Luke Humphries hits back at Peter Wright: I’m one world title away from matching everything he has achieved | Darts News

Luke Humphries has hit again at Peter Wright forward of their conflict on Sunday within the World Darts Championship.

Humphries is seeking to defend the title after beating Luke Littler in an exhilarating last in 2024.

He charged into the fourth spherical of the event with a straight-sets win over Nick Kenny on Friday.

That units up a last-16 conflict between the defending champion and two-time winner Peter Wright who, regardless of visibly battling sickness, put in arguably his finest efficiency of a tough 2024 when he beat Jermaine Wattimena 4-2.

Wright’s pre-match “thoughts video games” have stung Humphries into responding.

“He is had so much to say during the last couple of weeks, the place he says he does not concern me and Luke Littler. He says he will smash us. All of the stress’s on him now as a result of if he does not the egg’s on his face not mine,” Humphries mentioned of his subsequent opponent.

“What number of occasions have individuals mentioned that is going to occur and that is going to occur and it by no means occurs?

“I feel Peter likes to play the thoughts video games nevertheless it do not work with me. I am one world title away from nearly matching his profession and I am about 25 years youthful. So I feel one [more] world title would match every part he is achieved within the sport.”

He additionally believes Littler, 17, won’t be rattled both. “I feel he is making an attempt to play the thoughts video games however sadly for him it will not work for me and it in all probability will not work for Luke. He [Wright] mentioned he does not concern us. But when I do not concern somebody I do not hold mentioning them on a regular basis,” Humphries mentioned.

However he did concede the regard he additionally has for Wright. “He’s a harmful participant,” Humphries mentioned.

“I am actually trying ahead to enjoying him. He is a high man, he is a two-time former world champion. He is bought large expertise and I respect him so much.”

‘Humphries’ response a great signal’

Former World Darts Championship quarter-finalist – and Sky Sports activities pundit – Glen Durrant believes Humphries’ response to Wright’s feedback is a “good signal” for the reigning champion.

“What individuals do not realise is, Luke Humphries, to be pretty much as good as he’s proper now, he is bought that steely dedication about himself, and I like that interview,” Durrant mentioned.

“I assumed it was a great signal as a result of Peter Wright is utilizing his expertise, making an attempt to get into the thoughts of the youthful gamers.

“However the champ, he was like, ‘no, thanks’. And I assumed his response was nice.”

Durrant was additionally impressed by Humphries’ show in opposition to Kenny, by which he made a stuttering begin earlier than discovering a few of his finest kind within the last three units.

“His timing’s nice. His rhythm proper now’s precisely the place he desires it to be,” Durrant mentioned.

“There’s an air of confidence. It has been a fairly routine begin for the champion.

“I might moderately have the better video games at the start, since you want these vitality ranges within the latter levels. Luke Humphries has barely damaged sweat proper now and he’ll be pleased with the way it’s gone to date.”

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