2024 World Grand Prix Darts: Luke Humphries Sends a Message to Ryan Joyce Ahead of ‘Life-Changing’ Semi-Final Clash

The quarterfinals of the 2024 World Grand Prix have come to a thrilling conclusion, setting the stage for an electrifying semi-final showdown. 

Reigning champion Luke Humphries is poised to defend his first-ever televised ranking title, but standing in his way is Newcastle's own Ryan Joyce, a self-proclaimed "double in, double out" danger who is eager to make his mark.

Following last night's intense action, both players shared their preparations for today's semi-final. Humphries had a message for Joyce, hinting that this clash could potentially change the Geordie's life forever.

Joyce, surprisingly confident despite facing the current world number one, reflected on his previous experience against Humphries, where he narrowly lost in the 2023 Players Championship semi-final. 

When asked about adjusting his preparation for this high-stakes match, he emphasised the importance of mental strength.

“I think you have to keep reminding yourself to be really strong mentally because it's so tough playing somebody that just keeps hitting what they're going for all the time,” Joyce told SportsBoom.com. 

He plans to maintain the same approach that helped him defeat Rob Cross in the quarterfinals.

“I felt like I had prepared myself right for this match and I think I showed that and going one set down against world number four Rob Cross, a fantastic player, and I didn't panic. I just said I trusted in what I was doing. I said, I'm alright. I can win the next set with my throw.”

Joyce is unfazed by the pressure of competing against Humphries and believes the tables might turn, with the reigning champion under pressure instead. 

“These top players, you just need to put them under pressure and just watch 'em miss,” he said, exuding confidence in his ability to capitalise on any mistakes.

Image credit: PDC

“If I was him, I’d be looking at it as I’ve got nothing to lose. He’ll probably already be looking at this week as a great achievement. £40,000 onto the rankings, it’s a good achievement,” he said, acknowledging the significant milestone Joyce has reached.

“I’ve got everything to lose, my opportunity to win another Major [ranking tournament]. I won’t underestimate anybody. I didn’t underestimate Jonny [Clayton] today, and I won’t do the same with Ryan [Joyce].”

With an air of confidence, Humphries believes his experience on this stage will guide him through to the final. 

“He might feel really relaxed and be fantastic, or he might feel the pressure, who knows. But I know I've been in this position so many times now, I know what to do, how to react, and how to cope with these long games. So of course it's in my favour, but that doesn't mean anything.”

As anticipation builds for this high-stakes clash, both players are ready to seize the moment, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling encounter. 

Will Humphries continue his reign, or can Joyce upset the odds and carve his name into the darts history books? Only time will tell.

Humphries also shared an eye-opening anecdote about his own career transformation, underscoring the life-changing potential of victory in such a match. 

“Sometimes when you're playing someone that's higher above you, I felt more pressure. I felt like you win, and you named in the headlines it could change your life.”

He recalled his monumental win against Michael van Gerwen at the UK Open in 2021, which marked a pivotal moment in his career. 

“There’s a chance for Ryan [Joyce] to put his name in lights, if he beats me, the reigning champion.”