Luke Humphries is backing Stephen Bunting to win the World Darts Championship (Image: PDC / Getty)
has thrown his weight behind following the reigning champion’s last-16 exit against .
Humphries looked a shell of himself against a dominant Wright, with the Scot taking out an impressive 70 per cent of his checkouts during Sunday’s meeting.
It’s a result that’s thrown the wide open, as players across the competition, including Bunting, are now dreaming of being crowned King of the Palace.
And following his shock exit, Humphries is said to have told Bunting he’d be happy to see the Liverpudlian take over from him as reigning champion of the world.
Speaking after his last-16 victory over Luke Woodhouse, Bunting said: “It’s pointless me thinking about who I’m going to play [in the next rounds], because things happen.
“Luke [Humphries] didn’t win last night, he’s the best player on the planet. Peter [Wright] had 70 odd per cent on doubles, played a fantastic game. Regardless of who I was going to play, I knew I needed to be at my best to win that game.”
He continued: “I spoke to him [Humphries] this morning and he wished me luck. He said he would love to hand the crown over to me and give me his World Championship.
“That means a lot, he’s a massive friend of mine and we’ll continue to practice after the tournament.
Stephen Bunting has his eyes set on a maiden world title (Image: Getty)
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“But for now, I’ve got to put all friendships aside and make sure I’m 100 per cent. I know I can go all the way, it’s about doing it.”
Bunting, who won his first televised title earlier this year, will go head-to-head with Wright during the evening session on New Year’s Day, with the victor progressing into the semi-finals, .
On his chances of going all the way and making it to the final, Bunting continued: “The way I feel in myself, I’m feeling really fresh and confident. I had a hypnotherapy session this morning, I woke up and felt really good.
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“Behind the scenes, it just didn’t go in the practice. But I’ve done that before and averaged 110 and 112 [on stage], so it would be nice if I can get in the practice room and feel comfortable, get on the stage and I’ll be a different animal.”
Elsewhere in the quarter-finals, Callan Rydz and will face off, with the winner taking on either or Chris Dobey.
On the opposite side of the draw, the winner of Bunting vs Wright will be gifted a semi-final clash against one of Littler or .