Luke Humphries on the schedule: “Twenty years ago, players played one tournament then had three or four months off. Now, it is every week so you can bounce back from disappointment quick. Luke and I both have a lot of bounce back ability. If we keep doing that, it is going to be tough for anyone below us to catch us.”

On facing either Thibaut Tricole or Joe Comito this evening: “I won’t look too much into the game between Thibaut and Joe. Whatever they average, it doesn’t mean they will against me. It will be a good match.”

On defending his World Championship title: “Tonight is not about winning tournaments, just getting through that first game and getting past Christmas. It is like two different tournaments.”

On playing on the first night: “I played Devon Petersen I think three years ago. You don’t want to lose, otherwise you’re watching darts for three weeks and not being in it. There’s a lot riding on tonight for me.”