"On stage I am just feeling emotionless": Luke Humphries admits darts is currently a chore and desperate for a break

Luke Humphries has easily qualified for the last sixteen of the International Darts Open. The 30-year-old Englishman beat Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-1 in the second round and now faces Ross Smith.

Humphries played a particularly strong match in which he threw five 180s, made 60% on his doubles and stayed only just under 100 average. Still, he was not particularly satisfied afterwards.  

“When I’m up on stage I am just feeling emotionless," said Humphries. "It’s weird and it’s me being honest to all the fans.

“I feel like my emotions are just all over the place. It’s not that I don’t want to be here — it just seems a chore for me at the moment.

“It’s just too much darts. I’m playing too much. I think I need a break. I’m emotionless and it is not good for my mental state. The emotion was drained from there. Usually I have the fight in me. 

“Dirk I felt like was nervous and he gave the game away for me to get the win. He gave me the confidence to push on and get the victory. Hopefully that has given me ammunition to go and pick up another title because I am desperate for one.” 

Luke Humphries in action

Walk-on

“The crowd in Germany is fantastic and the new walk-on song has given me a new lease of life. But sometimes when I walk on stage and throw my darts it does get tough for me.” 

Humphries will take on Ross Smith, who was too strong for Ricardo Pietreczko in the second round, 6-2.

“Ross is a class player and a heavy scorer. If I play like how I did in the early legs today, he will put me away. It’s important I put my scoring boots on and will have to be at my best to beat him. 

“Now hopefully I come back tomorrow (Sunday) with a vengeance and start performing how I can.”

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate darts experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe