HUMPHRIES SILENCES POLAND BOO BOYS

LUKE HUMPHRIES insists there is “no disrespect” towards fans at the Poland Masters.

World No.2 Humphries was jeered the night before when he took on home favourite Krzysztof Ratajski in front of a partisan crowd. 

But ‘Cool Hand’ silenced any lingering drama in style by thrashing Boris Krčmar 6-1 to storm into the quarter-finals. 

Humphries was keen to clear the air with spectators at the Expo Krakow as he appeared frustrated during his clash with Ratajski. 

He said: “Thanks for that, guys. I wasn’t moaning yesterday — I get it, I understand it. There is no disrespect to the crowd. 

“Yesterday it was tough and sometimes when you have played such an emotional game, you say things. 

“I thought the crowd were absolutely amazing, to be fair. It was probably one of the best atmospheres you will ever see on the European Tour. 

“I get it — I didn’t take it to heart, guys. You are all amazing. I understand it — you have ten minutes to get it. 

“You think, do you know what, Kryzstof is here one time in Poland every year and, come on, you have to give him a bit of juice. 

“For me, I wasn’t moaning — the tensions are just high in those moments — but you guys are amazing, so don’t worry about that. 

“Thank you for the good support tonight — I really appreciate it.” 

Humphries has enjoyed a flying start to the year, already landing a ProTour title and powering his way to the final of the World Masters. 

The Cheshire ace is back in action this evening as he faces Stephen Bunting for a place in the semi-finals of the European Tour event.