Luke Humphries continues his impressive run at the World Darts Championship, successfully advancing to the last 16 with a commanding 4-0 victory over Nick Kenny. The reigning champion showcased his remarkable skills at Alexandra Palace on December 27, 2024, demonstrating why he’s considered one of the best players on the circuit.
Humphries, ranked world number one, went through the match with relative ease, requiring only modest effort to overcome Kenny, who had previously stunned the crowd by defeating darting legend Raymond van Barneveld. Despite Kenny's push to seize the moment, Humphries' confidence remained unshaken. “It was one of those games I didn’t want to take for granted,” he reflected after the match. “I expected a tough game and I wasn’t firing, I felt there is so much more to give.”
Although Kenny averaged 92.43 and hit four out of seven double attempts, he struggled to match Humphries, who finished the match with a notable average of 99.13. Throughout the contest, Humphries averaged over 100 points per set, emphasizing his scoring proficiency. The highlight of the match came during the penultimate leg, where Humphries executed a stunning 145 checkout, solidifying his reputation as one of the tournament's top players.
With the victory, Humphries not only progresses but also sets up what promises to be an exhilarating clash against two-time world champion Peter Wright, who recently overcame Jermaine Wattimena by 4-2, showcasing his own darting prowess. Wright, currently battling through a chest infection, managed to maintain impressive averages throughout the match, hitting 10 180s and demonstrating his determination to return to form.
The excitement at Alexandra Palace continued beyond Humphries’ match, as fans were treated to dramatic moments, including Damon Heta’s nine-dart finish earlier the same day—a remarkable feat earning him significant praise and reward. Heta's moment of perfection, unfortunately, was short-lived as he later lost to Luke Woodhouse after leading for much of the contest.
Another thrilling battle witnessed Gerwyn Price narrowly edging Joe Cullen through a sudden-death leg. After entering the decider tied at three sets each, Cullen executed a 170 checkout, momentarily shifting the momentum. Price, though facing pressure, managed to maintain composure to clinch the win, stating, “He kept coming back, the crowd were way behind him.” The match was described as one of the tournament's highlights, accentuating the competitive spirit of the championship.
Humphries, undeterred by past successes, remains focused on his goal of becoming the first player to secure back-to-back titles since the tournament’s inception. “I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight,” he declared, asserting his readiness to confront any challenger. With fans eagerly anticipating his upcoming match against Wright, the stage is set for another riveting chapter of the World Darts Championship.
With several players demonstrating remarkable form, the 2024 tournament continues to surprise and engage audiences. The buzz around Humphries’ performance, coupled with the unexpected twists from formidable competitors, maintains the event's status as one of the year’s sporting highlights. Fans are left wondering just how far Humphries can go as he chases history and what other unforgettable moments are yet to emerge from Alexandra Palace.
