World No. 1 Luke Humphries took to X to respond to darts legend Dennis Priestley’s claim that he and Luke Littler “let their country down” with their shock 8-4 loss to Germany’s Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko in the World Cup of Darts second round in Frankfurt, per Express. Priestley, a two-time world champion, criticized the duo’s preparation, alleging they didn’t practice or sit together, and questioned their recent MBEs, stating, “I don’t think either Luke Littler or Luke Humphries have done enough to earn their MBEs just yet,” per Daily Mail.
Humphries, 30, expressed disappointment, writing, “Disappointing to hear a top former pro who I admired say such a damaging thing to me and Luke. I didn’t let my country down last year tho did I? 😊 One bad game for us and we will back next year to go again. Let’s move on now 🫣😂,” referencing his 2024 World Cup win with Michael Smith, per @lukeh180. His measured response contrasted with Littler’s now-deleted Instagram Story, where the 18-year-old fired back, “Don’t deserve an MBE but done more in 12 months than he ever did,” per Sport Bible. Humphries’ defense highlighted his loyalty to Littler, despite their rivalry, as seen in their six Premier League clashes in 2025, per Express.
The loss, just a day after their MBE honors, drew further scrutiny from Gerwyn Price, who called their teamwork “rubbish,” and pundit Wayne Mardle, who suggested pressure and the pairs format overwhelmed them, per GiveMeSport. X posts, like @DExpress_Sport, praised Humphries’ “true colours” in standing by Littler, per.
