Preview, order of play, watching and predictions for Humphries and Wright’s clash
Defending champion and top seed Humphries got through the tournament comfortably and will now face Wright, a two-time world champion in 2020 and 2022.
However, the build-up to the clash was anything but cordial, with Wright ruling out Humphries’ chances early in the tournament, leading to heated verbal arguments during press conferences.
The tension will finally come to a head as only one of these champions remains after tonight’s highly anticipated match.
Wright, known as “Snakebite,” previously said: “I know I can still compete with them. You know, what I do in practice, I can keep up with these guys and even be better than them.
“People think, ‘Oh, he should retire, he should go to the old ones (the senior tour).’ No, I’m not ready for that yet. I’m ready to piss off Luke Littler. I’m here to piss off Luke Humphries.”
In response, Humphries, who had not lost a set in his first two games at Alexandra Palace, replied: “If I don’t fear someone, I don’t keep mentioning them. He’s had a lot to say in the last few weeks, saying he’s not afraid of me and Luke Littler, but he’s said he’s going to smash us.
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“The pressure is on him now because if he doesn’t do it, the egg will be on his face, not mine. I’m really, really relaxed, and if he doesn’t beat us, it’ll look silly to him, not me.
“I’m one world title away from being anywhere near his career level and I’m about 25 years younger. So I think a world title would accomplish everything he’s ever accomplished in this sport.”
Another high-stakes match will also pit two of the sport’s top ten seeds, Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price, against each other.
Price, a former tournament winner, thrives in high-pressure situations and has often taken on the role of the audience’s “pantomime villain.”
The afternoon session will feature games with Jeffrey de Graaf, Kevin Doets and Dimitri Van den Bergh. The evening lineup begins with Ricky Evans taking on Robert Owens, followed by Clayton vs. Price and ending with the main event – Humphries vs. Wright.
