Luke Humphries ready for ‘two different tournaments’ after 16-minute blitz kicks off title defence

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Luke Humphries made a winning return to the scene of his greatest moment as he began the defence of his World Championship title in style. Humphries was back on the Alexandra Palace stage almost one year on from his memorable win against Luke Littler in the 2024 final and made light work of Frenchman Thibault Tricole. The world number one won nine consecutive legs to whitewash Tricole and ensured he came back after Christmas, where he could meet five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld in the third round. open image in gallery Luke Humphries during his second round match against Thibault Tricole "I am incredibly proud of the last 12 months, for me it has been one of the better years for a world champion since Michael van Gerwen won it.