'Most players would say the same': Luke Humphries holds World Matchplay in higher regard than the World Darts Championship

Humphries has been number one in the world for a while now; obviously he had to work extremely hard for that. "I used to throw two hours a day, six days a week. You need a day off as you don't want to be playing darts every single day. Nowadays I probably practice half an hour, an hour on my days off but I'm playing three four five days a week."

The 30-year-old is known to pay close attention to his nutrition. "A common theme for most darts players is a Nando's. It's light you can trust it, you don't want to be having too many rich foods that can upset your stomach and make you feel lethargic."

Favorite tournament

So tonight the World Matchplay gets underway. "The World Matchplay for me (most looking forward to). Of course the World Championships is very special and it's the one that can turn darts players dreams into reality. But the World Matchplay is special for me and my family. We love going there together. For us it's special, most players would say the same also due to the venue. It's been there from the start. It's beautiful and creates a great atmosphere."

Darts are a pro player's most precious commodity. "I have a spare set always. Just in case of emergencies when a point would break or you're needing a heavier set or something along those lines. Obviously if you lose your case you lose both sets then. It throws up a horrible scenario."

"If you go abroad or go America, your darts can't be by your side. They have to go in the underhaul luggage part. But they're almost always close to me. If it's darts purposes they're always going to be right next to me."

Finally, Humphries was asked about his walk-on song. "I didn't choose the first walk-on song. It was a scenario for me where I couldn't pick and Sky Sports picked for me. Then obviously I have a new one I Predict A Riot. It just goes with my personality. It's associated with my favourite football team Leeds United. I just love the song. It just has a special feeling with me."