HUMPHRIES RELISHING SMITH CLASH IN ROSMALEN

LUKE HUMPHRIES is relishing a mouth-watering showdown with Michael Smith after surviving a huge scare in the Dutch Darts Championship.  

World No.1 Humphries edged past Cameron Menzies 6-5 in a thrilling second-round clash in Rosmalen on Saturday.  

‘Cool Hand’ reeled off the final three legs and survived a match dart to seal victory with a staggering 105.76 average. 

Seven-times major winner Humphries is gearing up for a blockbuster third-round tie against ‘Bully Boy’ — with their head-to-head record locked at 10 wins apiece. 

And Humphries was full of respect for Smith, who is chasing his first European Tour title since 2023. 

He said: “Michael is a fantastic, classy player. He in my opinion is one of the toughest players to beat. 

“He’s not been at his best but he’s slowly getting there again. 

“I know he was a bit fortunate earlier but I won’t be taking that game for granted. 

“I will be really looking forward to it and hopefully I can perform at the same level. 

“If me and Michael perform at the same level that we know we both can, it is going to be a fantastic game and a brilliant way to start the day off.” 

Cheshire thrower Humphries also praised the electric Dutch crowd at the Autotron Arena. 

He added: “When you come to the Netherlands you always get a great crowd. They are always really loud and I enjoyed that. 

“I got a lot of support which I enjoyed and that was really nice. 

“I don’t always get that and it helped me through a little bit because when you get a bit of support it sometimes drives you on.” 

Former world champion Smith beat Ryan Joyce 6-5 in the afternoon session and survived 10 match darts along the way! 

World Cup winner Smith averaged 98.23 and sealed the victory with a super 106 checkout. 

Image by Taylor Lanning.