He is not coated in tattoos like a naff Sistine Chapel, he is not dripping in gold bling or costly watches and he does not give it large ones on stage.
Luke Humphries is probably not a showman, however he is prepared for the large present – and he is the bookies’ favorite at Alexandra Palace.As ‘Cool Hand Luke’ assessed his probabilities on the Paddy Power PDC World Championship, the place the curtain on one other fancy gown pageant goes up on Friday night time, he warned: “I’m not here to put on an act – I’m here to win.”
Until October, Humphries was one of many almost males of darts. But after profitable three TV majors in a row – the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam and Players’ Championship finals – the No.3 seed isn’t uninteresting any extra. He might flip Ally Pally into his personal bland of hope and glory.
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Humphries, 28, can be one of many good guys of the oche, and he mentioned: “You’ve seen it for your self on the Grand Prix and Grand Slam – good guys do win. “Of course I’ve received that nasty streak inside me that makes we wish to win, however not in an boastful method.
“When up I’m up there, I wish to beat my opponent convincingly. I do not wish to present them any regret or sorrow. But I haven’t got a vicious aspect and I would not change my character simply to go well with different individuals.
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“I’m not an eccentric, and my character on the dartboard does not actually shine by way of as a result of I prefer to focus, I prefer to win. If I had this happy-go-lucky act on stage, I do not suppose I might be capable of focus correctly. Some individuals suppose I’m depressing, however that is not the best way I’m in particular person.
“Off the oche, I’m one of many jokiest, happiest individuals round – however when I’m on that stage it is severe enterprise. I’ve labored actually onerous to get this far, and typically that is what separates you from different gamers, that ‘severe’ head.
“Now I’ve gained that first rating main, my mind is telling me I’m a part of the elite – but it surely does not go to my head. I’m nonetheless the identical particular person, I’ll all the time be right down to earth.
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“Sure, it’s nice to read that I’m one of the favourites at Ally Pally, but it’s been a year when the major prizes have not been dominated by one person and there are probably 10 or 12 people who could win this World Championship.
“If I’m favourite with the bookies, that’s probably because they know I’m a heavy scorer – and in recent tournaments, my finishing has been good. Put those two together and I’m lethal, but it doesn’t make me unbeatable.”
Leeds United fan Humphries was invited to Elland Road to do a lap of honour on the pitch with the World Grand Prix trophy after breaking his duck within the hunt for a TV main. “I thanked them and said I would like to wait until I’ve won the world title,” he revealed. “That’s the trophy I really want to show off.”
(Image: instagram/lukehumphries180)
Humphries, who will play Lee Evans or Sandro Eric Sosing within the second spherical on Sunday night time, has the contented air of a person at peace with himself after a protracted battle with panic assaults and nervousness points that just about made him stop darts.
He additionally misplaced round 3st in weight, grew to become a father in October final 12 months and has achieved an enviable life/work steadiness. “I’m in a good place, but life can throw you curve balls and it can all change in an instant,” he admitted.
“You’ve received to trip the wave but in addition remember that it will probably all come crashing down. I do know it isn’t all the time going to be a mattress of roses.
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“What I do know is that, over the last two years, I’ve been one of the most consistent players on the tour and you don’t get into the top four of the rankings unless you are consistent.
“Now I’ve won my first major titles, I do feel part of the elite and now it’s down to me. I’ve got the building blocks in place to go on and create a major success for myself… but I really want that world title. That’s the one I want, but it’s the hardest one to win.
“A lot of people think it will be one of me, Gezzy (Gerwyn Price), Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright or Michael Smith, but someone could surprise us. Your pick out of the Grand National sweepstake who comes out of nowhere to win could happen this year.”