- Luke Humphries has booked his place in the last 16 of the World Championships
- He defeated Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouthwatering fourth round encounter with two-time champion Peter Wright
World number one Luke Humphries continued his bid for back-to-back World Cup titles after reaching the last 16.
While there was plenty of drama at Alexandra Palace on the first day after the Christmas holidays, where Damon Heta hit a nine-darter, Humphries enjoyed a serene evening.
He defeated Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouthwatering fourth round encounter with two-time champion Peter Wright.
Kenny couldn’t produce the form that saw him beat Raymond van Barneveld in the previous round and Humphries didn’t need to be anywhere near his best either.
“It was one of those games I didn’t want to take for granted,” he said.
“I expected a tough game and I wasn’t shooting. I felt there was so much more to give, I felt more could come out of me.
World number one Luke Humphries continued his bid for consecutive World Championships after advancing to the last sixteen
He defeated Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouthwatering fourth round encounter with two-time champion Peter Wright
‘I didn’t want to give anyone an inch, because they can handle a mile.
‘I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight. I wasn’t at my best, but if someone pushes me, I know I can come up with the right things.”
Speaking to Sky Sports after his fruitful win against Kenny, Humphries said:
“It was one of those games where I didn’t want to take it for granted.
‘He played a lot better and was relaxed. I expected a difficult match.
“I knew I wasn’t shooting. I suspected there was so much more to give, but it just didn’t come out of me. It was a solid performance, as long as I keep winning every set, that’s all that matters.
‘I don’t want to give anyone an inch, because they can handle a mile. I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight.
“It’s not my best, but if someone puts pressure on me, I know I can deliver the goods.
The defending champions will face two-time champion Peter Wright in the last 16
‘What I have developed most is confidence under pressure and still winning when I am not at my best.
‘Many people would live to an average age of 98.5 years.
‘Peter Wright in the next round, I’m looking forward to that, believe me. He said he’s not scared of me and Luke Littler, so we’ll see in the next round.’