"That's probably the most nervous I've felt in a long, long time" - Luke Humphries pushed by Clayton but into World Grand Prix semis

Luke Humphries remains on course for a second successive World Grand Prix title in Leicester. 'Cool Hand Luke' did not have it all his own way in his quarterfinal against Jonny Clayton, but eventually triumphed 3-1 and now gets to take on the tournament's surprise package, Ryan Joyce in the semifinals.

Humphries saw off the Welsh former World Grand Prix winner in a 3-1 win, despite 'The Ferret' putting in a valiant effort in one of his best performances in some time. But still it was to no avail as 'Cool Hand Luke' upped his level in the end and sealed the win.

Humphries fell behind 2-0 at 1-1 in sets in the third set and saw Clayton miss some crucial doubles for the set win. "That's probably the most nervous I've felt in a long, long time," admitted Humphries in his post-match press conference. "It's really not like me, but maybe I'm trying too hard. It was a really tough game. Jonny was unlucky there - he probably could have had the third set but that 146 changed everything."

Humphries did not yet reach his best level at this tournament, but is nevertheless in the semifinals again with confidence flowing. "I feel really good and my game's in a good place so I won't take any negatives; I've won and that's it," he assesses. "I'll go into tomorrow in a confident mood - I know I can do it when it matters most."

Humphries was showered with nice words and respect from his fellow players this week. For example, Gary Anderson indicated that he feels the media does not show enough respect for a great champion like Humphries. James Wade also showed plenty of praise for Humphries in some of his own press conferences. "If you'd have told me 10 years ago that Gary Anderson and James Wade were saying these incredible things about me, I would have laughed at you. It would have been an absolute joke for me. So yeah, it's really great, to be honest. It really is nice. And I'm just trying my best to build this sport into a good place," reflected the 29-year-old Englishman.

As mentioned, in the semifinals later this Saturday night, Humphries will take on Ryan Joyce after the Newcastle ace added Rob Cross' name to his growing list of scalps this week.