"I'm just happy to win the big ones": Luke Humphries not bothered about World Series barren run without a title

Luke Humphries, who got stuck in the quarterfinals of the Australian Darts Masters last week, made an excellent start to the New Zealand Darts Masters. The 29-year-old only just under 100 average in his 6-3 win against home favorite Kayden Milne.

Humphries, however, was wary of his opponent beforehand. "Kayden is obviously a fantastic player. I know he can score really good so I knew I had to be on my game. I couldn't just rest through like last week against Joe even though the breeze was there. I felt like I was going to win always. But against Kayden I knew if I didn't play my best he'd put me away so that helped as well."

"I don't want to say any excuses but last week there was a breeze and with my darts it's just impossible for me to throw. I just accepted I was never going to win, I can't do it."

Humphries continues to enjoy his time "down under. "Wasn't my best but I'm still acclimatising to the time zones and not slept my best I must admit. I think everyone hasn't slept their best not just me. Luke (Littler) hasn't, Rob Cross, Gezzy Price. But I've enjoyed my time regardless of the time."

Humphries has been rapidly clearing all sorts of blind spots on his record lately, but a World Series title is still missing. "There's no frustrations for me. I don't get frustrated and I enjoy it too much and that's my problem. I want to win, I don't come here and want to lose but I don't have the same setup I have when I play in major tournaments."

"I love my sleep so that's maybe why. I get good sleep, good preparation. It's kind of you don't get the best preparation and the long days are harder."

"I'm just happy to win the big ones, that's all I care about."

Humphries takes on Michael Smith today in the quarterfinals, who was too strong 6-3 to Jeremy Fagg in the opening round.