Luke Humphries begins his World Darts Championship title defence with 3-0 victory over Thibault Tricole as world No 1 cruises into third spherical

Luke Humphries cruised into the third round of the World Darts Championship after beating Thibault Tricole 3-0 to kickstart his title defence.

The world No 1 was not troubled on his return to the Alexandra Palace stage and made light work of the occasion despite failing to reach his usual flowing form.

After emerging to the raucous strains of the Kaiser Chiefs hit ‘I Predict A Riot’, an electrifying crowd lifter and clear upgrade on his previous walk-on song, Humphries settled into a steady rhythm and was spared the need to click into top gear.

In fact, his display barely trundled above a pedestrian pace on the opening night.

Not that this proved a problem, though, with a shaky Tricole missed several attempts at a double on just his second appearance in the tournament.

His challenger won the first set 3-0 despite averaging just 83.5.

Once he emerged from the first break, however, a rejuvenated Humphries began to rattle the treble 20 bed with a semblance of his usual unerring efficiency.

He set up a 170 finish but was unable to reel in the Big Fish, an out shot which has become something of a specialty for Luke Littler, the biggest threat to his throne.

Humphries then returned to clean up with his final two darts.

There were no signs of him letting up in the second leg either, ‘Cool Hand’ living up to his nickname after pinning a 160 finish when Tricole missed a huge 146 out.

A first 180 remained elusive but Humphries survived a slight wobble on the outer ring, missing three darts at double 10, to wrap up the second leg on D5.

His first maximum finally arrived at the start of the third – and final – leg and that paved the way for another 3-0 whitewash from the reigning champion.

Nine straight legs and one comfortable victory. Humphries could not have dreamed of a more comfortable start, but he will know his toughest tests are still to come.