Sky Sports activities Darts‘ Wayne Mardle says “no one is untouchable” after Luke Humphries made a shock early exit on the Grand Slam of Darts.
Humphries was large favorite to defend his title from 12 months in the past however suffered a second loss within the group stage with a 5-3 defeat towards James Wade on Sunday.
The world No 1 had misplaced to Austria’s Rowby-John Rodriguez on the opening night time, so is assured to not be within the high two of his group earlier than he performs his ultimate group match towards Mickey Mansell on Monday at 7pm, dwell on Sky Sports activities Important Occasion and Sky Sports activities+.
“These big hitters like Phil Taylor back in his day, Michael van Gerwen in his pomp, you have to get these guys early,” stated Mardle.
“As soon as they begin feeling it within the longer format, it is lots tougher. Humphries is gone however he is nonetheless the world No 1 and world champion!
“However, the most effective participant on the earth is out. Ritchie Edhouse gained the Europeans, Mike De Decker gained the World Grand Prix, I believe anybody now shall be considering, ‘what’s standing in my option to win this?’
“We are at the point in darts now where no one is untouchable. When the top guys play well, they win. But when they play poorly, they are beatable against absolutely anyone.”
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Rowby-John Rodriguez hits a tremendous 141 checkout to defeat Luke Humphries within the Grand Slam of Darts
Mardle: Wade did an awesome job
Wade has lauded Humphries away from the oche not too long ago, suggesting the world champion doesn’t get sufficient credit score.
As for Wade himself, he nonetheless must beat Rodriguez to guide a spot within the quarter-finals however his win over Humphries exhibits why he can by no means be underestimated in accordance with Mardle.
“Luke had two darts to go 3-0 up, then more darts to go 3-1. That was the game. It hinged on those two legs,” he stated.
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James Wade put Luke Humphries out of the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts after beating the reigning champion of their Group A conflict
“James was by far the second best in that game at that point but it was 2-2, Luke couldn’t get away from him and James found a bit of form.
“We knew Luke would maintain it collectively however you’re enjoying somebody who holds it higher than anybody over the past 20 years.
“James did a great job in the end. Luke, it’s kind of his worst darting nightmare. You lose in the group phase and haven’t got a chance to make a real run at it.”
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