World No 1 Luke Humphries admits it is going to be inconceivable to duplicate final yr’s darting dominance forward of his World Grand Prix defence.
World champion Humphries produced a surprising spell throughout the latter levels of 2023, earlier than fulfilling his darting future at Alexandra Palace in January.
The world No 1 scooped three televised rating titles throughout a 49-day spell from October to November 2023, following up his World Grand Prix success with wins on the Grand Slam of Darts and Gamers Championship Finals.
Humphries has gone from energy to energy, together with his World Championship triumph elevating him to the highest of the sport.
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Highlights of the World Matchplay closing as Humphries defeated Michael van Gerwen
“The World Grand Prix will always hold great memories for me,” stated Humphries, who goes by the moniker ‘Cool Hand’.
“The actual fact it was my first main match win makes it particular, and it was the catalyst to permit me to go on and win the whole lot else.
“If I didn’t win the World Grand Prix, the last 12 months could have been completely different for me, but it gave me the confidence to win a lot more, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
I am not going to get too forward of myself, however to retain my first title and get the ball rolling early could be the right method to begin a very essential finish to the yr.
Humphries 5-2 victory towards Gerwyn Worth in Leicester sparked an unbelievable successful streak, with solely Luke Littler denying him within the Premier League closing at London’s O2 in Might.
He stated: “Sitting here now – I’ve made eight or nine major finals in 12 months which is something quite incredible, and something I may not be able to do again!
“It is extremely robust, however I simply wish to maintain working arduous, enjoying nicely and I’ll attempt to elevate as many main titles as I can.
“I won’t be putting too much pressure on myself to try and retain every trophy that I’ve won, because it’s going to be almost impossible to replicate what I did last year.
“I all the time say my aim is to select up a few main titles yearly, and in case you try this, you will be sat within the prime 4 for a very long time.
“I’m not going to get too ahead of myself, but to retain my first title and get the ball rolling early would be the perfect way to start a really important end to the year.”
Is Humphries a darting nice?
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Humphries wins the World Matchplay title with this sensational ton-out with two double tops
Humphries is now being talked about in the identical bracket as greats Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.
“It feels amazing to be mentioned in that bracket,” he stated. “Phil and Michael are two of the players I’ve looked up to throughout my career.
“After I first began watching darts, it was all about Phil Taylor and him successful the whole lot, and after I began to play competitively, it was the Michael van Gerwen period!
“I can now always say I have had the kind of year that Phil and Michael have enjoyed – that 12-month period of dominance.
“It is one thing that’s extremely pleasing for me, one thing I by no means dreamed of doing in such a brief house of time.
“The 2023/24 season will always live long in the memory, regardless of what happens in my career now.”
Humphries set for Bunting check in Leicester
Stephen Bunting has suffered a hat-trick of Gamers Championship defeats forward of dealing with Humphries on the World Grand Prix on Monday
The world No 1 will start his title defence towards Masters champion Stephen Bunting as he bids to hitch Taylor and Van Gerwen in turning into the third participant to retain the World Grand Prix crown.
“When you’re on the big stage, it feels different. I feel better than ever on that big stage,” Humphries claimed.
“I know I’ve got a really tough game against Stephen because he’s usually so strong on his doubles, but these are the moments I live for now.
“I wish to play one of the best and be concerned in these nice video games, and hopefully it is an excellent World Grand Prix. I’d like to retain it.”
Humphries edged out Bunting 8-7 within the closing of Gamers Championship 26 in Wigan on Thursday – simply 4 days earlier than they meet once more on the Mattioli Area.
What reside darts is subsequent on Sky Sports activities?
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A glance again at one of the best of the motion from an exciting World Grand Prix in Leicester
Reside darts returns to Sky Sports activities with the BoyleSports World Grand Prix in Leicester from October 7-13, that includes among the sport’s very greatest stars.
The annual £600,000 match will happen on the Mattioli Area in Leicester, as 32 of the world’s prime stars compete for the coveted title which was received by Luke Humphries.
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Take pleasure in one of the best moments from the World Grand Prix, from the primary 9 darter, Andy Callaby beating Phil Taylor and MVG’s first TV title win
Then in November, the Grand Slam of Darts can be hosted in Wolverhampton as Luke Humphries appears to be like to defend his title.
Consideration then turns to the flip of the yr and the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, starting on December 15, because the darts calendar continues to supply pleasure all year long – and you may get pleasure from the easiest right here reside on Sky Sports activities.
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