making his mark on the world stage this time last year.
Humphries will now face Raymond van Barneveld, Nick Kenny or Stowe Buntz in the third round and although he is not trying to put too much pressure on himself, he is aware that back-to-back world champions are the way to go. should have stopped it. a very strong year.
“I am very proud of the last 12 months, for me it has been one of the best years for the world champion since Michael van Gerwen won it,” he said.
“Even if I don't win again I'll be proud of the year I've had, but it would be a great way to recover if I could be world champion.” But I have five games to get through. .”
Webster: Humphries enjoyed himself in the first win
For Sky Sports Darts' Mark Webster, Humphries is having the “perfect night” as reigning and defending champ, combining a convincing win with enjoying himself on the big stage.
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Luke Humphries says his rival Luke Littler is pushing him to improve as he looks back on a brilliant 2024.
“Tricole will be disappointed because he gave Humphries the chance to get off the hook in the first leg. But from there, Lucas just enjoyed it,” said Webster.
“When he spoke to us earlier, he was saying that he wasn't going to feel any pressure about putting on a show. It was just about winning, getting to that Christmas break.
“He did that, and he's got plenty of time now. That was a great night. He didn't fall off his feet, and he can't complain. He felt like he really enjoyed himself out there. “
What next?
We have a great day coming your way on Monday December 16 with an afternoon session from 12.30pm on Sky Sports Darts and a Main Event with Wesley Plaisier v Ryusei Azemoto, Luke Woodhouse v Lawrence Ilagan, Alan Soutar v Kai Gotthardt, and James Wade plays the winner of Wattimena and Bellmont.
We are then back from 7pm for a great afternoon session with Niels Zonneveld vs Robert Owen, Connor Scutt vs Ben Robb, Cameron Menzies vs Leonard Gates, and Gerwyn Price vs Huybrechts and Barry.
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch all the matches live exclusively from 15 December to 3 January on Sky Sports' exclusive darts channel. Stream darts and more sports favorites with NOW.
