"I’m embracing that feeling of being World Champion now'' - Luke Humphries arrived in Poland with different status for World Series tournament

Luke Humphries is one of the PDC stars in action this weekend at the Poland Darts Masters in Gliwice. It is another opportunity for Cool Hand Luke to win a first World Series title.

Humphries' record includes Players Championship titles, European Tour titles, major titles and, since January, the world title. However, the Englishman has yet to win a World Series title. In his previous nine appearances at World Series tournaments, the world number one did not even reach the final. In recent weeks, Humphries made his appearance at the World Series tournaments in New York and Copenhagen. At both tournaments, Humphries lost out in the semifinals against Rob Cross.

“I’m just hoping I can produce my A-game this weekend. There’s a lot more expectation on my shoulders compared to last year, but I’m embracing that feeling of being World Champion now,'' Humphries said in a preview on pdc.tv.

The 29-year-old darter was also in action last year when the PDC hosted its first tournament in Poland. Then Humphries lost in the quarterfinals 6-2 to an unstoppable Michael van Gerwen. “This is a great tournament to be involved in and I’m really happy to be here. Last year was a great success and I’m sure this year will be a great success too," he recalls. “The fans were absolutely amazing in Warsaw and it’s a bigger arena this year, so I’m expecting the atmosphere to be even better."

Humphries will take on Hungary's György Jehirszki in the first round. Jehirszki managed to qualify for the Poland Darts Masters through a qualifying tournament and will make his television debut. The inexperience with Jehirszki, however, is no reason for Humphries to underestimate him. ''I don’t know much about Gyorgy but he’s in this tournament for a reason, so I won’t take him lightly,'' said the reigning world champion.