LUKE HUMPHRIES avoided an untimely exit from the World Darts Championship by eliminating France’s leading player, sending him back across the Channel.

The last reigning world darts champion to crash out on the opening night at Ally Pally was Canadian John Part, a staggering 16 years ago.

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However, at the venue where he achieved his greatest success, Cool Hand Luke charted a different course, progressing to the third round with a convincing 3-0 win over French competitor Thibault Tricole.

This victory marks his seventh consecutive win at the North London venue, all wrapped up in an impressive 16 minutes, and he could potentially face five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld in the Last 32 post-Christmas.

For the first time in his career, Humphries was introduced as the “reigning world champion” by MC John McDonald—a moment he cherished as he invigorated the audience during his entrance.

I Predict a Riot by Kaiser Chiefs was his entry tune, a nod to his Leeds United roots, and it resonated with the crowd as Humphries enjoyed orchestrating their enthusiasm.

The opening set was lackluster, marred by errors from Tricole, who failed to convert all four of his double attempts, allowing the world No.1 to secure three legs with a modest average of 83.50.

Humphries maintained control in the second set, clinching it with a three-leg margin, punctuated by a spectacular 160 checkout.

As his average increased to 90.79, he achieved an 81 with a Bull finish before concluding the opening-night victory on a double 10.
As any former world champion would affirm, it’s essential to avoid an early stumble.

Humphries, 29, can now return home, enjoy Christmas dinner with his family, and come back ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

Looking back on the match, Humphries remarked: “It was not my best performance. I didn’t feel particularly sharp.

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“After the walk-on, memories came flooding back; the crowd was incredible. That was one of the best audiences I’ve ever performed for.

“They made me feel wonderful. That doesn’t happen often. Ultimately, what counts is that I made it through.

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“I could have averaged 105 and still lost, and it would have meant nothing. I’ll be back post-Christmas at my peak and start focusing on reclaiming the world title.

“Changing my walk-on was the best choice I made. It has rejuvenated my attitude.

“I love the song; it’s fantastic for the crowd to recognize it and sing along. It has definitely played to my advantage. I now enjoy my entrance.”