"I will have to work harder than ever before" - Luke Humphries resigns himself to fate that he may lose number-one position

Luke Humphries returns this week to Wolverhampton, the place where he captured one of the greatest titles of his career two years ago. The Englishman, who won the Grand Slam of Darts in 2023, knows he must peak again to maintain his position as world number one.

Two years ago, Humphries played a top-level tournament and defeated Rob Cross 16-8 in the final, lifting the coveted Eric Bristow Trophy for the first time. That title at the time earned him £150,000 in prize money - an amount he must now defend in the PDC's two-year ranking system.

"I will have to work harder than ever," Humphries told the PDC. "I may have to accept that I will lose the number-one position for a few months. But if I win the world championship, I'll just get that spot back."

The 30-year-old Englishman has been at the top of the world rankings since January 2024, but feels the hot breath of Luke Littler, who has won almost everything this season. Humphries knows he will have to bring something special to maintain his status.

"I've been successful for 22 months now and have enjoyed that period as number one immensely. I honestly think I've given it credit for that position as well. Whether I keep that spot for a long time or not, I'm proud of what I've accomplished."

Still, Humphries is determined not to give up his spot lightly. "If Luke takes over, he's a rightful number one," he acknowledges. "But I'm not going to give it to him as a gift. I'll fight, as hard as I can."

The former world champion experienced a strong autumn, although the recent prizes did not materialise. Humphries lost the final of the World Grand Prix to Littler and had to acknowledge his superiority in the European Championship to Gian van Veen after a thrilling denouement. Still, he remains combative. "I have many more battles ahead of me with Luke, and I have to get better for that," Humphries said. "He's incredible. I have to get better, train harder - because if I don't, he's going to walk away with it every time."

A leaden Group A awaits the defending champion, featuring Nathan Aspinall, Michael Smith and Alex Spellman, the winner of the CDC Continental Cup. It's a serious test, but Humphries is looking forward to it with confidence. "I have to give everything, everything I have," he concludes. "I want to match him - and I will have to work harder than ever before to do that."