HUMPHRIES SET FOR VAN VEEN REVENGE MISSION

LUKE HUMPHRIES admits he has felt the full force of Gian van Veen as he eyes revenge.

‘Cool Hand’ averaged a superb 101.67 to dispatch Danny Noppert 4-0 in the last eight at the World Masters. 

World No.2 Humphries admitted he drew on painful past experiences to make sure there was no late wobble this time.

He said: “It was a clinical performance. There were moments in the game where the scoring was really good. 

“I put Danny under a lot of pressure and, with my finishing, I felt like I didn’t give him room to breathe. 

“It made it much harder for him to try and come back and beat me. 

“Once he missed that nine-darter and then lost the leg, his whole demeanour changed. 

“He looked a little bit defeated. I’m guilty of that myself, but I’m trying to change that this year. 

“It happened to me at the World Grand Prix. I was 3-0 up in our match and it suddenly became 4-3. I thought I had won the game and I hadn’t. 

“That was in the back of my mind, so I made sure he didn’t get back at me this time. I took that experience and made sure I put him away earlier.” 

Humphries also revealed a tweak to his setup is already paying dividends. 

He added: “I feel good with the new setup. A little freshen-up can help. 

“The 180s are clicking a bit more than usual. 

“With the scoring power I know I’ve got, if I’m hitting more 180s than ever, that’s exciting.

“I know if I keep experimenting, I can get even better.” 

The Cheshire thrower now faces big rival Van Veen, knowing he is in for a stern test after losing their last five meetings. 

Humphries’ most recent setback came at the World Championship, where he was beaten 5-1 by the Dutchman in the semi-finals. 

He continued: “I’ve had the beating of Gian for five games and he’s had the beating of me for five games. 

“That’s the way darts works. 

“It’s going to be a tough game. Hopefully I can come out and put him under pressure early. 

“Me, Gian and Luke [Littler] are the great games now to watch in darts because it is just flowing.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.