Luke Humphries insists he must elevate his game significantly if he is to capture a second World Grand Prix title, and has revealed his frustration that defending champion Luke Littler fell at the first hurdle.
The world No 2, who won the tournament in 2023 and finished as runner-up in the last two editions, delivered a disappointing display during his straight-sets victory against Dave Chisnall at the Mattioli Arena. His checkout conversion rate dipped below 27 per cent and he recorded an average of 80.41, marking his lowest scoring output at this event since 2022, though he was grateful to avoid the early exit that claimed both Littler and Michael van Gerwen.
That's arguably one of the worst performances I've played on the World Grand Prix stage for myself. I didn't feel comfortable throughout the whole game.
Doubles weren't going in at the start, the scoring was rubbish and I felt like Chizzy just wasn't at his best there at all.
Despite the unconvincing nature of his progression, Humphries expressed optimism about his prospects in the coming rounds.
It wasn't a good performance, but I'm through and when I play Jermaine on Thursday I'm hoping you won't see that!
Humphries has emerged as the tournament favourite following Littler's shock defeat to Luke Woodhouse, yet the pressure of that status weighs heavily on his shoulders. According to reports from the match, Woodhouse averaged 82.51 to Littler's 82.41 and secured the deciding set 3–1.
I hate it when he loses because it always puts the pressure on myself and then everyone is like 'this is yours to win' and all this type of stuff.
I hate it when he loses because I want to play him in finals. I want to beat him in finals. I don't want to lose to him in finals, but I like playing in finals because it gets me up for it.
The 28-year-old elaborated on why Littler's continued presence in the tournament would actually benefit his own mindset and performance levels.
When he loses, I'm not like jumping for joy. It puts all the pressure on myself and maybe sometimes it doesn't help me. I'd rather him still be in the tournament and be the favourite and then I can just backdoor it to the final!
Humphries' maiden PDC-ranked television title came at the 2023 World Grand Prix and sparked an impressive run to conclude that season, but 'Cool Hand' has endured a frustrating sequence of final defeats in major tournaments since his World Masters and Premier League victories last year.
I feel like I deserve a major - it's been like six or seven I've lost in the final. I played really good in the Premier League final and the World Masters final - I played 105 averages and lost, so they are tough to take.
He acknowledged the unique challenge posed by facing Littler in high-stakes matches, recognising that the world No 1's exceptional talent sets him apart from the rest of the field.
If you just play anybody else in the world they're probably not going to beat you, but when you're playing a phenom like Luke, he can beat you. I feel like I deserve one, but sometimes you don't always get what you deserve in life.
With four matches standing between him and the trophy, Humphries knows that a dramatic improvement in his standard will be essential to his hopes of success.
It's up to me to win another four games and perform a lot better than that, because if I perform that again, I'll be very lucky to make it to the quarters and semis.
Humphries explains facial injury: 'I don't have that great story'
Humphries sparked considerable speculation across social media platforms after appearing on stage bearing a noticeable scab on his head, though the blemish caused him no apparent discomfort as he progressed to the last 16.
I really wanted to bring up some amazing story about how I fought five guys off and they come off worse than me, but unfortunately I don't have that great story.
He traced the mark back to his appearance on a television programme earlier in the week, suggesting an allergic reaction to cosmetic products used during filming.
I did Bullseye filming on Tuesday, woke up Wednesday with a massive rash on the side of my head and it just got worse and worse and then it scabbed over. The only thing I can think of is when you do TV shows they put make up on and all these types of things, all these creams, and I got an allergic reaction to it.
Unfortunately there is no great story to tell, that is what I think it is but I don't know. I haven't seen a doctor but it just looks like I've had an allergic reaction to stuff they've put on my head and face, but I'm fully well.
What happens next
According to Sky Sports, Humphries will face Jermaine Wattimena in the second round on Thursday, October 1, from 7pm BST. Wattimena defeated Chris Dobey 2–0 in the first round to set up the meeting with the world No 2.
The tournament, being held at Leicester's Mattioli Arena from September 28 to October 4, will conclude with the final scheduled for Sunday, October 4, from 8pm BST.
Coverage of the World Grand Prix continues throughout the week live on Sky Sports, with daily transmission up to and including the final on Sunday. Viewers can also stream the action with no contract required on NOW.
