LUKE COOL ON FAVE TAG

LUKE HUMPHRIES insists he is not favourite for the World Championship despite two major titles in five weeks. 

The World No.4 is regarded as the hottest player on the planet after taking the World Grand Prix and Grand Slam.

But 'Cool Hand' Humphries, 28, is playing down his new-found status despite producing a devastating performance to beat Rob Cross in the Slam final on Sunday night. 

On his Worlds chances at the Ally Pally next month, he vowed: “I feel like this year I’ve exceeded all expectations. But I know I can do two things at once and be World Champion and World No.1.

“Of course when I walk onto that stage I’m going to give it full focus to win the world title.

“I don’t think I’m favourite. I’m just Luke. I’m a decent-ish player sometimes. I can nick a trophy here and there. 

“I still think there’s a lot of players in front of me, a lot more experience, a lot more pedigree and won a lot more than I have. 

“There’s three people in front of me in the world rankings. I don’t need to name names. Those three have a bigger pedigree and won a lot more than me. 

“I’m maybe the best player in the world today. You can be the best player in the world right now. Next weekend I could be the second best player in the world of third if Gezzy (Gerwyn Price) or Michael (van Gerwen) picks up a title. 

“It fluctuates so much in this era. There’s so many fantastic dart players. Maybe in the last couple of months I’ve been the best player in the world.” 

Humphries also paid tribute to his dad and admitted a dilemma over which trophies to keep!

He said: “My dad’s going to have to get a bigger mantelpiece. I keep giving him trophies!

“The Grand Prix trophy was so heavy I didn’t think it would fit on his mantelpiece. I’ll keep the Grand Slam, unless he wants to swap it.

“I love my dad to pieces. He’s been a massive part of my success. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. If he wants this trophy, he can have it.”

This weekend seventh seed Humphries will first be in action at the Players Championship Finals. 

He will take on Martin Lukeman in the opening round at Butlin’s Minehead. 

Words by Phil Lanning.

Images by Taylor Lanning.