Luke Humphries is through to the Quarter-Finals of the 2022 European Championship after seeing off good friend Ryan Searle in Dortmund.
Both players had an off-day on the doubling front with Humphries superior scoring telling the story of his victory as he hit a 93 average and three 180's despite only hitting just over 30% on his doubles.
"I think I made it a lot more harder for myself than it could have been. Not taking anything away against Ryan (Searle) I think he missed doubles here or there, there were a few legs when he missed a couple and let me in but overall Ryan said the better player won, I think I was trying too hard to finish the doubles in the end. I just need to relax," said Humphries post match.
"It was a solid performance, scoring wise was decent but the doubles were a bit iffy. I could have been 5-0 up if I'd have hit my doubles, when you get in those positions then you're behind, it's frustrating."
In this tournament as the number one seed, Humphries admits the pressure isn't there as he doesn't expect to lead as number one.
"I don't look at myself as the number one seed, I go out there and try to win. I don't feel any added pressure. Everyone knows my game now I'm up or down, I'm either really good or not so great. Everyone knows my top game is up there with the best."
But one future aspiration is the World Cup of Darts with Humphries facing his potential partner next year in Michael Smith.
"I'd love to play with him in the World Cup next year. I think I've got a good chance of that and I think we'd do well. That is one thing I have looked into, the Premier League that's not the dream. It's more Premier League then World Cup, that's not in the PDC's hands that's in my hands. There's a four way shootout between Wade, Cross and Aspinall to partner Michael (Smith). That's one of the targets I have my sights on."