World number one Luke Humphries continued his bid for back-to-back World Championship titles after easing through to the last 16.
While there was high drama in Alexandra Palace on the first day back after the Christmas break, where Damon Heta threw a nine-dart finish, Humphries enjoyed a serene evening.
He beat Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouth-watering fourth-round meeting 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 expected a tough game and I wasn’t firing, I felt there is so much more to give, I felt there was more to come out of me.
World number one Luke Humphries continued his bid for back-to-back World Championship titles after easing through to the last 16
He beat Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouth-watering fourth-round meeting with two-time champion Peter Wright
‘I didn’t want to give anyone an inch because they can take a mile.
‘I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight, I wasn’t at my best but when someone pushes me I know I can come up with the goods.”
Speaking to Sky Sports after his prolific win against Kenny, Humphries said:
‘It was one of those games where I didn’t want to take it for granted.
‘He played a lot better and he was relaxed. I was expecting a tough game.
‘I knew I wasn’t firing I suspected there was so much more to give, but it just wasn’t coming out of me. It was a solid performance, as long as I keep winning every set that is all that matters.
‘I don’t want to give anyone an inch because they can take a mile. I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight.
‘It is not my best but when someone pushes me I know I can provide the goods.
The defending champion will face two-time champion Peter Wright in the last-16
‘The thing I’ve developed the most is confidence under pressure and still winning when not at my best.
‘A lot of people would live for an average of 98.5.
‘Peter Wright in the next round, I’m looking forward to that, trust me. He said he doesn’t fear me and Luke Littler so we’ll see in the next round.’
