“The emotion of it doesn’t really come into it.” 🆒 Defending champion Luke Humphries gives his reaction to the Grand Slam draw. #darts
Despite favourable group draw, Luke Humphries "won't be taking it lightly" in Grand Slam of Darts title defence
PDCTuesday, 05 November 2024 at 10:00
Next Saturday, the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts gets underway in Wolverhampton. Luke Humphries starts the tournament as the defending champion after winning 16-8 over Rob Cross in last year's final.
In the group stage draw, defending champion Humphries has been put into a group that also includes the always dangerous James Wade, debutant Mickey Mansell, who qualified following a win over Gerwyn Price and World Cup of Darts finalist Rowby-John Rodriguez. "I mean you're not going to get any easy draws are you? They've all earned their right on merit," the world number one assesses in quotes collected by Oche180. ''So there could have been other players that made it a group of death, but I've got a tough game against James, who is always tough to beat. Rowby hasn't had his best season, but when he's been on the big stage he's done well. And Mickey is always a dangerous player. I think he's very underrated, so I won't be taking it lightly, especially over a best of 9."
Humphries took the title at the 2023 Grand Slam of Darts
The 29-year-old Englishman won his second major title at the Grand Slam of Darts last year, having also won the World Grand Prix earlier in the year. Since then of course, he's only gone from strength to strength, adding title after title and becoming the dominant force in darts today. Despite the fond memories of Wolverhampton though, Humphries isn't getting too hung up on past glories.
"The emotion of it doesn't really come into a factor to be honest," he insists. "Maybe in the World Championship it might be a little bit different, because that changed my life more than anybody could ever imagine. But for me, winning the Grand Slam was just the catalyst for all the success it brought afterwards. It won't be emotional but it will be a nice feeling going back."
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- I don't actually see the problem,he was insulting only to himself,as a reaction to his victory. I don't think anyone else was affected,so what's the issue?rick6704-11-2024
- Covid or Vaccine victim?Mysstree03-11-2024
- I've always thought the top 24 should be made up of major winners and runners up then Euro tour followed by PC tour winners - if you don't have 24 after that then have some qualifiers.Thomas Moffatt03-11-2024
- If he gets even a ticking off there is something drastically wrong. Cut this woke crap, he was celebrating in the heat of the moment, not like he abused Bunting or punched someone, he was elated.Mysstree02-11-2024