HUMPHRIES DIGS DEEP TO AVERT HUGE WORLDS UPSET

LUKE HUMPHRIES admits he had to find the best version of himself to avoid a huge upset against Gabriel Clemens at the World Championship.

World No2 Humphries averaged 100.43 and smashed in over 50 percent of his doubles to defeat the German thrower 4-2 and enter the last 16 at Ally Pally.

‘Cool Hand’ held off a remarkable fightback from Clemens, who came close to clawing his way back from 3-0 down and forcing a deciding set.

But Humphries found his rhythm when it mattered most, hitting key finishes to close out the match in style.

He said: “For me, I thought you have got control now. I didn’t feel like I had dropped off. I thought Gabriel got a lot better and made me work hard for it.

“If that D13 didn’t go in, it’s 3-3 and I’m panicking! To get that double at the end, you see that celebration, that could be the difference between being a two-time world champion and not.

“Gabriel played fantastic there. He showed a lot of grit and determination and I found that little level when I needed it, thank God!

“The trebles weren’t going in for me as much as I wanted but I found them in the right moments in certain parts. Gabriel found it every time. He put me under pressure and that’s what you need to do against me, and Luke Littler.

“I’m really pleased to hit that massive shot and I’m through to the next round.

“If my next opponent plays like Gabriel did, they will pose a few problems for me, but I enjoy playing in these games. It gives you a boost and a test.

“It makes you think is this the best version of yourself or the weaker version and I found out this is the best version. It was nice to get a little test and I look forward to the next one.”

The Cheshire thrower has had an outstanding year, reaching five major finals and securing both the Premier League and World Masters titles.

Humphries now sets his sights on lifting a second Sid Waddell Trophy and joining an elite group of two-time world champions.

Image by Taylor Lanning.