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Luke Humphries’ world title defence ends with Wright defeat




Newbury’s Luke Humphries is out of the World Darts Championships.

Peter Wright rolled back the years with an inspired display to overcome reigning champion Humphries on a thrilling day of action at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship.

Luke Humphries is out of the World Championships - Photo: PDC
Luke Humphries is out of the World Championships - Photo: PDC

Wright continued his bid for a third World Darts Championship crown with a remarkable 4-1 victory over world number one Humphries, converting 70% of his attempts at double to seal his spot in the quarter-finals.

The Scottish icon has endured a tumultuous 2024 season, but he was overcome by emotion after blowing the tournament wide open at London’s Alexandra Palace.

Luke Humphries is out of the World Championships - Photo: PDC
Luke Humphries is out of the World Championships - Photo: PDC

“I felt more confident playing Luke over this shorter distance,” declared Wright, who paid tribute to Humphries post-match.

“If I didn’t beat him in this round, I believe he would have retained his title, because I don’t think any other player would have got close to Luke over a longer distance.

“Luke [Humphries] and Luke [Littler] inspire me to carry on playing darts, and I know I can still play this game.

“I felt like I struggled throughout the whole game tonight. I’m over the moon with the result, but I know I can get better.”

The two darting titans traded blows in a compelling start to the contest, but Wright stole a march midway through proceedings, landing a two-dart 96 finish to lead 2-1 in sets.

Wright then fired in a brilliant 12-dart break to move a set away from victory, before delivering a three-leg burst of 12, 13 and 14-dart legs to end Humphries’ reign as World Champion.



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