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FIRED-UP Luke Humphries has sent a firm message to his challenger Peter Wright: Your psychological tactics won’t shake me!
The world No.1 asserts that if the trash-talking Snakebite faces elimination on Sunday, he’ll find himself with “egg on his face.”
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The war of words is intensifying as they gear up for a thrilling Last 16 encounter at the PDC World Darts Championship.
After clinching victory in the second round, Wright hinted that Raymond van Barneveld would eliminate the reigning world champion in the third round, claiming, “Then Barney and I will deliver the best match ever seen on that stage.”
The two-time world champion from Scotland, notable for his flamboyant Mohawk and tattoos, expressed: “I’m ready to take down both Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.”
These comments sparked a reaction from Humphries, especially as Barney failed to progress beyond the second round after being ousted by Nick Kenny.
Humphries remarked: “Peter has had a lot to say recently, claiming he’s not intimidated by me or Luke Littler. He asserts he’s going to beat us.
“The spotlight is on him now. If he doesn’t win, he’s the one with egg on his face, not me.”
“I’m quite relaxed, and if he doesn’t succeed, it will reflect badly on him, not me.”
“Peter indicated that Barney was going to defeat me and take care of Jermaine.”
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“He did what he said he would. I think Peter enjoys playing mind games, but it doesn’t get to me.”
“I’m just one world title away from nearly matching his career feats, and I’m around 25 years younger than him.”
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“Securing one more world title would almost place me on par with everything he has achieved in the sport.”
Humphries could have easily brushed off Wright’s taunts made during the BBC SPOTY Awards. Instead, fueled by his position as the top player in the tournament, he delivered his own vocal rebuttal.
This illustrates his rising confidence as the defending champion, particularly after two decisive wins, where he dominated 3-0 and 4-0.
Typically calm and averse to controversy, Humphries elaborated: “Some players thrive on getting into your head, attempting to make you overthink, just like I’m doing now.
“He’s probably going to see this interview and think he’s got inside my head. But he hasn’t.
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“What I mean is he has to win convincingly now because that’s what he claimed would happen.
“From my viewpoint, if you trash talk someone like Peter is doing, he must back it up, or he’ll appear foolish.
“He’ll be the one with egg on his face. If I say I’m going to best him and fail, I’m the one who looks ridiculous, right?
“So I’m happy to let the darts speak for themselves. Let Peter share his thoughts and see what he can accomplish with his darts.”
Wright overcame the fast-paced Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena with a score of 4-2 on Friday night, using the same darts he employed during his second title win in 2022.
However, as he coughed and spluttered on stage due to a chest infection, he described feeling like a “zombie,” which caused him to skip his usual pre-match dance routine.
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The Championship is currently populated with players battling through ailments – Wattimena injured his index finger on his non-throwing hand while slicing ham on Christmas Day.
Former world champion Gerwyn Price is struggling with an ear infection, impacting his balance on stage.
Humphries, who aims to be the fourth to defend the Sid Waddell Trophy, realizes the importance of being cautious.
The No.1 seed expressed: “You try to be proactive.
“For example, I avoid shaking hands with everyone. I’ve even asked a few people if they feel unwell before I extend my hand. It’s quite common right now.”
“I don’t want to be eliminated from the tournament due to illness; I’d rather exit because I simply wasn’t good enough against my opponent.”
“Being sidelined by an illness, particularly one that’s so widespread right now, is not something I want.”
