DARTS ACE URGES PDC TO PROTECT LITTLER AND HUMPHRIES
15/04/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
By Aaron Nijjar
DR LINDA DUFFY has called on the Professional Darts Corporation to do more to protect players’ mental health.
Former world No. 1 Duffy’s warning comes after Luke Humphries spoke about the pressure of the relentless darts calendar and its impact on his wellbeing.
But seven-time major winner Humphries comments were met with criticism on social media.
Chartered psychologist Duffy has defended ‘Cool Hand’.
She said: “It is disheartening to see the online abuse that Luke Humphries has faced since being open and honest about his mental health in recent days.
“Darts is now more popular than ever before and there has never been greater scrutiny placed upon the top players of the sport.
“Travelling all around the world, with increased time away from family, playing in front of millions of people, most days of the week, can place a great psychological toll on one person to deal with.
“It is a different proposition to a team sport where, although there is still pressure, responsibility can to some extent be shared between teammates.
“On a darts stage, you are on your own, there is nowhere to hide.”
Duffy also raised concerns about the pressures 18-year-old world champion Luke Littler could face this year and beyond.
She added: “Luke Littler has been incredible for darts and his achievements have unlocked unprecedented amounts of exposure and investment for the sport.
“But although he is dealing brilliantly with the pressure at the moment, it is natural that at some point in the future his performances may not reach the same heights.
“When that happens, and under the full glare of the media and social media spotlight, what support will be in place?
“The Professional Darts Players Association’s collaboration with Sporting Chance is a step in the right direction and it is vital players are encouraged to take advantage of this.
“With record prize money and more watching darts than ever before, the PDC and the PDPA must do all they can to look after their players who are performing at the highest-level week in week out.
“If they don’t, there is a risk that even more players suffer burnout as the sport embarks on its ambitious new era.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
