HUMPHRIES DREAMS OF ANOTHER ELLAND ROAD HOMECOMING

LUKE HUMPHRIES admits he hasn’t “lived up to the billing” as he targets another World Championship parade at Ellan Road.

World No.2 Humphries enjoyed a day away from the oche at the famous Cheltenham Festival where he soaked up the atmosphere and had a few bets.

‘Cool Hand’ was joined by fellow rivals Luke Littler and Nathan Aspinall at the horse racing event. 

Humphries revealed one of his picks failed to come through but insisted the day was more about enjoying the occasion than worrying about the result. 

He told Racing TV: “I’m good. I’ve been busy but it’s nice to have a day out and enjoy myself here. 

“As long as you are being busy and working hard, usually the rewards pay off so I am happy with that. 

“I would have been up if Kopek would have won. I had a lot riding on that one. But unfortunately it didn’t come in.

“I am not too far down. It’s not about the betting for me, it’s about the enjoyment and having fun. 

“Being a part of a global event that everyone loves. As much as it has not been my day, there are two races to go.”

The Cheshire thrower has been in excellent form on the big stage over the past 12 months, yet he has lost his last FOUR major finals. 

The 31-year-old lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy in 2024 but has failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals since.  

Humphries revealed his focus remains on returning to the very top of the sport and lifting the biggest prize in darts once again. 

He added: “Hopefully you will see me in Leeds in January with the World Championship trophy again.

“The last two years I haven’t quite lived up to the billing. One thing I would love to do is parade that trophy around Elland Road again. 

“I would love that again. So hopefully I can pick up a few trophies before then and win the Worlds. 

“It was very surreal. It was a moment you would only dream of. In a weird way it is more special than winning the World Championships because I felt like I was having a homecoming. 

“I have a good relationship with Leeds and the fans. They are really good to me so I would love to experience that one more time.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.