sky sports darts‘No one is untouchable’ Wayne Mardle said after Luke Humphries’ shock early exit from the Grand Slam of Darts.
Humphries had been the favorite to defend his title since 12 months ago but suffered his second defeat in the group stages when he lost 5-3 to James Wade on Sunday.
The world number one lost his opening match to Austria’s Rowby-John Rodriguez, so it is guaranteed he will not be in the top two of the group before his final group match against Mickey Mansell on Monday at 7pm. Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ live broadcast.
“We need to bring in big hitters like Phil Taylor and players like the brilliant Michael van Gerwen early,” Mardle said.
“Once you start feeling it in the long format, it gets a lot harder. Humphries may be gone, but he’s still world number one and world champion!
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Luke Humphries scored 130 points in Group A against James Wade at the Grand Slam of Darts.
“But then the best players in the world came out. Ritchie Edhouse beat the Europeans, Mike De Decker won the World Grand Prix. Now everyone is thinking, ‘What’s stopping me from winning?’
“Now in darts, it’s become untouchable. If the top players play well, you win, but if you play poorly, you can’t beat anyone.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Rowby-John Rodriguez achieved a stunning 141 checkout to beat Luke Humphries at the Grand Slam of Darts.
Mardle: Wade did a great job.
Wade recently praised Humphries, suggesting the world champion doesn’t get enough credit.
As for Wade himself, he still needs to beat Rodriguez to secure a place in the quarterfinals, but according to Mardle, a win over Humphries shows why he can never be underestimated.
“Luke had two darts to make it 3-0, and he had more darts to make it 3-1. That was the game, it was down to those two legs,” he said.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
James Wade has ruled out Luke Humphries from the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts after defeating the reigning champion in their Group A clash.
“James was by far the second best player in the game at that point, but we were down 2-2 and Luke couldn’t get away from him and James was finding some form.
“We knew Luke would hold on to it, but you’re playing someone who holds on to it better than anyone in the last 20 years.
“James did a great job in the end. Luke, it’s like his worst rushing nightmare. You lost in the group stage and didn’t really have a chance to run.”
Live Grand Slam of Darts
Monday, November 11th at 7pm
The Grand Slam of Darts continues on Monday at 7pm. Eight more group stage clashes unfold as we get closer to finding out who the final 16 players will be. It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+. Stream Grand Slam of Darts and more with NOW
