Luke Humphries has hit back at Peter Wright ahead of their clash on Sunday in the World Darts Championship.
Humphries is looking to defend the title after beating Luke Littler in a thrilling final in 2024.
He charged into the fourth round of the tournament with a straight-sets win over Nick Kenny on Friday.
- World Darts Championship: Full Schedule
- Luke Littler targets nine-dart history: 'It's becoming a frustration'
- Follow live updates and video from World Darts Championship
- Stream the World Darts Championship with no contract
That sets up a last-16 clash between the defending champion and two-time winner Peter Wright who, despite visibly battling illness, put in arguably his best performance of a difficult 2024 when he beat Jermaine Wattimena 4-2.
Wright's pre-match "mind games" have stung Humphries into responding.
"He's had a lot to say over the last couple of weeks, where he says he doesn't fear me and Luke Littler. He says he's going to smash us. All the pressure's on him now because if he doesn't the egg's on his face not mine," Humphries said of his next opponent.
"How many times have people said this is going to happen and this is going to happen and it never happens?
"I think Peter loves to play the mind games but it don't work with me. I'm one world title away from almost matching his career and I'm about 25 years younger. So I think one [more] world title would match everything he's achieved in the game."
He also believes Littler, 17, will not be rattled either. "I think he's trying to play the mind games but unfortunately for him it won't work for me and it probably won't work for Luke. He [Wright] said he doesn't fear us. But if I don't fear someone I don't keep mentioning them all the time," Humphries said.
But he did concede the regard he also has for Wright. "He is a dangerous player," Humphries said.
"I'm really looking forward to playing him. He's a top guy, he's a two-time former world champion. He's got massive experience and I respect him a lot."
'Humphries' response a good sign'
Former World Darts Championship quarter-finalist - and Sky Sports pundit - Glen Durrant believes Humphries' response to Wright's comments is a "good sign" for the reigning champion.
"What people don't realise is, Luke Humphries, to be as good as he is right now, he's got that steely determination about himself, and I like that interview," Durrant said.
"I thought it was a good sign because Peter Wright is using his experience, trying to get into the mind of the younger players.
"But the champ, he was like, 'no, thank you'. And I thought his response was great."
Durrant was also impressed by Humphries' display against Kenny, in which he made a stuttering start before finding some of his best form in the final three sets.
"His timing's great. His rhythm right now is exactly where he wants it to be," Durrant said.
"There's an air of confidence. It's been a pretty routine start for the champion.
"I would rather have the easier games at the beginning, because you need those energy levels in the latter stages. Luke Humphries has barely broken sweat right now and he'll be happy with how it's gone so far."
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live until Friday, January 3 on Sky Sports' dedicated darts channel. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW
(c) Sky Sports 2024: Luke Humphries hits back at Peter Wright: I'm one world title away from matching everything he has achieved
