Grand Slam of Darts champion Luke Humphries is the most effective participant on the planet, says Wayne Mardle; we’re again on the World Darts Championship from 15 December 2023 to three January 2024 – stay on Sky Sports activities
Newly topped Grand Slam of Darts champion Luke Humphries is the most effective participant on the planet, in response to Sky Sports activities pundit Wayne Mardle.
Humphries continued his rise to the highest of the darts scene by profitable the Wolverhampton title and proving to be the fittest participant on this planet.
Simply 43 days after profitable his first main title on the World Grand Prix, the 28-year-old adopted up with a second after disposing of Rob Cross at Wolverhampton to cruise to a 16-Eight victory on Sunday night time.
‘Cool Hand’ made waves on the European Tour final season, however has made the transition to the PDC Tour this yr and is now an actual contender for World Championship glory on the year-end summit, which begins subsequent month.
He averaged 104.69, bowled eight 180s and operated at a 59% doubles success charge as he lifted the Eric Bristow Trophy.
Mardle believes his newest victory may very well be the beginning of one thing dominant after changing into solely the third participant in historical past to win the Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts back-to-back, becoming a member of Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.
“Will he go on and win the World Cup? Will he then be a a number of champion? I believe so,” Hawaii 501 advised Sky Sports activities.
Wayne Mardle says Humphries is ‘the way forward for darts’ and appears at his World Championship possibilities
“The best way he held the toss and broke the toss with ease was not as a result of Rob was poor. Hear, he is enjoying the darts of his life proper now, and no person is aware of if that is going to be it for Humphries. Life has a humorous method of throwing curve balls.
“I believe he is the most effective participant on the planet, however there are lots of people who will say it is Gerwyn Value or Gary Anderson. Everybody can have an opinion, however now he is the one profitable the trophies. That is all that issues.
“The darts world wants individuals like Luke Humphries. Seems nice, performs simply, talks properly. That is now and way forward for darts.
“He is somebody who goes about his enterprise the suitable method.”
Watch the second Humphries received his first Grand Slam of Darts title
Speaking to Sky Sports activities Information On Monday, Humphries responded to Mardle’s “excessive reward” by admitting he would not see anybody within the present darts local weather dominating the way in which Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen as soon as did.
“It is very excessive reward, particularly from Wayne. He often advises individuals to win titles and I by no means handle to do it, however I managed to do it. He advised me to do it this week and I did “Oh,” Humphries mentioned.
“However we’re in an period of darts the place there’s probably not anybody who goes and dominates like Phil Taylor or Michael van Gerwen did. The usual is just too good.
“I perceive the place he is coming from. During the last couple of years – not simply the previous few weeks – I’ve put in some actually dominant performances and put my title within the combine at each main match.
“As a lot as I am actually proud of these feedback, I am undecided I will exit and dominate an period like Michael. I will likely be a power in each main match I play now.
“Accumulating a whole lot of titles within the subsequent 5-10 years is my final objective, and if I can get near the title information of Michael van Gerwen or Phil Taylor, I will be very, very completely satisfied.
“They are saying I used to be put favourite for it [World Championships]and that is a fairly good feeling to have, however I am the one who has to go on the market and win for myself.
“No matter what occurs on the World Championship, I believe this yr has been an enormous success for me. I needed to win a significant title this yr and now I’ve received two. I am not going to place an excessive amount of stress on myself, however it’s the one factor I’ve at all times dreamed of, the one factor lacking from my resume.
“If I received the world title, I would even be world No. 1, so that will be two issues I may put collectively sooner or later. It is going to be a giant match for me. I will relish the problem and hopefully I can get a extremely large win for myself.”
“Cool Hand Luke” took out this home of 144 en path to victory
When is the World Darts Championship?
The World Darts Championship begins on Friday, December 15
The game’s greatest occasion will happen from 15 December 2023 to three January 2024 as 96 gamers compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5 million in prize cash at Alexandra Palace.
You’ll be able to watch all of the motion stay on our devoted Sky Sports activities Darts channel.
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