WEBSTER PRAISES HUMPHRIES FOR CHANNELING CRITICISM INTO SUCCESS

LUKE HUMPHRIES took criticism “personally” and answered it in style, according to ex-pro Mark Webster.

The World No.2 hit back by winning the Belgian Darts Open after pundit Charlie Murphy questioned his confidence and aura on an OLBG podcast.  

‘Cool Hand’ has enjoyed a superb start to the year, reaching the final of the World Masters and already collecting TWO ProTour titles. 

Former BDO World Champ Webster believes the remarks lit a fire under Humphries and crucially, he channelled it the right way.

He told the Love the Darts podcast: “I don’t think there’s been a massive drop-off. He just hasn’t been clinical enough at the right moments. 

“I haven’t liked his body language when he’s getting beat but that’s just general frustration.

“It was a big win for him this weekend. He was fired up, he took some comments personally, but he used them in the right way and it got him success.

“The best way to respond to criticism is to go out and put a performance in. 

“He was a deserving winner at the weekend. He looked confident and it could be a stepping stone for Luke Humphries. 

“We judge him on high standards, but like I said; I don’t think the drop off has been massive. 

“He’s not won a Premier League night, but he’s won a ProTour, he’s won a European Tour. I’m still expecting big things from Luke Humphries this year.” 

Humphries returns to action this evening and will face Michael van Gerwen on Night Eight of the Premier League in Berlin. 

The Cheshire thrower currently sits fourth in the table and is on track to secure a play-off spot at the O2 on Finals Night in May.

Image by Taylor Lanning.