"I’m here to win a tournament now" - Luke Humphries begins with dominant victory at US Darts Masters

After a romantic moment earlier the week as he proposed to long-term partner Kayley in New York, it was back down to business for Luke Humphries in the opening round of the US Darts Masters last night.

Facing off against the experienced Canadian David Cameron, Humphries proved his proposal preparations had taken nothing away from his darting preparations with a comprehensive whitewash victory at the iconic Madison Square Garden. “I'm really happy with that but I felt a little bit nervous tonight to be honest, because I just wanted to put on a show and entertain the crowd,” admitted Humphries afterwards, having averaged 95.94 in the game. "I felt a little rusty but most of the legs I won were in under 15 darts, it was just the second leg that let me down (24-darter ed.). But it doesn't really matter, I just needed to get through to that next round."

Next up for Humphries is fellow Premier League Darts star, Nathan Aspinall, who prevailed in his opening round tie with Stowe Buntz 6-2. “I’m expecting a tough game tomorrow, as I always expect from Nathan," Humphries previews, clearly full of respect for his upcoming opponent. "He’s one of the best players in the world, and if we’re both at our best it will be a fantastic game."

With the potential of winning a World Series of Darts title at one of sport's most iconic and famous venues on the line, claiming the US Darts Masters title would cap off what has already been a spell in New York that Humphries will remember for the remainder of his life. “This is always going to be a special time for me, regardless of what happens tomorrow, but I’m here to win a tournament now." the world champion and recent Premier League Darts runner-up assesses firmly. "That would top off what’s been a great week.”