LUKE HUMPHRIES believes winning the World Cup of Darts alongside Luke Littler would rank as an even greater achievement because of the immense expectations placed on England’s star pairing.
Humphries and world No.1 Littler secured their place in the quarter-finals with an impressive 8-5 victory over Spain and will now face Wales in a blockbuster Sunday afternoon showdown.
The former world champion helped end England’s eight-year wait for World Cup glory when he partnered Michael Smith to victory in Frankfurt in 2024. But Humphries feels lifting the trophy with Littler would be even more rewarding given the pressure surrounding what many see as darts’ dream team.
He said: “Winning it for the first time was incredibly special because we ended the drought.
“But this one could feel even more special because of the amount of pressure that’s on us.
“When Michael Smith and I won it, people saw us as favourites, but I don’t think there was the expectation that we simply had to win.
“With me and Luke, there’s definitely that added pressure. People expect us to go all the way.
“If we can get the job done this year, it will mean a lot because everyone expects us to win.
“Michael and I didn’t start particularly well when we won it. Against France in our opening match we averaged around 89.
“This year we’ve averaged five points higher than that.
“We’re not going into tomorrow thinking we’ve played badly or that we can’t win the tournament.
“We’ll be confident and ready to produce our best darts.”
Littler also believes the England partnership is in a far stronger position than it was 12 months ago, when they suffered a shock second-round defeat to Germany.
The teenage sensation said: “Coming into this year, I’ve never felt better.
“Last year there were definitely a few nerves. Luke had been here before and knew what it was all about.
“Our first game last year didn’t go the way we wanted, but this time our second match has gone exactly to plan and we can build on that.
“As I’ve said before, we’re not going up there expecting to average 110 every game. If it happens, great.
“But I think we’re both pleased we were tested today, and now we can focus on getting another win tomorrow.”
England return to action on Sunday afternoon when they take on Wales in one of the standout ties of the tournament.
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