🗣️ "I think every player is going to be looking at it thinking: ‘This is a great opportunity for us all,' and that makes it so exciting for the fans." Luke Humphries continues his bid for @Betfred World Matchplay glory with a quarter-final clash against Damon Heta tonight...
Humphries teases Ashes inspired walk-on to counter Heta: "Get the crowd on my side"
PDCFriday, 21 July 2023 at 18:30
Luke Humphries believes his growing resilience can inspire him to win a first major title at the 2023 World Matchplay in Blackpool.
The Englishman was close to elimination in his second round match against Dirk van Duijvenbode. The Dutchman was leading 10-7 and eventually missed a matchdart before Humphries prevailed 14-12 after extension.
“I felt really flat, but I dug deep, and that’s what champions do. I’m not saying I am a champion, but sometimes you have to get through these really tough games when you’re not at your best. Two years ago I would have lost that game 11-5 or 11-6, but I dug in, I gave everything I had and I’m very proud of myself for that.” Humphries said in conversation with the PDC.
The former junior world champion will play in the quarterfinals against Damon Heta, who overthrew Brendan Dolan 11-1 in the second round. “I’m thinking about doing something on the walk-on to get the crowd on my side,” Humphries joked ahead of this clash.
The Englishman is referring to Heta's remarkable walk-ons. The Australian uses certain attendance songs to rub in England's deficit against Australia in an important cricket match to the English fans. “If I was in the crowd I would be really enjoying his banter with the cricket, but I’m hoping over the next few days England have pulled something back and we’re looking good in the Test Series," Humphries said.
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With Michael Smith, Peter Wright, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Rob Cross eliminated, Luke Humphries is the highest seeded player still in the tournament. So a prime opportunity to capture a major title.
“When you think it’s your biggest opportunity to win the second biggest major on the calendar, if you don’t pull through there could be some heartbreak for sure. Having said that, I don’t think there’s a favourite. It is such an open field. This game is evolving to the point now where nobody is unbeatable," stated the 28-year-old Humphries.
“When I’m on my game, I can beat anybody, but every other player left in the competition can also beat me as well. I think every player is going to be looking at it thinking: ‘This is a great opportunity for us all,’ and that makes it so exciting for the fans.”
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