Luke Humphries has hit back at Peter Wright ahead of their clash at the World Darts Championship on Sunday.
Humphries is looking to defend his title after defeating Luke Littler in a thrilling final in 2024.
He advanced to the fourth round of the tournament with a straight set win over Nick Kenny on Friday.
That sets up a final clash between defending champion and two-time winner Peter Wright who, despite a visible battle with illness, produced arguably his best performance of a tough 2024 when he beat Jermaine Wattimena 4-2.
Wright’s “mind games” before the game prompted Humphries to respond.
“He’s had a lot to say in the last few weeks, where he’s said he’s not afraid of me and Luke Littler. He says he’s going to break us. All the pressure is on him now because if he doesn’t make an egg it’s his face not mine,” Humphries said of his next opponent.
“How many times have people said this is going to happen and it’s going to happen and it never does?
“I think Peter likes to play mind games, but it doesn’t work for me. I’m one world title away from almost matching his career, and I’m about 25 years younger. So I think one (more) world title would compare everything what he accomplished in the game.”
He also believes Littler, 17, won’t be upset either. “I think he’s trying to play mind games, but unfortunately for him it’s not going to work for me and it probably won’t work for Luke. He (Wright) said he’s not afraid of us. But if I’m not afraid of someone I don’t mention all the time,” Humphries said .
But he acknowledged the respect he also has for Wright. He is a dangerous player, Humphries said.
“I’m really looking forward to playing with him. He’s a top guy, he’s a two-time former world champion. He’s got a lot of experience and I have a lot of respect for him.”
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