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LUKE HUMPHRIES avoided an early exit from the World Darts Championship, sending France’s leading competitor back across the Channel.
The last reigning world darts champion to fall on the opening night at Ally Pally was Canadian John Part, 16 years ago.
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However, at the venue where he experienced his greatest triumph, Cool Hand Luke did not mirror that path and advanced to the third round with a decisive 3-0 win against French player Thibault Tricole.
This was his seventh straight victory at the North London venue, accomplished in just 16 minutes, and he could potentially face five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld in the Last 32 after the Christmas break.
For the first time in his career, Humphries was introduced as the “reigning world champion” by MC John McDonald—a moment he cherished as he hyped up the crowd during his entrance.
He chose “I Predict a Riot” by Kaiser Chiefs for his walk-on song, reflecting his Leeds United connections, which was met with enthusiasm as he energized the audience like a conductor.
The opening set was lackluster, marred by mistakes from Tricole, who fell short on all four of his double attempts, allowing the world No.1 to secure three legs with just an 83.50 average.
Humphries continued to dominate in the second set, winning it by three clear legs, capped off with an impressive 160 checkout.
As his average climbed to 90.79, he achieved an 81 finish with a Bull before sealing the opening-night victory on a double 10.
As any former world champion can attest, avoiding a stumble in the first match is essential.
Humphries, 29, can now return home, enjoy Christmas dinner with his family, and come back prepared for the challenges ahead.
Looking back on the match, Humphries said: “It wasn’t my best performance. I didn’t feel particularly sharp.
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“After the walk-on, memories rushed back; the crowd was amazing. That was one of the best audiences I’ve ever performed for.
“They made me feel incredible. That doesn’t happen very often. What matters is that I progressed.
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“I could have averaged 105 and still lost, and it would not have mattered. I’ll come back after Christmas at my peak and focus on reclaiming the world title.
“Changing my walk-on was the best decision I made. It has rejuvenated my approach.
“I love the song; it’s fantastic for the crowd to know it and sing along. It’s definitely been a benefit for me. I enjoy walking out now.”
