HUMPHRIES ADMITS HE NEEDS A BREAK FROM OCHE
05/04/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
By Aaron Nijjar
LUKE HUMPHRIES cruised into the third round of the International Darts Open in Riesa with a commanding 6-1 victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode — but admitted he is struggling mentally with the demands of the sport.
World No.1 Humphries averaged 99.89, fired in five 180s, and hit 60% of his doubles as he reeled off six consecutive legs after falling 1-0 behind.
‘Cool Hand’ will now face Ross Smith for a place in the quarter-finals.
Despite the impressive performance, Humphries gave a candid assessment of his current mental state.
He said: “When I’m up on stage I am just feeling emotionless.
“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.”
Seven-time major winner Humphries admitted he had to dig deep at times but hopes the win can reignite his spark
He added: “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.”
The Cheshire thrower paid tribute to the crowd and revealed how a change in walk-on music had provided a slight boost in his morale.
He revealed: “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.”
Former World champion Humphries heaped praise upon Smith who he battles on the oche tomorrow (Sunday) and has beaten nine times in eleven of their meetings.
He said: “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 with a vengeance and start performing how I can.”
Humphries has had a stellar 2025 campaign picking up the World Masters in February.
The 30-year-old has also recorded two nightly wins in the Premier League and has reached a ProTour final.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
