James Wade speaks out on Luke Humphries match with darts star at centre of ‘LICKING’ row

3 hours ago 26

JAMES WADE has addressed his controversial UK Open clash with Luke Humphries.

The 41-year-old beat the world No.1 10-9 in the quarter-finals last weekend.

James Wade kissing Luke Humphries on the neck during a darts match.

James Wade appeared to lick Luke Humphries’ neck[/caption]

Wade, 41, reached the final of the UK Open[/caption]

The close contest was etched in controversy, after Wade appeared to lick Humphries’ neck before the action got underway.

Humphries, 30, didn’t respond at the time – but bumped shoulders with Wade rather than shaking hands after his defeat.

In a later-deleted X post, Cool Hand Luke wrote: “Everyone loves to see people be a bad loser but I’m generally one of the best losers in the sport.

“I wasn’t going to give someone, who didn’t deserve my respect after what he was doing through the game, a hug and be all happy about it that’s just my honesty.”

Wade has discussed his UK Open run in his Daily Star column.

But he has NOT referenced the infamous lick.

He wrote: “The reason I have done so well when I have played in the UK Open, is timing it right to perform at my best in the big moments.

“I did it in particular in the Luke Humphries match, where in the last three legs I hit six 180s, had something close to a 140 average and ultimately finished my doubles when those opportunities were given to me.

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“I also think it’s about how you deal with pressure, absorb it and ultimately thrive on it.

“I thrive under pressure and at the weekend when the pressure was applied against (Cameron) Menzies, Humphries, and to a slightly lesser extent the (Robert) Owen match, I used it to my advantage and it helped me to get across the line.”

Wade then addressed his 11-2 drubbing to Luke Littler in the final.

“Now some might say – and many did on social media – what happened to thriving on pressure and focusing in the moment in the final” he went on. “As I said in my interview afterwards, hands up I got smashed to bits but by a phenomenal performance from Luke Littler.

“There were some mitigating factors – the back spasm I had and accidentally stabbing my hand with my darts – but these are not excuses as there are none.”

Wade is set to return to action at the Belgian Open this weekend.

On his aims for the tournament, he said: “The aim in Belgium is to make the quarters or semi-finals and get back to where I belong in the top ten in the order of merit.”