WORLD Champion Luke Humphries is determined to return to winning ways as he prepares to headline this weekend’s bet365 US Darts Masters in New York.
Humphries will be among the star attractions when the sport’s biggest names take on eight North American representatives in The Theatre at Madison Square Garden on May 31 & June 1.
The 29-year-old made the semi-finals on debut 12 months ago, and following a whirlwind six months – which have seen him win four PDC Premier titles and move to the head of the PDC Order of Merit – has returned to the Big Apple as the flagbearer of the sport.
“Last year was a great experience, but this year I want to win it,” insisted Humphries, who is hoping to add a World Series of Darts title to his growing haul.
“I’m still going to enjoy the experience, because these are fantastic opportunities that we’re very lucky to have, but my headspace is more about winning nowadays than it was last year.”
This weekend’s action will mark Humphries’ first appearance since the Premier League Play-Offs, where he was denied by nine-dart sensation Luke Littler in a remarkable final.
“My main goal was to make the top four and then make the final, and you can’t ask much more of yourself than that,” reflected Humphries, who averaged 102 in defeat against Littler.
“I’ve been in six of the last seven major finals which is absolutely fantastic. It would have been lovely to win it, but I lost to a fantastic performance from Luke.
“I think Luke deserved to be the Premier League champion. It’s 1-1 between us in major finals now and it’s an exciting rivalry to look forward to in the future.”
Humphries was speaking following a morning of media commitments, which saw him appear on CBS New York alongside two-time World Champion Peter Wright.
“This is a tournament I would love to win,” continued Humphries, who was also pictured alongside Wright in the skies above Madison Square Garden, overlooking the famous Empire State Building.
“Madison Square Garden is such an iconic venue, so it would be really special to add this title to my mantelpiece.
“We have a lot to play for over the next two to three months so I want to get back to winning ways, and this is the title out of all the World Series events that I’d love to lift.”
The bet365 US Darts Masters and North American Championship will be held on May 31-June 1 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden. For tickets, click here.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
