- Luke Humphries has booked his place in the last 16 of the World Championship
- He beat Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouth-watering fourth-round encounter with two-time champion Peter Wright.
World number one Luke Humphries continued his bid for back-to-back World Championship titles after reaching the last 16.
While there was plenty of drama at Alexandra Palace on the first day after the Christmas break, where Damon Heta bowled a nine-darter finish, Humphries enjoyed a serene evening.
He beat Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouth-watering fourth-round encounter with two-time champion Peter Wright.
Kenny was unable to produce the form that saw him beat Raymond van Barneveld in the previous round and Humphries did not need to be anywhere near his best.
“It was one of those games I didn't want to take for granted,” he said.
“I was expecting a difficult game and I wasn't shooting, I felt like there was a lot more to give, I felt like I could get more out of myself.”
World number one Luke Humphries continued his bid for back-to-back World Championship titles after progressing to the last 16.
He beat Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouth-watering fourth-round encounter with two-time champion Peter Wright.
'I didn't want to give anyone an inch because they can go a mile.
“I'm not going to give up this world title without fighting, I wasn't at my best, but when someone puts pressure on me I know I can achieve good things.”
Speaking to Sky Sports after his prolific victory against Kenny, Humphries said:
“It was one of those games where I didn't want to take anything for granted.
“He played much better and was relaxed. I expected a difficult game.
'I knew I wasn't saying goodbye, I suspected there was a lot more to give, but it just couldn't come out of me. It was a solid performance, as long as he keeps winning every set, that's all that matters.
'I don't want to give anyone an inch because they can last a kilometer. I'm not going to give up this world title without a fight.
'It's not my best moment, but when someone puts pressure on me, I know I can offer the best.
The defending champion will face two-time champion Peter Wright in the round of 16.
“What I have developed the most is confidence under pressure and continuing to win when I am not at my best.
'Many people would live to an average of 98.5 years.
'Peter Wright in the next round, I'm looking forward to it, believe me. He said he's not afraid of Luke Littler or me, so we'll see in the next round.