HUMP: BEAU BELONGS IN BIG TIME

By Phil Lanning

LUKE HUMPHRIES says that Beau Greaves belongs in the “big time” after their epic UK Open clash. 

‘Cool Hand’ needed to deliver a strong finale to outgun Greaves in a battle of the World No.1s in Minehead.

Humphries, 30, won 10-7, reeling off the last five legs to move through to the fifth round. 

He said: “I really enjoyed the game. That is what I said to Beau afterwards. It was great fun. She was amazing. 

“She played so great. I think she dropped off in the end. It’s a long format, probably not used to playing that. 

“She was a fantastic player there. She had to bring out the best in me. 

“She belongs in big time darts. She’s a massive advocate for the ladies game, which has grown massively, because of her. 

“She belongs in this environment. She really tested me there. If this was a Premier League game, she would have beaten me. She needs to give herself time. Maybe in five years, I think she will be in the Premier League. 

“I think she’s probably a top-64 player in the world right now. I don’t want to put pressure on her. Just let her keep doing what she’s doing. 

“The next five years she will find that she has got the level that can match me, Luke (Littler) and Michael (van Gerwen).

“She has got a massive future ahead of her. She is still very young and if you can test me, I didn’t play too badly there, that proves she has got the big-time darts. 

“Over the next few years I am sure I will be sharing the stage with her more.” 

Greaves opened the match with 126 and 124 finishes to leave Hump reeling. She also then led 7-5 but ‘Cool Hand’ held his nerve to get over the line. 

Greaves added: “I set off well. I knew towards the end of the match I dropped off a bit. That is what I am trying to work towards being better in my game. 

“Consistency over those longer formats – I am not used to that. What an experience. 

“To play someone like Luke. It’s just amazing for me and my game. It will bring me on a long way. I am really pleased.

“Even though I lost, I am pleased. I am watching these sort of players all the time on the telly. It’s nice to be there.

“Honestly, I just enjoyed watching him throw, in a weird way. I enjoyed it. That is something I want to work towards this year. Those tight moments, I can be a little bit better.

“It’s a learning curve. I am happy. I have had a good day. I will go home tonight and it’s fine.”

Image by Kieran Cleeves.