
Luke Humphries aims to be peerless in Blackpool again
He is used to joining select clubs after a stellar 18 months at the oche and wants another membership.
SCHEDULE! 🎯
The first round schedule for the 2025 @BetfredWorld Matchplay has been confirmed!
The countdown to Blackpool begins! 😍
📝 https://t.co/NcrGWJHxhW pic.twitter.com/DPzhoFchk2
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 10, 2025
'It'd be special. After so many exclusive clubs over the last few years, with the Triple Crown one especially, being the first person to win the World Championship, World Cup and the Matchplay in the same year,' he said.
'There's so many exclusive clubs that I've done, I'd love to join another one.
'And it just shows you how hard it is to do that. Those three people doing it and no one else doing it.
'It's quite impressive if I could do it and be the fourth. I back myself, and I can do it. But I know it's going to be a tough one.'
A post shared by Luke Humphries (@lukehumphries180)
A post shared by Luke Humphries (@lukehumphries180)
Humphries begins against Dutchman Gian van Veen on Saturday and comes into the tournament feeling like he has another level to find.
Having won nine major titles, including the World Championship, since October 2023, that could leave the rest of the field feeling nervous.
'I'm still feel confident that I can go to the Matchplay this week and get back to the clinical best that I'm at,' he said.
'And if I do get better, of course, I'm going to be even harder to stop, but I'm happy with where my game's at.
'I know I can get a little bit better, but it's important that you don't think you can get too good, because anybody can beat you.'It's important that you believe in yourself. I think for me I'm quite resilient, if things aren't going my way, I can manage to turn it around and also keep up a high level for a long, long period of time.
'I think that's a really important thing. To win Matchplays, Grand Slams and World Championships, you've got to be good for a long period of time.
'You can't be good for five minutes and then drop off. You've got to be on it for a long period of time. I think that's something in my game I do have.'
His main rival will be Luke Littler, who begins his quest to win the title for the first time on Sunday, against Ryan Searle.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
40 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Roger Black and British relay icons finally receive gold medals… 28 YEARS after controversial race tinged with tragedy
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITAIN'S relay runners have finally received world championship gold medals…28 YEARS after the race took place. Roger Black, Iwan Thomas, Jamie Baulch, Mark Richardson and reserve Mark Hylton finished second in the men's 4x400 metres relay final behind the United States at the 1997 Worlds in Athens. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Britain's relay runners have finally been given their gold medals 28 years after the World Championship race took place Credit: PA:Empics Sport 3 Great Britain's men's 4x400m relay team (left to right) Mark Richardson, Jamie Baulch, Roger Black, Iwan Thomas and Mark Hylton got the medals during a special ceremony Credit: PA The quartet ran a time of 2:56.65 while American sprinters Jerome Young, Antonio Pettigrew, Chris Jones and Tyree Washington came home first in 2:56.47 in the Greek capital. Yet a retrospective anti-doping violation by Pettigrew – in 2008 he was banned for two years after admitting he used prohibited substances – meant the Yanks were belatedly booted out of the event. This resulted in the Brits being upgraded to the gold medal position but it has taken almost three decades before they got their hands on the gongs. A special medal ceremony led by World Athletics President Seb Coe took place at the London Stadium on Saturday at 1.30pm on a wet afternoon in Stratford. READ MORE SPORT KEEL DEAL Bikini babe Keely Hodgkinson stuns in bath with fellow athletes joining comments And the British national anthem was also played in front of the sell-out crowd. UK Athletics say the presentation 'offers a long-awaited opportunity to celebrate a landmark moment in British athletics and to honour a team who exemplified fairness, resilience and excellence on the global stage'. Pettigrew, who was born in Georgia, was caught up in the BALCO doping scandal and admitted during the trial of former coach Trevor Graham that he had doped. As a result, the US Anti-Doping Agency annulled all of Pettigrew's competitive results after January 1997. 3 The American quartet (left to right) Tyree Washington, Chris Jones, Jerome Young and Antonio Pettigrew were stripped of their gold medal a few years ago Credit: Getty CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS He also voluntarily surrendered his 2000 Sydney Olympics 4x400 metres relay gold medal and his 1997 and 1999 world championship relay golds. In August 2010, Pettigrew was found dead in the backseat of his locked car in North Carolina. He was 42 years old. 'Freakish athlete' Anthony Elanga shows off insane 100m time ahead of Newcastle transfer An autopsy report said the cause of death was diphenhydramine toxicity – it was ruled that he had committed suicide by overdosing on a drug common to sleeping pills. One of the reasons it has taken so long to happen is that the five guys had not managed to coordinate diaries for an event taking place in the UK after it was all confirmed in 2021. Yet there is a bittersweet feeling among the contingent given that Pettigrew felt compelled to take his own life when his drugs shame went public. Welsh star Baulch, 52, said: 'I've said this to a few people now. If there was an option of giving this gold medal to him, I'd rather him have the gold medal than him taking his life. 'His life is far more important to me than me having this gold medal.' Former European 400 metres champion Thomas, 51, said: 'On the one hand it's a real shame it's taken this long. 'On a personal level, it's really beautiful today. My son Teddy, who is six, is here today. I didn't have any children back then. 'My mum and dad are pretty elderly now. They're up in the box. For them to be able to see the moment I should have had with the boys 28 years ago, but in front of a British crowd, it felt really special.'


The Sun
41 minutes ago
- The Sun
Roger Black and British relay icons finally receive gold medals… 28 YEARS after controversial race tinged with tragedy
BRITAIN'S relay runners have finally received world championship gold medals…28 YEARS after the race took place. Roger Black, Iwan Thomas, Jamie Baulch, Mark Richardson and reserve Mark Hylton finished second in the men's 4x400 metres relay final behind the United States at the 1997 Worlds in Athens. 3 3 The quartet ran a time of 2:56.65 while American sprinters Jerome Young, Antonio Pettigrew, Chris Jones and Tyree Washington came home first in 2:56.47 in the Greek capital. Yet a retrospective anti-doping violation by Pettigrew – in 2008 he was banned for two years after admitting he used prohibited substances – meant the Yanks were belatedly booted out of the event. This resulted in the Brits being upgraded to the gold medal position but it has taken almost three decades before they got their hands on the gongs. A special medal ceremony led by World Athletics President Seb Coe took place at the London Stadium on Saturday at 1.30pm on a wet afternoon in Stratford. And the British national anthem was also played in front of the sell-out crowd. UK Athletics say the presentation 'offers a long-awaited opportunity to celebrate a landmark moment in British athletics and to honour a team who exemplified fairness, resilience and excellence on the global stage'. Pettigrew, who was born in Georgia, was caught up in the BALCO doping scandal and admitted during the trial of former coach Trevor Graham that he had doped. As a result, the US Anti-Doping Agency annulled all of Pettigrew's competitive results after January 1997. 3 He also voluntarily surrendered his 2000 Sydney Olympics 4x400 metres relay gold medal and his 1997 and 1999 world championship relay golds. In August 2010, Pettigrew was found dead in the backseat of his locked car in North Carolina. He was 42 years old. An autopsy report said the cause of death was diphenhydramine toxicity – it was ruled that he had committed suicide by overdosing on a drug common to sleeping pills. One of the reasons it has taken so long to happen is that the five guys had not managed to coordinate diaries for an event taking place in the UK after it was all confirmed in 2021. Yet there is a bittersweet feeling among the contingent given that Pettigrew felt compelled to take his own life when his drugs shame went public. Welsh star Baulch, 52, said: 'I've said this to a few people now. If there was an option of giving this gold medal to him, I'd rather him have the gold medal than him taking his life. 'His life is far more important to me than me having this gold medal.' Former European 400 metres champion Thomas, 51, said: 'On the one hand it's a real shame it's taken this long. 'On a personal level, it's really beautiful today. My son Teddy, who is six, is here today. I didn't have any children back then. 'My mum and dad are pretty elderly now. They're up in the box. For them to be able to see the moment I should have had with the boys 28 years ago, but in front of a British crowd, it felt really special.' You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123


The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
Ilona Maher and US rugby seek breakthrough with sell-out DC doubleheader
At the ESPY Awards in Hollywood on Wednesday, Ilona Maher was named Best Breakthrough Athlete. 'It's taken me seven years and two Olympics but I finally broke through,' the 28-year-old US Eagles center, social media sensation, swimwear model and reality TV star said, with a delighted laugh. USA Rugby knows such attention is to be seized. After all, Maher's presence against Fiji at Audi Field in Washington on Saturday explains the 20,000 sellout for a program that also includes the Eagles men against England. Out in LA, Maher told her celebrity audience: 'PSA, there is a Women's Rugby World Cup this year. Probably a lot of you didn't know the biggest event in women's rugby, starting in about a month. Watch it. Tune in. You're not gonna understand it the first time you watch it, you're not gonna understand the second time either. But just keep watching.' It's a long way from the Dolby Theatre, where they also host the Oscars, to the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, in the English north-east. But that is the venue for the first game of the World Cup, on 22 August, US against the hosts. The Eagles rank ninth in the world, England first. For the Americans, Saturday's game against Fiji, ranked 15th, is a precious preparative test. Jetlag be damned, Maher will play her part. On Thursday, at the USA Rugby Golden Gala, a fundraising dinner down by the National Mall, she told the Guardian: 'I got in [from LA] at like 7am and then I got in my car and went right to the field, and then practice started at 8am and then I did the gym and I did two-hour practice out in the heat. 'So I am tired. I'm ready for bed … club soda tonight. It was important for me to go to the ESPYs. It's a big thing in America, this is the first time rugby was nominated, so it was important for me to go and win as well. I'm happy I … got to say my part, which is the message I always continue to say.' At the ESPYs, Maher said: 'Strong is beautiful. Strong is powerful. It's sexy, it's whatever you want it to be. And I hope more girls can feel how I feel.' The same night, back east, the rugby clans of DC and representatives of Saturday's teams gathered at the British Embassy on Massachusetts Avenue, for a reception hosted by Peter Mandelson, ambassador to the court of King Donald. Pronouncing himself 'a great rugby fan', Lord Mandelson said: 'It's a magnificent contest of force and skill – just like politics. And rugby union: I emphasize that word 'union' because your sport is incredibly unified. It really brings people together … just like politics.' Polite laughter ensued. Alan Gilpin spoke next. As chief executive of World Rugby, he has placed a big bet by placing the 2031 and 2033 World Cups on American soil. Saluting USA Rugby's 50th birthday, Gilpin said: 'This is a perfect moment to honor those not just who are playing now but those who are laying a trail and creating a bold new future. 'And let us be clear, these Rugby World Cups in the USA will not just be historical games. They'll grow the game's reach, they'll grow the game's impact, they'll grow the game's values, not only here in the US but across the world.' Attempts to persuade American sports fans continue. Representatives of CBS Sports were among those enjoying the canapés and champagne. Among the delegations of players, the American men were led by Nate Augspurger of Chicago, the English by George Ford of Sale. Augspurger won his 51st cap last week, on the wing in a disappointing defeat by Spain in Charlotte, North Carolina. Further south, in San Juan, Argentina, Ford won his 101st cap for England, directing from fly-half as his men completed a series win despite missing 15 men in Australia with the Lions. Augspurger saluted Major League Rugby, the US pro competition which recently completed its eighth season, as 'the breeding ground for our new USA Eagles'. 'Even on this tour right now, we've already had six new caps and we'll have a few more coming in [on Saturday] as well,' Augspurger said, of a squad which also includes players sourced around the world. 'For a guy who's been around a long time … it's just about leading by example, showing them the way. The great part is we're getting a professional-standard athlete into the Eagles now. For a long time, that wasn't always the case … and that gives us all the confidence and growth.' Ford said: 'We've got players away with the Lions, [but that gives others] a chance to push themselves forward. We had a good couple of wins [in Argentina]. There were difficult challenges, but we've worked really hard to make sure that we're on the right side of the scoreboard. So we'll be looking to do that again this week against the USA, which we know is going to be a different challenge.' The England coach, Steve Borthwick, has named three uncapped players in an XV retaining only three men from last weekend. According to Borthwick, Gloucester lock Arthur Clark, Bath center Max Ojomoh and Sale full-back Joe Carpenter 'have earned their chance through their effort and attitude [as] we aim to keep building the squad.' Three uncapped players sit on the bench: Gloucester fly-half Charlie Atkinson, Harlequins center Oscar Beard and Bristol hooker Gabriel Oghre. On Thursday, at the Golden Gala, Eagles coach Scott Lawrence told the GuardIan his team had no illusions about the task ahead. 'Playing against a team like England, the base of the game is about building the robustness in the players to move from Major League Rugby to Test rugby … It's one step in that journey of building the type of international players that we want to have long-term, leading into World Cup qualification.' Counseling realism from US fans (a group used to outright fatalism, most years) Lawrence said 'a lot of things are happening under the water but they take … two to three years to come to fruition before you see the investment actually realized.' At the Embassy, the Guardian stepped aside for a word with Bill Goren, the USA Rugby chief executive. Delighted to contemplate a sell-out crowd – even in the infernal heat and storms of a DC sweat-box summer – Goren said: 'When I took this job, I saw the opportunity that was in front of us with the World Cups, with the Olympics [sevens, in Los Angeles in 2028], with the momentum that the women's teams were having, as well as the World Cup that the men are going to qualify for.' That will depend in the first instance on the Pacific Nations Cup later this summer, as Lawrence's Eagles seek to avoid the fate of the 2023 vintage, who failed to make it to France. Goren continued: 'It's exciting to be here in DC, having both teams on the field, a sell-out. A full weekend of events like this is a showcase for rugby in the US, not just USA Rugby.' Recent reports have depicted outside interests eyeing the US, whether for implanted Super Rugby teams or as part of R360, the putative breakaway league championed by Mike Tindall, World Cup winning England center turned entrepreneur. At the embassy, Goren chose his words … diplomatically. 'We're aware of everything that's going on. When there's a rumor, I'll follow up with it, understand what the landscape is, how it impacts us, where we're going to support and not support at times. I do all of that. I don't let it pull me down, getting involved in rumors and that type of stuff. 'What I need to do is just keep pushing our team forward, because there's an opportunity for our four teams to get better and stronger. There's more tools. We're not going to just stop and wait for something to happen. We continue to drive forward every day. Let's put on good games on Saturday. It's going to be great.'