Luke Humphries admits James Wade “didn’t deserve respect” after frosty UK Open clash

Luke Humphries has shed light on his frosty post-match exchange with James Wade at the UK Open on Sunday.

The world number one was narrowly denied in a last-leg decider by Wade in the quarter-finals at Butlins Minehead, and the pair did not appear to see eye-to-eye at the conclusion of the contest.

Humphries appeared visibly unhappy with Wade’s conduct during the match, and the duo brushed shoulders and exchanged a brief handshake on stage at the end of the game.

It is unclear as to exactly what triggered the frosty exchange, though Humphries took to X to reply to a comment, posting: “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.”

Humphries, who returns to Premier League action in Brighton on Thursday, has since deleted the reply and has posted no further updates following the UK Open.

Wade went on to reach the final, but was thrashed 11-2 by a rampant Luke Littler – who became the youngest ever winner of the prestigious ranking major.

The 41-year-old posted on X: ‘I’m still standing. A massive thank you to all the support over the weekend at the Ladbrokes UK Open and especially yesterday. What a weekend, I have said for a while that I feel that I am getting back to my best, and some of the best darts I have thrown for long while was on show this weekend.

‘Heavy scoring, grit, determination and having fun. I really enjoyed myself, and finding the love of darts again.

‘Congratulations to Luke Littler on his first UK Open, I run out of steam in the end and as I said yesterday. He really bashed me up. I am looking forward to see what this young man does in the game of darts.

‘Now let’s see what the rest of the year holds for me.

‘Again, thank you to all the support from family, fans, sponsors and, management. You make it all possible.’

WADE WINS AN EPIC! 🔥

Incredible from James Wade!

The Machine produces an 11-dart hold in the decider to deny world number one Luke Humphries in a thrilling quarter-final!

SIX 180s in the last three legs from Wade!

📺 https://t.co/NoQ0dOaEl5#UKOpenDarts pic.twitter.com/OWKUUHToas

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 2, 2025