HUMPHRIES ADMITS HE HAD “GRIT”

LUKE HUMPHRIES vowed he showed “grit and determination” to overcome the toughest match of his career.

The three-time major winner showed title credentials with a remarkable comeback win over Ricardo Pietreczko on Thursday night.

Hump now faces Joe Cullen in a Paddy Power World Championship last 16 clash on Saturday but admits his battle against the German fans was a big test.

He said: “I dare anyone at home to experience what I just experienced. I had 99 per cent of the crowd against me. I’ll be honest I peed my pants. I felt it there it was really hard.

“I broke a point before the game started that played on my mind. I played with a different set.

“It was really tough for me tonight.

“There was a section of the crowd over here whistling at every throw. So that was the reaction.

“Mentally, physically it was the toughest game I’ve ever been a part of.

“Any major final I’ve played in that was 10 times worse. It felt like I was in Germany.

“I know it’s all negative but credit to myself, I was down and out. I was playing absolutely dross, terrible and I came back there. It wasn’t the best game in the world.

“Everyone would have been saying he’s never going to be world champion. I’ll tell you one thing, I’ve shown a lot of grit and determination there.

“I played rubbish but I’m still in, the dream is still alive, I can still be world champion.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.