Luke Humphries fires warning at Peter Wright ahead of mouth-watering World Championship tie
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Defending champion Luke Humphries stormed into the World Darts Championship last 16 with a commanding 4-0 victory over Nick Kenny at Alexandra Palace on Friday night.
The world number one averaged 98.59 in a dominant display that sets up an eagerly anticipated clash with two-time champion Peter Wright.
The straight-sets triumph came just moments after Wright, visibly battling illness, had secured his own place in the fourth round with a 4-2 win against Jermaine Wattimena.
Humphries dominated the latter stages of the match, winning nine of the final 10 legs to secure his progression.
Luke Humphries means business as he looks to defend his World Championship crown
PA
The champion stole the opening set with a final-leg break after Kenny missed a crucial dart at double 16.
Despite being broken at the start of the second set, Humphries quickly regained control of the contest.
He produced a stunning 145 checkout in the fourth set as he wrapped up a comprehensive victory.
Speaking after the match, Humphries acknowledged he wasn't at his peak performance but remained focused on defending his title.
"I knew I wasn't firing, I suspected there was so much more to give, but it just wasn't coming out of me," he told Sky Sports.
"I don't want to give anyone an inch because they can take a mile. I'm not going to give up this world title without a fight," he added.
The champion highlighted his improved mental strength, saying: "The thing I've developed the most is confidence under pressure and still winning when not at my best."
Looking ahead to his clash with Wright, Humphries said: "Peter Wright in the next round, I'm looking forward to that, trust me."
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Peter Wright was battling illness during his darts match against Jermaine Wattimena
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Wright's performance against Wattimena was particularly impressive given his visible health struggles, with the two-time champion averaging 96.19.
The former champion was notably unwell during his match, unable to perform his trademark walk-on dance moves and coughing throughout the contest.
Despite Wattimena averaging slightly higher at 96.50, Wright's clinical finishing proved decisive in securing the 4-2 victory.
The win sets up an intriguing last-16 encounter, with Wright having already made his confidence clear, as Humphries noted: "He said he doesn't fear me and Luke Littler so we'll see in the next round."
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