Humphries now targets World Cup glory

LUKE HUMPHRIES is proud to be the new “flagbearer” of darts and now wants to win the World Cup!

‘Cool Hand’ delivered the performance of his life to beat Luke Littler 7-4 to become World Champion on Wednesday night. 

Now the new World No.1 has focused on new targets - but beforehand had to meet the Prime Minister and go to his beloved Leeds United!

He said: “The sport has grown to huge levels. I got a message from the Prime Minister and I’m going to No.10 Downing Street on Friday. 

“I’m proud to be a flagbearer for the sport and I want to win the Premier League and the World Cup for England. 

“It’s more than I imagined it would be. I’ve been asked whether it’s everything I have dreamed of. I think it’s more. 

“You always dream of how it’s going to feel. It never plays out as good as it feels in real life. 

“It feels like one of those dreams that you wake up and it’s not going to be real. Luckily for me it is real and I’ve worked hard to get this far.”

Humphries dismissed any issue with 16-year-old Littler being the focus of all the attention. 

He said: “To hit a 103 average in a world final is no easy feat over such a long format. 

“When I went for the double eight to win the title my hand was shaking and my heart was pounding and I managed to hold the nerves in quite well. 

“I thought the crowd was fantastic. The fairytale was with Luke Littler. It was a privilege to be a part of it.

“I don’t care about the focus on Luke. He deserves all of the praise. I’ve got my hands on the trophy, that’s all that matters to me.”

Words by Phil Lanning.

Images by Taylor Lanning.