Luke Humphries’ fiancee responds after James Wade rant about star | Other | Sport
Luke Humphries’ fiancee Kayley Jones endorsed James Wade’s passionate rant about the world champion. Humphries, 29, has been one of the most successful darts players over the last few years.
Cool Hand won his maiden World Darts Championship earlier this year and has also triumphed in the World Grand Prix and the World Matchplay, among other tournaments. He also finished runner-up in the Premier League, losing in the final to a certain Luke Littler.
Yet, with the emergence of 17-year-old sensation Littler and Humphries’ more relaxed demeanor on and off the oche, many feel Cool Hand has not been given the praise he perhaps should have. Wade wrestled the spotlight onto Humphries by unleashing a long and passionate rant about the Englishman’s brilliance, while also slamming the media for, what he feels, is a lack of coverage.
After his 3-0 victory over Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix, Wade said the Leeds native has been one of the best world champions the sport has ever seen. Wade said: “I feel really sorry for Luke Humphries. I don’t need to do this. I could have finished the conversation 30 seconds ago and walked out of the door,” he continued.
“You’re not going to get someone as great as him for a long time. I think we need to celebrate it. The things he’s doing are magnificent. I’m not going to rant on as much as Gary did, but the things he’s done and the things he’s won. Tell me another world champion that’s won as much as he’s done afterwards.
“It’s quite sad for darts. If it was an Olympian gold medallist, Luke Humphries has won more than an Olympic gold medallist in the last three, four, five, six years. You’ve got someone who is so special and winning so much and it’s sad you’re not celebrating him.”
Jones retweeted a video of Wade’s rant and said: “Wadey, top man” alongside a love heart emoji. Humphries was also asked about whether he feels the media and darts fans have given him enough credit.
The world No.1 said: “I do feel like I’ve got a lot of credit. I don’t feel like the media hasn’t given me credit. I don’t feel that way. I don’t think that any of you guys have not given me credit.”
He added: “I just think when you’ve got a superstar [Luke Littler], it’s hard not to go with that. Luke has grown the sport at absolutely incredible levels, he’s making the sport bigger for all of us, let’s be honest.
“Luke’s [Littler] fantastic and I really get on well with him and he’s just a different talent. He’s 17 years old and one of the best players in the world. That’s an incredible feat.”
