Luke Humphries has 'good memories' playing in Brighton

World number two Luke Humphries has said he has "good memories" playing in Brighton, as the Darts Premier League returns to the city.

The current reigning champion won his first night in the league at the Brighton Centre in 2024 and went on to throw a nine-darter at the venue the following year.

Humphries was awarded a set of £30,000 golden darts, made in Brighton, for the perfect leg before beating current world number one Luke Littler last May for his first title in the competition.

He now has his sights on a quarter-final match against Jonny Clayton on 9 April.

Humphries said winning in a "tough cauldron" like Brighton was a big achievement for him.

"You want to get a win early and not wait a long time. It gave me the confidence over the next two years," he said.

"The nine darter was always something I was desperate to do; I always wanted to do it TV. The crowd was so great. I was just proud I didn't bottle it."

The 31-year-old said he had not thrown the golden darts, adding: "If you chip it on the wire, you could lose about £50."

The golden darts, which are valued at £30,000 for a set, were made by goldsmiths Humphrey and Hawkins.

Humphries also visited Brighton and Hove Albion's training ground in Lancing, West Sussex, where he faced off against goalkeeper Jason Steele in a game of darts.

"It was great to share some time with some good people. Jason Steele is a good darts player," Humphries said.

"They promoted him [to play me] and he was definitely the best. He was unbelievable."

Brighton also has fond memories for referee Huw Ware, who became the first openly gay man to officiate a World Darts Championship final last year, where Luke Littler beat Michael Van Gerwen.

"I love coming down to Brighton. I've been down here for a few Prides and Premier League Darts. I have actually taken part in the floats, singing and dancing to 100,000 people," Ware said.

"Refereeing the world final was a big moment for me. I didn't expect it to become as big of a story as it became to be honest. I had messages from people that I've known from all walks of my life."

Ware is refereeing 15 of the 17 nights of Premier League Darts as part of a four-person team.

He added: "The appeal for darts now is extraordinary. We're only at the tip of the iceberg in terms of the global potential of the sport."

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