Luke Humphries admitted that he must raise his game if he hopes to chase a second World Grand Prix crown, and he confessed that he would have liked to see defending champion Luke Littler stay in the tournament longer. Humphries, who captured the 2023 title and finished runner‑up in the two preceding editions of the double‑start event, delivered a rather uninspired display in his straight‑sets win over Dave Chisnall at the Mattioli Arena.

The world No. 2 managed to hit less than 27 percent of his checkout attempts and posted an average of 80.41 – his lowest figure at this tournament since 2022. Despite the sub‑par numbers, he was relieved not to join the ranks of Littler and Michael van Gerwen, both of whom were eliminated in the opening round. "That was arguably one of the worst performances I've ever had on a World Grand Prix stage," Humphries said after the match.

"I never felt comfortable throughout the whole game. The doubles weren’t clicking at the start, my scoring was terrible, and I could tell Dave [Chisnall] wasn’t at his best either." He added, "It wasn’t a good showing, but I’m through to the next round and when I face Jermaine [Wattimena] on Thursday I hope you won’t see a repeat of that." With defending champion Luke Littler suffering a surprise defeat to Luke Woodhouse, Humphries now finds himself the odds‑on favourite to lift the trophy. Yet he confessed that the absence of the world No.

1 adds a different kind of pressure. "I hate it when he loses because it instantly shifts the focus onto me. Everyone starts saying, ‘this is yours to win’, and that can be a lot to handle," Humphries explained. "I’d rather he stay in the draw, be the favourite, and I can try to sneak past him into the final.

I love the idea of meeting him in a final – I want to beat him, not lose to him – but his early exit puts all the weight on my shoulders." Humphries' 2023 triumph was his first PDC‑ranked television title and sparked a dominant run that carried him to the end of the season. Since then, however, the "Cool Hand" has endured a string of near‑misses, finishing runner‑up in several major events after his World Masters and Premier League victories last year. "I feel like I deserve a major.

I’ve lost six or seven finals now," he said. "I played a 105 average in the Premier League final and in the World Masters final, and still came up short.

It’s tough to swallow. If you play anyone else on the circuit, you’ll probably win, but when you face a phenom like Luke Littler, he can turn the tables. I know I deserve a title, but sometimes life doesn’t hand you what you think you’ve earned." He continued, "The onus is on me to win the next four matches and perform far better than I have this week. If I repeat this level, I’ll be lucky to reach the quarters or semis." During his progress to the last‑16, Humphries sparked curiosity on social media when he appeared on stage with a noticeable scab on his head.

He dismissed any concerns, saying the blemish had no impact on his play. "I wanted to spin a dramatic story about fighting five opponents and emerging victorious, but the truth is far less exciting," he laughed. "I filmed Bullseye on Tuesday, woke up Wednesday with a huge rash on the side of my head, and it kept getting worse until it scabbed over. I think the makeup and creams used for TV shows triggered an allergic reaction.

I haven’t seen a doctor, but it looks like a simple allergy to the products they put on my face and head. I’m completely fine otherwise." Humphries’ candid remarks highlight both his determination to improve and the mental challenges that come with being the new favourite after Littler’s upset. As the World Grand Prix continues, fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with daily coverage leading up to the final on Sunday, or stream the tournament via NOW without a contract.