Fresh from a sensational 12-month spell that has seen him conquer the darting world, Luke Humphries is chasing another slice of history on his Betfred World Matchplay return in 2024.
Following last year’s Winter Gardens showpiece, Humphries won 26 of his next 27 televised ranking matches, replicating the type of dominance only enjoyed by Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen in the PDC era.
After lifting his maiden TV ranking title at the World Grand Prix, Humphries continued his rise with wins at the Grand Slam and Players Championship Finals, before capturing the sport’s holy grail at Alexandra Palace in January.
“I do think last year’s World Matchplay was when the tide turned for me and I started to get that belief,” revealed the world number one.
“This is the second biggest tournament in the calendar in my opinion, so it will be an extra special feeling to go back there as World Champion and world number one.
“The Winter Gardens is such an iconic venue, and when you go the World Matchplay, you’re playing in front of real fans; the fans that just love the darts.
“There’s a really nice atmosphere there. The crowds are really respectful, and that’s part of why I think this tournament is so special.”
Humphries will take on German debutant Ricardo Pietreczko in his opening round tie at the Empress Ballroom, as seven former champions feature in a stellar 32-player field.
“I feel like this year’s field is the strongest World Matchplay line-up I’ve ever seen,” admitted the Newbury-born star.
“You had the likes of James Wade fighting just to qualify; Dirk van Duijvenbode and Gabriel Clemens missing out. That’s how competitive darts is nowadays. It’s incredible.
“It gets to the stage now where any unseeded player you play, there are no easy games, so I’m going to have to produce my A-game if I’m going to lift the title, that’s for sure.”
The world number one showcased that A-game just a few weeks ago, as he and Michael Smith joined forces to lead England to World Cup of Darts glory in Frankfurt.
The pair ran out 10-6 winners against Austrian duo Rowby-John Rodriguez and Mensur Suljovic to end England’s eight-year wait for a World Cup crown, with Humphries averaging 113 in the final.
“That was up there with my best achievements,” reflected the 29-year-old, who became only the fourth player to triumph on their World Cup of Darts debut.
“My first major win was obviously the most incredible feeling, and when you win the World Championship, that feeling cannot be topped.
“The World Cup is up there for me though. It’s not every day you get to play for your country, let alone win for your country, so I was super proud.”
This also marked Humphries’ first big televised success since his World Championship victory in January, following near misses in the UK Open and Premier League respectively.
The sport’s premier player was edged out by Dimitri Van den Bergh in a last-leg shoot-out in March’s UK Open final, and it took an inspired display from Luke Littler to deny him in an epic Premier League decider.
“I think 2024 has been a success so far,” continued the World Champion, speaking ahead of his fourth consecutive World Matchplay appearance.
“I feel like I’ve hit some really high levels this year. I’ve not quite been as consistent as I was last year, but I’ve still made two major finals in the UK Open and Premier League, and I’ve had a European Tour win.
“I also think people have played a lot better against me this year compared to last year.
“That’s something that comes with the territory – everyone wants to put their name in the headlines, and if you beat me or you beat Luke Littler, you’re in the headlines.”
However, Humphries is now aiming to emulate Phil Taylor, Van Gerwen and Peter Wright by winning the World Championship and World Matchplay in the same calendar year, as further history beckons.
“It would be absolutely unbelievable. Winning the World Matchplay would be a dream for me,” added Humphries – the pre-tournament favourite with title sponsor Betfred.
“I want to achieve the Triple Crown in my career, so if I can tick off the World Matchplay this year, that just leaves the Premier League.
“I’m feeling relaxed. I know if I turn up and play my own game, then I stand a great chance of winning that title.”
You can read the full, exclusive interview with Luke in the official 2024 Betfred World Matchplay programme.
2024 Betfred World Matchplay
Saturday July 13 (1930 BST)
First Round x4
Gerwyn Price v Daryl Gurney
Jonny Clayton v Raymond van Barneveld
Luke Humphries v Ricardo Pietreczko
Nathan Aspinall v Luke Woodhouse