Luke Humphries has hit back against Peter Wright ahead of Sunday’s clash at the World Darts Championship.
Humphries will be looking to defend the title after defeating Luke Littler in a thrilling final in 2024.
He stormed into the fourth round of the tournament with a straight-sets win over Nick Kenny on Friday.
This means that in the round of 16 there will be a duel between the defending champion and the two-time winner Peter Wright, who, despite visibly struggling with illness, showed probably his best performance in a difficult year in 2024 when he defeated Jermaine Wattimena 4-2.
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Humphries says he won’t give up his world title without a fight after cruising past Nick Kenny at the World Darts Championship
Wright’s pregame “mind games” prompted Humphries to respond.
“He’s had a lot to say in the last few weeks and said he’s not afraid of Luke Littler and me. “His face is not mine,” Humphries said of his next opponent.
“How many times have people said this will happen and this will happen and it will never happen?
“I think Peter loves playing mind games, but it doesn’t work for me. I’m one world title away from being close to his career, and I’m about 25 years younger. So I think (another) world title would do that. “He can achieve everything he has achieved in the game.
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Watch Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen and Humphries take on Sky Sports’ Face Mash challenge
He also believes that 17-year-old Littler won’t be fazed either. “I think he’s trying to play mind games but unfortunately it won’t work for me and probably won’t work for Luke either. He (Wright) said he wasn’t afraid of us. But if I’m not afraid.” “Someone I don’t keep mentioning,” said Humphries.
But he also acknowledged the appreciation he has for Wright. “He’s a dangerous player,” Humphries said.
“I’m really looking forward to playing against him. He is a top player, he is a two-time former world champion. He has tremendous experience and I respect him a lot.”
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every game exclusively live on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel until Friday January 3rd. Stream darts and more top sports with NOW
