Luke Humphries confessed to experiencing conflicting emotions following his comprehensive straight-sets triumph over Paul Lim at Alexandra Palace in the PDC World Championship third round.
The defending champion raced through the opening eight legs before the 71-year-old Singaporean, the tournament’s most senior competitor, finally got on the board to prevent a complete whitewash.
“The third set wasn’t great, but I didn’t want to destroy him 9-0. I’m glad he got a leg in the end,” Humphries told Sky Sports.
The world No 2 also acknowledged the crowd’s overwhelming support for his veteran opponent throughout the contest.
“I knew the crowd were going to be on his side. For me, it was a game I had to win and that was the most important thing. He’s just a legend and I love him to bits,” he added.
Meanwhile, in other darts news, Ricky Evans produced a nerve-shredding victory over James Wade, prevailing 3-2 in one of the tournament’s most dramatic encounters.
The Kettering thrower squandered seven opportunities to seal the match before eventually clinching the deciding set 6-4.
Luke Humphries confessed to experiencing conflicting emotions following his comprehensive straight-sets triumph over Paul Lim at Alexandra Palace in the PDC World Championship third round
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Wade, a four-time world semi-finalist who now holds the unwanted distinction of being this year’s highest-ranked casualty, had his own chance to progress when leading 4-3 in the final set but failed to convert at double five.
Evans, renowned for his flamboyant festive attire and Shakin’ Stevens entrance music, arrived on stage clutching a dancing Santa toy.
The rapid-throwing 35-year-old now faces a dilemma with his post-Christmas fixture.
Five facts darts fans might not know | PA/GBNEWS
Luke Humphries embraced Paul Lim following his victory at the World Darts Championship
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“I’m going to have to walk on to something not Christmas, aren’t I? I’m going to have Like A Prayer – Madonna. Who cares? I’m still going,” he quipped.
Gian van Veen reinforced his credentials as a serious contender for the title with a stunning 3-1 victory against Scotland’s Alan Soutar.
The 23-year-old Dutchman posted a 108 average, the highest recorded at this year’s championship, and sealed the third set with a maximum 170 checkout.
Van Veen’s rapid rise through the rankings has marked him out as one of the sport’s most exciting young talents.
Nathan Aspinall also booked his place in the last 32 with an equally commanding performance, dispatching American Leonard Gates 3-0 without significant resistance.
Humphries will resume his title defence after the Christmas break against Gabriel Clemens, the former world semi-finalist who overcame indifferent recent form to eliminate 31st seed Wessel Nijman in straight sets.
Ricky Evans remains in contention to win the World Darts Championship
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David Munyua’s remarkable journey came to an end as Kevin Doets secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Kenyan trailblazer.
Munyua had captured the imagination of darts enthusiasts with his opening-round upset of world number 18 Mike de Decker, a performance that prompted congratulations from Kenyan President William Ruto.
Despite landing five maximums against Doets, however, the Dutchman’s superior scoring power and reliability proved too much for a second consecutive giant-killing.
Elsewhere in the draw, Latvia’s leading player Madars Razma progressed with a 3-1 success over Scotland’s Darren Beveridge.
Charlie Manby, the 20-year-old qualifier, extended his fairytale run by sweeping aside American Adam Sevada 3-0 to reach the third round.
The likes of Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Josh Rock will play on Tuesday.
