13/07/2024

Rampant Luke Humphries opens World Matchplay campaign with 108 average in statement start

Luke Humphries has underlined his credentials this year at the 2024 World Matchplay routing Ricardo Pietreczko 10-4 with the World Champion and World Number One looking in every way the favourite for the title already.

Pietreczko did not play poorly but the match ended in double quick time with Humphries near perfect. He hit a 108 average, six 180's and 58.8% on the outer ring as the German had no chance despite producing his best display in a long time after a pretty poor year.

But for Humphries who will see that all the chatter has been about Van Gerwen v Littler will look to show as he has done since the rise in particular of the 17-year-old that he is the man to beat. He joins Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price in the Last 16.

Follow the 2024 World Matchplay via our LIVE SCORE!

World Matchplay 2024 Prize Money Breakdown with £800,000 on offer in Blackpool

Humphries missed a break chance early but Pietreczko couldn’t punish and the former hit double 20 finally for 1-0. He doubled his lead early on averaging around 102. Humphries hit a 180 and double 15 for 210 in six darts as Pietreczko slumped to an early 3-0 lead.

He pinned double 20 to go 4-0 up to continue to romp the German. Finally the German got on the board pinning double 14 for a 4-1 lead. Averaging 107, Humphries went 5-1 up with another hold. He missed 121 on the bull for 6-1 and even more misery and Pietreczko held for 5-2.

He missed bull again but Humphries cleaned up for 6-2 with a 108 average. An 11-darter from Pietreczko was needed just to keep with Humphries at 6-3 down. Humphries missed 147 on double 18 for 7-3 and Pietreczko missed double 15 for 150. The former hit double nine to head into the break going three away.

Pietreczko missed three for a hold and Humphries punished to the hilt with a 60 checkout for 8-3. Two 180’s in a leg and a 41 checkout for an 11-darter saw Humphries go one away at 9-3. Humphries missed double eight for a 68 checkout and a near perfect win.

Pietreczko hit 44 on double 14 to hold for 9-4 and Humphries looked to see it out from there. 'Cool Hand Luke' hit double 12 to seal the win 10-4.