Walk-on raises the roof
After his 3-0 win over Thibault Tricole last night, Luke Humphries said: “It was not the best performance from myself. I didn’t feel like I was that clinical.
“After the walk-on, it took me back, the crowd were so amazing. That was one of the best crowds I have been in a room with.
“They made me feel amazing. I don’t get that very often. All that matters was that I got through.
“I could have averaged 105 and lost, and then it wouldn’t have mattered. I can come back after Christmas, be at my best and then think about being world champion.
“The best thing I did was change my walk-on. It has given me a new lease of life.
“I love the song, it’s great for the crowd that they know it and can sing it. It has worked in my favour. I enjoy walking out now.”
Classy tribute
Luke Humphries offered his condolences to darts commentator Wayne Mardle following the tragic death of his wife in the week leading up to the World Champs.
The world No1 said after his win last night: “He has been with Donna since he has been 14 years old, so it is a horrible, horrible thing for him to go through.
“My condolences to Wayne, he is one of the top, top guys in the world and no one deserves to go through this.
“Hopefully he knows all the players and the fans and everyone is here from him if he needs.”
Rolling back the years
Perhaps Gerywn Price is being underestimated this year as he claims he is back in his groove.
He said: “I just needed a break. Now I feel refreshed. Like I want to be there. Like being a kid again. Like when I first started playing.
“It’s made me fall in love with the game again.”
Price is right
Battling poor form and injury, 2024 has been a tough year for Gerwyn Price.
But the Welshman surprisingly heads to Ally Pally with more belief than when he won the Sid Waddell trophy three years ago.
Price told The Guardian: “I’m back. I’m more confident than ever going into the World Championship.
“Probably more confident than when I won in 2021.”
Price’s Murphy dig
Snooker star Shaun Murphy claims to have achieved a 147, nine-darter and hole-in-one.
But in a recent challenge to find which of the three was hardest, Murphy had a throw with Luke Humphries’ arrows and looked like he had never been at the oche before.
Asked about the three sporting feats, Gerwyn Price told The Guardian: “I’ve had a 96. Highest ever, 108. I won’t do a Shaun Murphy and lie about having a 147.”
Today’s schedule
Here’s what to come in both sessions today.
Monday, December 16
Afternoon Session (12.30pm)
- Wesley Plaisier v Ryusei Azemoto R1
- Luke Woodhouse v Lourence Ilagan R1
- Alan Soutar v Kai Gotthardt R1
- James Wade v Jermaine Wattimena R2
Evening Session (7pm)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
- Niels Zonneveld v Robert Owen R1
- Connor Scutt v Ben Robb R1
- Cameron Menzies v Leonard Gates R1
- Gerwyn Price v Huybrechts/Barry R2
