Nicholson tips future major-winner: 'I think he's going to win a major in the next 12 months'

Luke Humphries has had a superb breakout season with six titles in European Tour and Pro Tour tournaments after only winning his first earlier in the year.

Paul Nicholson for the PDC ran the rule over his chances of becoming a major winner and joining the darting elite and said that it's not as easy as saying it if you look at past examples.

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"I think there are a lot of people in the darting fraternity who think it is just a matter of time as to when Luke Humphries becomes a major winner in our sport," said Nicholson to the PDC.

"Please let me remind you that just because you have won some trophies and other things within the PDC system, you do not automatically qualify for that big cheque and trophy; just ask Terry Jenkins and Dave Chisnall.

"2022 has been a breakout year for Luke in multiple ways. On January 1, when he was playing Gary Anderson in his third World Championship quarter-final, people wondered whether he could make the final four without a senior win to his name.

"As it happens, he couldn’t, but I don’t think anyone could predict what would happen within the month.

"He won the first Players Championship event of the year, beating good friend and serial winner Ryan Searle, and as of that day, things changed.

"He attributed it to the change of board that PDC darts had implemented just weeks earlier. He said the board 'received' his darts better and let's face it, with seven finals this year and an incredible five titles, he may just be onto something. We often question players on what they use, and how they use it, but Luke somewhat courageously said it was the board that gave him that spark.

"Speaking of sparks, being happy in his personal life and becoming a father recently will obviously help his life have more meaning and we have seen what becoming a father has done for others in the past. Some very recently.

"The word consistency is thrown around way too much these days, but when you see those efforts, you have to affirm that consistency is living in the arsenal of Humphries."

Nicholson's verdict

But in the mind of 'The Asset', can he do it? He believes he can but with that continued warning that until his name is on the pot, he is not there yet.

"As for whether he can add to his tally for the year; why not? He shows no signs of letting the form slip, he would’ve won another title on October 23 had it not been for a truly inspired find of the year Josh Rock. Don’t forget that Luke hit ten 180’s in that final. YES, TEN! He lost," he continued.

"In regards to major honours, he will be number one seed for Dortmund, and maybe this European Championship holds the best chance for him to further break into the top ten in the world. I say further because he is now at a personal best number 9 now.

"He knows how to win on a PDC European stage, he can pace himself and play with a relaxed or pumped nature and when you consider all of the steps he’s taken in his PDC years, he’s done it all in order, kind of like a certain Joe Cullen who is also having a breakout season for different reasons.

"Does he have the weapons for major success? Yes. Is he in a good place to do so RIGHT NOW? Yes. Is it guaranteed? NO.

"Only Luke can grab the silverware, nobody will gift it to him, and the most invaluable thing here is that he knows that very fact. This is me sticking my neck out. I think he will win a big one in the next 12 months."