World Matchplay Darts 2026: Luke Humphries targeting ‘dream draw’ of beating rival Luke Littler in final for chance to ‘beat the best’ | Darts News

Luke Humphries says that he wants to face Luke Littler in the final of the World Matchplay Darts as a win over his rival would put the “sparkle on top” of what would be a major win.

Humphries secured Matchplay glory back in 2024 with an 18-15 victory over Michael van Gerwen.

That started a major haul for ‘Cool Hand’ which culminated with him clinching the World Darts Championship.

Having felt that Blackpool moment before, Humphries is intent on experiencing it again and it would mark his first TV title since the Premier League back in 2025.

With the hope of another major in his sights, Humphries is not only set on claiming victory, but wants it to be against defending champion Luke Littler, who he has beaten in four of their last five meetings.

For Humphries, the chance of a meeting with Littler at the Winter Gardens final is one that excites him because if he wins, it will add the “extra achievement”.

“Everybody knows, this is the second biggest tournament in the calendar and for us as players, this is one that we all want to win,” Humphries said.

“Luckily enough, I’ve won it before. So there is that extra little bit of a buzz.

“I wouldn’t say I have the edge over him (Littler). I think this rivalry is going to go on for many years. This is probably what’s going to happen. It’s going to flip-flop all the time.

“One minute, I am going to be winning four out of five then he will probably win four out of five.

“I think Luke knows he has to play his best against me and I certainly know I have got to play my best against him.

“The dream draw would be to play him in the final of the Matchplay because we have played each other in a World Darts Championship final, a Premier League final.

“I think it just adds that extra sparkle, that extra achievement on top of winning a major. If you are beating him in a final, you are playing the best player in the world and you are beating the best player in the world in the final.”

Despite being in incredible form, which Humphries himself believes is the “best of his life”, the world No 2 is all too aware of how tough the Matchplay is and what he will need to do to win.

Humphries fell at the first hurdle while defending his crown in 2025 when he went out in a 10-8 loss to Gian van Veen on the opening night.

This time around, he will have to beat Cameron Menzies in his opening encounter.

Indeed, defending at the Matchplay is so difficult that, if Littler achieves it, he will be the first to complete it since Van Gerwen back in 2016.

“It is never a nice feeling when you are trying to retain your trophy. You want to put in a good show and go pretty far in the tournament, if not win it,” Humphries added.

“But I know I had one of the toughest draws in Gian last year and I knew it was going to be a tough game.

“Unfortunately for myself, I missed crucial doubles at crucial moments. It really cost me because I felt like I was playing all right around that time and felt like I could have gone on and retained or had a good run.

“I am obviously really disappointed that I didn’t put on a good show last year but this is my chance to put it right this year.

“The goal for me is nothing less than winning it again this year.”

“My brother said to me a couple of weeks ago that I have made nine finals on the track now, including Premier League Finals Night.

“Hopefully I can make it 10 and keep playing like I am because if I do, then I am going to be a tough player to beat this next few weeks.”

When is the World Matchplay live on Sky Sports?

The World Matchplay commences on Saturday, July 18 and ends on Sunday, July 26.

All nine days of the event will be shown live on Sky Sports, with coverage of the opening day commencing on Sky Sports+ at 7pm Not got Sky? Get instant access with NOW