Luke Humphries, the reigning World Darts Champion, successfully navigated his first match at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, avoiding an early exit that has befallen champions in the past. He defeated French player Thibault Tricole in a decisive 3-0 victory, securing his seventh consecutive win at the Alexandra Palace. While Humphries acknowledged his performance wasn’t his best, the win allowed him to progress to the third round and avoid the ignominy of a first-round exit suffered by previous champions. The relief of overcoming the opening hurdle was palpable, allowing him to relax and enjoy the Christmas festivities before returning to the tournament for the more demanding later stages.
Humphries’ victory was efficient, if not spectacular. He swept aside Tricole in straight sets, taking advantage of the Frenchman’s missed doubles and gradually improving his own performance as the match progressed. While the first set saw a flurry of errors from both players, Humphries’ average climbed to a more respectable 90.79 in the second, culminating in a impressive 160 checkout. The final set saw him seal the victory with an 81 finish and a double 10, ensuring his continued presence in the tournament.
The occasion was particularly significant for Humphries, marking the first time he had been introduced on the Alexandra Palace stage as the reigning world champion. He embraced the moment, reveling in the enthusiastic reception from the crowd, which he described as one of the best he had experienced. His walk-on music, “I Predict a Riot” by Kaiser Chiefs, a nod to his Leeds United allegiance, further amplified the atmosphere, creating a vibrant and energetic start to his title defense.
Humphries admitted to some early nerves, acknowledging that the unique pressure of defending his title had affected his performance. However, he emphasized the importance of simply getting through the first round, regardless of the manner of victory. He recognized that even a high average wouldn’t have mattered if he had lost, and was eager to return after Christmas, refreshed and ready to perform at his peak. He views the first match as a hurdle cleared, allowing him to now focus on playing to his full potential and living up to his champion status.
A key factor in Humphries’ improved mindset, according to him, was his new walk-on music. The change, he believes, has given him a “new lease of life,” injecting fresh energy and enthusiasm into his approach. The enthusiastic reception from the crowd, singing along to his chosen song, has provided a significant boost to his confidence and enjoyment of the occasion. This positive energy has clearly translated into a more relaxed and focused performance on the oche.
Looking ahead, Humphries anticipates a potential third-round clash with five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld, a formidable opponent who would present a significant challenge. However, armed with the confidence of his first-round victory and the support of the crowd, Humphries is determined to return after Christmas break and demonstrate the form that earned him the world title. His focus is now firmly on maintaining his championship status and proving his ability to compete at the highest level. The initial nerves have been overcome, the first hurdle cleared, and Humphries is now ready to embrace the challenge of defending his crown on the biggest stage in darts.
