HUMPHRIES MUST DEFEND TITLE TO AVOID FAILURE

LUKE HUMPHRIES would deem it a FAILURE if he fails to retain the World Masters crown, according to ex-pro Mark Webster.

‘Cool Hand’ begins his campaign in Milton Keynes against six-time major runner-up Dave Chisnall on Thursday night.

The Cheshire ace is aiming to respond after a quarter-final exit at the World Championship and the loss of his world No.1 ranking.

Former BDO world champ Webster believes Humphries has now reached a level where silverware is the only acceptable outcome.

He said: “He is in that bracket now of players who’s always got something to prove — unless he wins it’s deemed a failure.

“He has set such high standards. Luke Humphries obviously a multiple-time major champion is getting knocked out in quarter-finals — it’s not going to wash.

“He will be concerned but he is a good guy, he is focused. I think he doesn’t panic — that is the main thing.

“If things don’t go right at the World Masters he will move on to the Premier League.

“This one will be really big because he won the inaugural launch of the World Masters a year ago when it was ranked.

“He will want to go on and defend his title.”

Humphries enjoyed a stellar 2025 campaign, adding the Premier League title to victories on the World Series circuit and the European Tour.

But the 30-year-old fell short to Littler in the World Grand Prix and Grand Slam finals.

Webster admits the gap between the two has widened but insists it doesn’t change the bigger picture for Humphries.

He added: “The gap has widened but does it change a great deal for Luke Humphries? They’ve changed spots but are still in opposite halves of draws.

“Okay, he has lost his status as world No.1 so there is a bit of a dent in the ego.

“He just needs to go back and start winning tournaments. Luke Littler has won the World Championship and there is a massive inflation with the prize money that makes your ranking even more solid.

“But for Luke Humphries he just needs to keep trying to get to finals and Luke Littler is in the other half so he needs to take the challenge.

“I’m sure both Lukes will keep relishing it.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.