Defending world darts champion Luke Humphries has singled out Callan Rydz as the only player to truly impress him at this year’s World Championship at Alexandra Palace.
Despite strong performances from several players, including teenage sensation Luke Littler, Humphries believes no one else has “performed at an absolutely incredible level” in the tournament so far.
The reigning champion, who faces Peter Wright in the fourth round on Sunday, highlighted Rydz’s remarkable display in the opening round as the standout performance of the championship.
Rydz has made headlines after dominating his first two rounds without dropping a single set.
Luke Humphries has not been impressed with Luke Littler this year
PA
His opening match against Romeo Grbavac saw him set the tournament’s highest average to date, recording an impressive 107.06 while completing a 3-0 victory in just 15 minutes.
The Newcastle talent followed this up with another commanding 3-0 win over Martin Schindler, though with a lower average of 91.05.
“I know if my game turns up I can mix it with everyone,” Rydz said, adding: “Once I come back after Christmas, if I don’t have too many pigs in blankets, I should be alright.”
Speaking after his victory over Nick Kenny, Humphries told reporters: “I’ve been watching it as a fan, so I’ve been watching a lot of the players.
“And I just kind of don’t really see anybody that’s really put their hand up and performed at an absolutely incredible level.”
“The only one off is Callan Rydz,” he continued.
“I mean Luke [Littler] had that incredible last set [against White] but before that he wasn’t firing on all cylinders.”
Callan Rydz is the only standout player this year, says Luke Humphries
PA
Humphries suggested the pressure of the tournament might be affecting performances: “None of us have! So I think there’s a lot of pressure on everyone this year.
“I think everybody’s sort of seeing an opportunity, and it’s kind of making everyone try too hard.”
Humphries emphasised his focus on winning rather than achieving high averages in matches.
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“I’m not one of those people that averages 105, 105, 105 – but I do enough to win every time,” he explained.
“I’d rather be averaging 98, 99 and winning 4-0 than averaging 105 and I’m not here, I’m a loser.”
Rydz will face his next challenge on Sunday afternoon against UK Open champion Dmitri van den Bergh.
The Belgian narrowly defeated Humphries 11-10 to claim the UK Open title in March and will be looking to improve upon his semi-final appearance at last year’s World Championship.