Luke Humphries insists he pays no attention to the pre-tournament odds at the World Darts Championships – but feels he has the edge over rival Luke Littler given what he’s achieved over the past 12 months.
The defending champion got his tournament up and running on Sunday evening with a convincing victory over Thibault Tricole in the second round.
Humphries didn’t lose a single leg on his way to victory and pulled off an impressive 160 checkout.
He’s now through to the third round with Humphries expected to go far in the competition.
Despite being the world No 1 and defending champion, Humphries is seen as the second favourite behind Littler.
Luke Littler is the favourite ahead of Luke Humphries Getty
The teenage darts sensation has won 10 titles in his debut year as a professional, including a stunning victory in the Premier League.
He was denied an 11th title in his last match prior to the World Darts Championship with an 11-7 defeat to Humphries in the final of the Players Championship Finals.
The 17-year-old is still regarded as the favourite over Humphries despite that result and the pair could face off in this year’s semi-finals if they both make it that far.
Humphries is not bothered at being considered the second favourite, but the top seed clearly feels he remains the man to beat at the Alexandra Palace.
“I don’t care what the bookies make of it or what they say,” he said.
“They try to cover their backs from stats. It’s all done on stats.
“You look at it, Michael van Gerwen is 12/1, he’s done this three times. He knows how to do it.
“It does add in the favour to someone who knows how to win it.
Luke Humphries is the world No 1
PA
“If I get myself or Michael or Gary into a semi-final situation, they know what to do.
“It’s a lot harder for a person that’s not been in that situation as the best of 11 sets is a long game.
“On reflection, me and Luke Littler should be similar. I’ve been in six major finals this year, he’s been in four.
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“It was good for the sport that I won the Players Championship Finals as it opens that possibility that a couple of players can win it instead of one.
“If we go on ranking money won this year, I’ve won 150/200,000 more than any other player on the tour.
“I think I’ve handled it well. The World Matchplay and World Cup was what I wanted this year and I got them both so the achievements I’ve wanted to unlock I’ve done.”
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