Luke Humphries knows exactly how to win the PDC World Championship, but there is one thing he would change about its format.
The reigning world champion has already reached the third round of the Ally Pally tournament, starting his title defence with a 3-0 victory over Thibault Tricole on December 15.
Now, the 29-year-old won’t be playing until after Christmas, with the competition pausing between Monday December 23 and Friday December 27.
But while he’ll be getting to enjoy some festive fun with his loved ones, Humphries admitted to talkSPORT Drive that he wished there was not such a large break for him in the middle of the tournament.
“I’d rather be playing more games to get the momentum,” he told the show on Thursday.
“The kind of worry is – well not a worry – but if you’d have played really well, say if I averaged 105 on Sunday, when you’re playing 12 days later, that kind of means nothing.
“It doesn’t mean you’re in form because a lot can change in two weeks.
“Whereas if you average say like I did, 90, you kind of think, ‘Oh well it doesn’t matter, in 12 days time I can be at a better standard’.
“It can help in both aspects, but two weeks is a long time.
“It doesn’t matter how you play in the first game, as long as you get through.
“Then when you go back, that’s when you’ve got to hit top form.”
Humphries averaged 90.76 against Frenchman Tricole, with the duo throwing two 180s each.
In truth, the world champion didn’t really need to get out of first gear in the clash, winning all nine legs.
“It was nowhere near my best, but it is two different tournaments, all that matters is to win tonight,” he said after the win.
“Even if I don’t win again I will be proud of the year I have.
“It would be a beautiful way to top it off if I could become back-to-back world champion. But I have five games to get through.”
Ex-champion Raymond van Barneveld could await Humphries in the third round if he beats Nick Kenny and progresses on Saturday.
Meanwhile, 2023 world champion Michael Smith was knocked out of the tournament on Thursday, falling to a 3-2 defeat to Kevin Doets.
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