HUMPHRIES REVEALS EVENT HE WANTS ADDED TO PDC CALENDAR

LUKE HUMPHRIES has endorsed a Ryder Cup-style team event as the perfect addition to the PDC calendar.

The world No2, who helped England win the World Cup of Darts last year with Michael Smith, faced an early exit this year with Luke Littler, losing 8-4 to Germany in the second round.

‘Cool Hand’ sees another international team event as a great way to boost both players and fans, infusing darts with a renewed sense of national pride and energy.

Humphries believes such a tournament would showcase the sport’s competitive spirit on a global stage and help grow its popularity worldwide.

He told talkSPORT: “I think for me if you were to do a team event the Ryder Cup style that definitely appeals.

“Anything playing for your country brings out a different version of people. People get riled up and really pumped up when you are playing for your country.

“It’s like the pairs with the World Cup; it is one of the best tournaments of the year, I think. Everyone loves it.

“So, I think a Ryder Cup as long as it was fair would be fantastic.

“I don’t think you could just have England and the UK vs Europe because all the top players would be much more UK based.”

Humphries also shared thoughts on alternative scoring formats that could spice things up.

He added: “I would also love to see a different format like a 701 or a 1001, first to three.

“The only problem with that is it plays into the hands of heavy scorers.

“But then you can also do ones like 301, best of 19. There are other options. I would like to see a fun one. Maybe a game of cricket.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.