"I'm very excited to hear John McDonald announce me as the new World Champion" - Luke Humphries World Championship reign begins in Bahrain

A special moment awaits Luke Humphries on Thursday night at the Bahrain Darts Masters. 'Cool Hand Luke' will play his first match as reigning world champion against local qualifier Abdulla Saeed.

The Englishman can't wait to take the stage. "I'm very excited to hear John McDonald announce me as the new World Champion. I think that is a moment every World Champion looks forward to," Humphries previewed in conversation with the PDC.

In winning the world title, Humphries achieved double success as he is also the new number one in the world. But 'Cool Hand Luke' certainly does not plan to sit back in the coming period. "My motivation is high now. I'm going to be more dedicated than ever, and after what I achieved last year, I want to continue to be successful and win more major titles."

Humphries is now unbeaten on television for nineteen matches in a row. With a duel against a player from host Bahrain ahead, a twentieth consecutive victory seems a certainty. But Humphries is not counting his chickens just yet.

"I don't know what to expect, because I've never seen Abdulla play, but I won't be taking him lightly because there is a lot of hidden talent out there," Humphries said. "I am sure he will enjoy the moment and I will enjoy the moment as well, because being in places like this is a real privilege, and I'm sure it will be a great spectacle."