“I feel like I have lost the love on the ProTour and I want to regain it next year.” Despite winning Players Championship 26 on Thursday, @lukeh180 shared the challenges of an increased work schedule and discussed his preparation for the back end of the year. 📸@taylanningpix…
Luke Humphries has lost love for Pro Tour: "I want to regain it next year"
PDCSunday, 06 October 2024 at 06:00
Luke Humphries gets little pleasure out of playing Players Championship tournaments these days. That striking admission was made by "Cool Hand Luke" after he captured his first floor title of the season last Thursday.
Having already played two Players Championship tournaments on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Englishman was actually planning to opt out of Thursday's tournament. However, his fiancée persuaded Humphries to play the final day as well. The reigning world champion defeated Stephen Bunting 8-7 to claim the top prize of 15,000 pounds.
This year, Humphries has played 14 of the 26 Players Championship tournaments completed so far this season. "I feel like I have lost the love on the ProTour and I want to regain it next year," stated the world number one.
“I was looking at just seeing myself through, and we go again next year, and I find the love again. This year I did lose a bit of love for being in this room. It does happen; there is no coincidence. You got Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross, Gezzy [Price]. It has only been me and Luke [Littler] at one point was only in the top 16 of the ProTour Order of Merit out of the Premier League players.”
Although Humphries has already skipped the necessary Players Championship tournaments, the Englishman has already finished 148 matches this season. Last year, Humphries reached 168 matches in all of 2023, a number that will undoubtedly be surpassed in 2024.
“I think it takes your toll on you. I played more darts than anybody in the last twelve months since the World Grand Prix last year and it does tire you out.
“You can be as young as you want, but I feel like I have put on a little bit of weight since the Premier League and I felt a bit tired the last couple days and managed it well today.
“I’m going to get back on that exercise bike and lose a bit more weight as I feel my energy levels have dropped a little bit and I think that’s what cost me sometimes. I get to these last 16’s and quarter-finals and run out of steam.”
On Monday, Humphries begins his hunt for back-to-back titles at the World Grand Prix. Then he will once again face Stephen Bunting. Last year, Humphries took his first major title at the double-in double-out tournament by defeating Gerwyn Price 5-2 in sets.
Just in
Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter today!
Oct 20, 22:28
0
Popular news
Latest comments
- It is simply not true to say that these 5 players are guaranteed to keep their Tour Cards. At least Karel Sedlacek, Dylan Slavin and Stephen Burton are in danger of losing them, especially if they fail to win their first round match. Connor Scutt, Wesley Plaisier and the three mentioned players will be fighting hard for their Tour Cards.mxxiv27-11-2024
- I'll be supporting Lorraine Hyde - the most attractive woman in darts IMHO...Thomas Moffatt27-11-2024
- Where the hell is Lorraine Winstanly? You can't have a World Championship without Lorraine Winstanly. Even Anastasia is missing Beau was disappointing at the Grand Slam but cannot see her getting beat at Lakeside. Nicole Regnaud was unlucky last year, think she can have a decent run and be the dark horse this year.richieburnettrocks27-11-2024
- If he went on the Seniors tour surely he would mop up the titles?Mysstree26-11-2024
- I'll miss Steve Thank you for all the memories and great matches. I was there when he (luckily) won the 96 World Championship, I expected him to win and perfom better in the PDC than he did as he moved over so early when he still had good form. Looks great for 60, today's players should take note !! Sure he was a driving instructor when in the BDO. A cool guy, very friendly and interesting to chat with.No theatrics on stage, just got on and played darts Sign him up SKY !!!richieburnettrocks26-11-2024