"He's just letting his feelings be": Mark Webster finds harsh criticism of Luke Humphries unjustified

Current world number one Luke Humphries has been heavily criticized recently after he indicated he was considering a break due to the intense darts schedule. According to Sky Sports analyst and former world champion Mark Webster, that criticism is unfair.

Humphries recently expressed concerns about the PDC's busy playing schedule. During the International Darts Open in Germany - his 11th tournament appearance since the turn of the year - he let slip that the constant traveling and playing is starting to feel like a 'chore'. He expressed feeling "emotionless" and spoke openly about the mental impact the pressure brings.

That statement earned him a storm of criticism via social media. Several fans found his statements unworldly and blamed him for a lack of realism. Humphries reacted stricken and indicated that the reactions discouraged him from ever speaking honestly about his mental state.

Webster thinks the reactions are overblown and takes issue with the world champion. "I think Humphries is just expressing his feelings and obviously the comebacks will be, 'Oh, you're earning this, you're world number one' - it's part of the game, but it still doesn't mean that you can't have little ruts where you don't feel like playing."

Luke Littler, the reigning Premier League champion, also showed solidarity with Humphries. Both players are currently preparing for the tenth round of Premier League Darts play, which takes place Thursday night in Manchester.

"I agree with Humphries," said Webster, the 2008 Lakeside champion. "I think he's just got to sort of manage his schedule. Littler has backed him up as well."

"They play a lot of darts. I think they'll be criticised because they take on private work sometimes. And people will say, 'Don't do that, focus on your bread and butter', which is PDC darts, but you've got to have a balance and a backup.

According to Webster, it is particularly difficult for Premier League players to maintain a healthy rhythm. "All players really should manage their schedule. Maybe ones who were not in the Premier League have a little bit more freedom, but it's a tough slog for the Premier League boys going from a Premier League to a Pro Tour to a Euro Tour."

Webster stressed that Humphries is best focused on the Premier League for now. "I think for Humphries, maybe at the minute, just focus on the Premier League. I think everything else is going to fall into place for him so I don't think there's anything to worry about.

"I think he's sort of harshly criticised. He's just letting his feelings be. It doesn't matter if you're world No 1, you can still struggle in the game at times."