Darts fans have taken to social media to hail Luke Humphries for his classy message after the 29-year-old lost to Peter Wright at the World Championship on Sunday night.
The defending champion went into the showdown hoping to secure victory and book his place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Yet that didn't happen, with Humphries suffering a shock fourth-round exit at Alexandra Palace.
After his defeat, the darts star classily congratulated Wright.
World Darts Championship: Fans have hailed Luke Humphries for his class following his defeat to Peter Wright
PA
He wrote on social media: "Just wasn't to be tonight.
"Credit to @snakebitewright he was clinical, and fully deserved the win.
"I've had the most amazing year as World Champion, I'll be back stronger in 2025. Now for family time."
And darts fans have been left impressed by Humphries' class in defeat, with supporters pleased to see him showing his appreciation for his rival.
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"Your response after Peter hit the winning double was nothing short of amazing, I'm sure the defeat hurts inside (as it should) but you handled it with such grace," wrote one user.
A second said: "Class act as always mate. Not much you can do about someone hitting 70 per cent of their doubles, and in all of the big moments.
"Sometimes it’s just not your night. Been a worthy and class world champion. You’ll come again."
A third wrote: "Most humble World Champion we've ever had."
READ MORE:Luke Humphries makes confident admission after losing to Peter Wright at World Darts Championship
Another stated: "Well done tho Luke. Was a high performance encounter. Appreciate how gracious you are in the circumstances."
A fifth said: "Amazing sportsmanship."
And a sixth said: "Luke Humphries- you are the absolute epitome of decency!!!
"You are a great ambassador both to the sport of Darts and as a supporter of Leeds United."
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Just wasn't to be tonight.
— Luke Humphries (@lukeh180) December 30, 2024
Credit to @snakebitewright he was clinical, and fully deserved the win.
I've had the most amazing year as World Champion, I'll be back stronger in 2025. Now for family time 💙@ModusDarts180 @reddragondarts @cygroup2 @TaylorMaxwellCo @VibePay Radamec pic.twitter.com/YmD8t8SOT4
Meanwhile, Humphries has insisted he's capable of bouncing back following his defeat to Wright - with the 29-year-old adamant he'll win another World Darts Championship during his career.
“I know that if I’m going to be playing this sport for 20 more years I’m not going to win it every time," he said.
"And if someone puts in a performance like that against you, you have to accept that the better player won.
“I wasn’t at my best, but I wasn’t terrible by any means - and I’ll bounce back. I will still sleep well tonight and look forward to next year.
Luke Humphries was sent crashing out of the World Darts Championship by Peter Wright on Sunday night
PA
“There’s a long season ahead of me. We have another 12 months before we come back here and do it all again, but I want to win more in between that.
“I’m not looking towards next year’s World Championship yet, but when we’re back here next year, of course I would love to get my title back.
"I don’t see my career ending as a one-time world champion. I do feel like I will win more.”
