The trash talk has already begun between Luke Humphries and Peter Wright, more than 24 hours before the giants meet in a mouth-watering World Championship last 16 tie.
Number one-ranked Humphries won last year’s edition of the ultimate darts competition, beating 16-year-old Luke Littler in a classic final before embarking on a successful 2024 that saw him lift the World Matchplay.
Wright, who at 54 is 25 years older than his opponent, has two world titles to his name, in 2020 and 2022, but is currently ranked 19th in the world.
England’s Humphries has triumphed at the World Championships this year, beating Nick Kenny in straight sets on Friday night and beating Thibault Tricole 3-0 in his first match before Christmas.
His next Scottish opponent battled illness stoically to beat Jermaine Wattimena 4-2 last night. He beat Wesley Plaisier 3-1 in his first match.
The two stars of the oche meet on Sunday in a much-hyped clash and have already been exchanging barbs as the mind games begin.
Last year’s world champion Luke Humphries has responded to Peter Wright’s trash talk.
The Scot suggested he could play much better than Humphries or teenage sensation Luke Littler.
The dispute will continue after the world number one arranged a last-16 clash with Wright.
Wright said last week: ‘Who drives me? Luke Humphries and Luke Littler. Because I know I can still compete with them.
“You know, what I’m doing in practice is I can compete with these guys and actually be better than them.”
The eight-time major winner looked into his crystal ball to give his verdict on how the 17-year-old Humphries’ tournament would end this time around, but the prediction turned out to be slightly wrong.
‘These little old guys can still do it. “I think Barney (Raymond van Barneveld) will beat Luke (Humphries) and Barney and I will have the best game you’ve ever seen on that stage.”
Van Barneveld was eliminated from this year’s World Championships by Kenny in the second round, meaning he never ended up facing Humphries.
Last year’s champion then responded with some fighting comments, suggesting he was about to match what Wright had already accomplished in the game.
‘How many times have people said ‘this is going to happen and this is going to happen’ and it never happens? he responded.
‘I think Peter loves mind games, but it doesn’t work with me.
He beat Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a fourth-round meeting with the two-time champion.
Meanwhile, Wright battled illness to overcome Jermaine Wattimena and advance to the next round.
The Scot won the World Championship in 2020 and 2022 and is 25 years older than Humphries
“I’m one world title away from almost matching his career and I’m 25 years younger, so I think a world title would equal everything he’s accomplished in the game.”
While there was plenty of drama at Alexandra Palace on the first day after the Christmas break, where Damon Heta bowled a nine-darter finish, Humphries enjoyed a serene evening.
Kenny was unable to show the form that saw him beat van Barneveld in the previous round and the world number one did not need to be anywhere near his best.
Speaking to Sky Sports after his prolific win against Kenny, Humphries said: “It was one of those games where I didn’t want to take it for granted. He played much better and was relaxed. I was expecting a tough match.
‘I knew I wasn’t saying goodbye, I suspected there was a lot more to give, but it just couldn’t come out of me. It was a solid performance, as long as he keeps winning every set, that’s what matters.
‘I don’t want to give anyone an inch because they can last a kilometer. I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight.
‘It’s not my best moment, but when someone puts pressure on me, I know I can offer the best.
‘What I have developed the most is confidence under pressure and continuing to win when I am not at my best. Many people would live an average of 98.5 years.
Wright wrongly predicted that fellow veteran Raymond van Barneveld would go racing this year.
Luke Littler also revealed why he is becoming increasingly “frustrated” at the World Darts Championship.
The 17-year-old broke down in tears after his third-round victory over Ryan Meikle on Saturday.
‘Peter Wright in the next round, I’m looking forward to it, believe me. He said he’s not afraid of Luke Littler or me, so we’ll see in the next round.
Today, Littler returns to oche and after his second round win against Ryan Meikle, the teen sensation revealed why he’s getting “frustrated” in the tournament, although it’s not for the worst reason.
“It’s definitely becoming frustrating in a good way,” he said. ‘Obviously, as soon as you switch to triple 19, your eyes light up.
‘I heard the camera turn to the winner, so I’m sorry whoever you are! I’ll try again.’
Littler was talking about his nine-dart attempt, in which he once again missed the double 12 to finish a leg with as few darts as possible.