Luke Humphries knows there is a long way to go in the World Darts Championship but enjoyed a spectacular opening night at Alexandra Palace with a comprehensive win, huge atmosphere and a walk-on to remember.
Humphries took in the atmosphere as he was announced as the defending champion on the opening night at Alexandra Palace, conducting the crowd as they belted out his walk-on anthem ‘I predict a riot’.
Although not a vintage ‘Cool Hand’ performance, the world No 1 reeled off nine legs in a row in the comprehensive 3-0 victory to quickly and safely progress to the third round after Christmas.
Humphries gave an honest assessment of his victory, admitting he was not very “clinical”, but lauded the crowd as one of the most special he had been involved with.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Luke Humphries nails a 160 finish as he looks to cruise to victory against Thibault Tricole.
“It was not the best performance from myself,” Humphries said. “I didn’t feel like I was very clinical in moments. I’ll be honest, after the walk-on I was taken back a bit as the crowd were so amazing.
“That was honestly one of the best crowds I’ve ever been in a room with. They should all be really proud of themselves. They made me feel amazing and I don’t get that very often, so it was very nice.
“It wasn’t anywhere near my best, but I said in many interviews before that it’s two different tournaments. Now, you go into the second part of the tournaments and come back after Christmas and really think about being world champion.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
We look at the impact Luke Littler made after making his mark on the world stage this time last year.
Humphries will now face either Raymond van Barneveld, Nick Kenny or Stowe Buntz in the third round and while not trying to put too much pressure on himself, is aware that becoming a back-to-back world champion would be the perfect way to cap off a very strong year.
“I am incredibly proud of the last 12 months, for me it has been one of the better years for a world champion since Michael van Gerwen won it,” he added.
“Even if I don’t win again I will be proud of the year I have, but it would be a beautiful way to top it off if I could become back-to-back world champion. But I have five games to get through.”
Webster: Humphries enjoyed himself in opening win
For Sky Sports Darts’ Mark Webster, Humphries has the “perfect night” as reigning and defending champ, combining an assured win with enjoying himself on the big stage.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Luke Humphries says his rival Luke Littler pushes him to improve as he looks back on a stellar 2024.
“Tricole will be disappointed because he allowed Humphries off the hook in the opening couple of legs. But from there, Luke was just enjoying himself,” Webster said.
“When he spoke to us earlier, he was saying he wasn’t going to feel the pressure about putting on a performance. It was just about winning, getting to that Christmas break.
“He’s done that, and he’s got plenty of time now. That’s the perfect night. No legs dropped, and he can’t complain. It felt like he really enjoyed it out there.”
What’s next?
We have a bumper day of action coming your way on Monday December 16 with the afternoon session from 12.30pm on Sky Sports Darts and Main Event with Wesley Plaisier up against Ryusei Azemoto, Luke Woodhouse facing Lourence Ilagan, Alan Soutar vs Kai Gotthardt, and James Wade playing the winner of Wattimena and Bellmont.
We are then back from 7pm for a huge evening session with Niels Zonneveld vs Robert Owen, Connor Scutt 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 December 15-January 3 on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
