Humphries to celebrate win at former darts club

Luke Humphries, from Newbury, reflected on his career after the win in the PDC World Darts Championship

The new darts world champion plans to celebrate by putting some money behind the bar of his old club.

Luke Humphries, from Newbury, reflected on his career after his 7-4 win against Luke Littler in the PDC World Darts Championship in London on Wednesday night.

He spoke about his early life in the sport and the Crucible club in Newbury where he used to practice.

"I want to celebrate with all of the people that I've grown up with throughout the years that have helped me to get to this position," he said.

Luke Humphries beat 16-year-old Luke Littler 7-4 at the Alexandra Palace on Wednesday

"There's going to be a lot of people there that have made me the player I am today.

"I'll be truly thankful to them for the rest of my life."

Immediately after beating 16-year-old Luke Littler at the Alexandra Palace, Humphries opened up about his struggles with anxiety in the past.

'World number one'

Andy Bolter, co-owner of The Crucible sports and social club met Humphries when he was a teenager and said much like his opponent in the final, he was a darts sensation from a young age.

He said: "He pretty much beat every professional we brought in for exhibition matches.

"We're all buzzing for him, to see somebody local from our area realise his dream and achieve not only becoming world champion but also taking the world number one darts position, it's just incredible and we couldn't be more made up for him.

"They're such a lovely family, they're a great bunch and we just wish them every success."

His partner Kayley said she was still in a state of disbelief after the match.

"He just works so hard. It's been his dream for the longest time," she said.

The new world champion's father Mark Humphries said it was "a dream come true".

And his mother Alison said after his win the first words she said to her son were: "I'm so proud of you."

The new world champion's family gathered at London's Alexandra Palace to watch the win