After an incredible 12 months of dominating the darts world, Luke Humphreys will be chasing new history when he returns to the Betfred World Match Play in 2024.
Following his victory at last year’s Winter Gardens, Humphreys won 26 of his next 27 televised ranking matches, replicating the sort of dominance only enjoyed by Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen during the PDC era.
Humphries won his first television ranking title at the World Grand Prix before continuing his rise by winning Grand Slams and the Players Championship Final before claiming the sport’s holy grail at Alexandra Palace in January.
“I think last year’s World Matchplay changed my tide and gave me more confidence.” Revealed the world’s best.
“This is, in my opinion, the second biggest tournament on the calendar so it will feel special to go back there as world champion and world number one.
“The Winter Gardens is an iconic venue and when you go to the World Matchplay you’ll be playing in front of real fans – fans who love darts.
“There’s a really great atmosphere. The crowd is really respectful and I think that’s one of the reasons why this tournament is so special.”
Humphries will face German newcomer Ricardo Pietreczko in the opening round at the Empress Ballroom, and the 32-man field includes seven former champions.
“I feel this year’s field is the strongest World Matchplay line-up I’ve ever seen.” recognised the Newbury-born star.
“Guys like James Wade fought to qualify, Dirk van Duivenbode and Gabriel Clemens missed out – darts is so competitive these days, it’s incredible.”
“Right now, when you play against unseeded players, there are no easy matches, so you definitely have to play at your best if you want to win the title.”
The world number one was at his best just a few weeks ago when he teamed up with Michael Smith to lead England to victory at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt.
The pair defeated Austrian pair Robbie John Rodrigues and Mensur Suljovic 10–6 to secure England their first World Cup victory in eight years, with Humphreys averaging 113 in the final.
“It was one of my greatest achievements.” The 29-year-old reflected on his thoughts after becoming just the fourth player to win the World Cup of Darts on his first appearance.
“Winning my first major tournament was obviously an amazing feeling, and then winning the World Championships, nothing beats that feeling.”
“The World Cup means a lot to me. It’s not every day you get to play for your country, let alone win for your country, so I’m very proud.”
It was also Humphries’ first major televised success since winning the World Championship in January, after narrowly missing out on victories in the UK Open and Premier League respectively.
The sport’s top player was eliminated in the UK Open final in March by Dimitri van den Bergh in a final shootout and it took some great play from Luke Littler to dethrone him in an epic Premier League final.
“I think 2024 has been a success so far.” Ahead of his fourth consecutive appearance in the World Match Play, the world champion continued:
“I feel like I’ve reached a really high level this year and although I haven’t been as consistent as last year, I still made the finals of two majors, the British Open and Premier League, and won on the European Tour.
“I also think opponents are playing a lot better against me this year compared to last year.
“That’s the thing about this job. Everybody wants their name in the headlines. If you beat me or beat Luke Littler, you’re in the headlines.”
But now, with even more history waiting to be made, Humphreys is aiming to join Phil Taylor, Van Gerwen and Peter Wright in winning the World Championship and World Match Play in the same calendar year.
“It’s just incredible. It’s a dream come true for me to win the World Match Play.” Humphries, who was the favourite to win before the tournament, was also on board from title sponsor Betfred.
“I want to win the Treble in my career, so if I can win the World Matchplay this year, then all that’s left is the Premier League.
“I’m relaxed. I know if I go out there and play my game I have a good chance of winning the title.”
You can watch our exclusive interview with Luke in full in the 2024 Betfred World Matchplay Official Programme.
2024 Betfred World Matchplay
Saturday 13th July (1930 BST)
First round x4
Gerwyn Price vs Daryl Gurney
Jonny Clayton vs Raymond van Barneveld
Luke Humphries vs Ricardo Pietreczko
Nathan Aspinall vs Luke Woodhouse