HUMPHRIES ‘TRYING TOO HARD’ AS PRESSURE BUILDS

LUKE HUMPHRIES is being told he may be “trying too hard” as his Premier League struggles continue.

Cool Hand sits fifth in the table — three points behind Michael van Gerwen and the final play-off spot — and remains one of just three players yet to register a nightly win.

There were signs of his class in Rotterdam as the world No.2 averaged 100.51 in a 6-2 quarter-final win over Gian van Veen. 

But momentum slipped away again as Humphries fell to a narrow 6-5 semi-final defeat against Luke Littler. 

Premier League footballer Adam Armstrong has raised concerns that jeers and boos from the crowd could be affecting Humphries on the oche. 

He told the Double Tops Podcast: “I think Humphries has had a few people booing him, a few whistles on his back throw and stuff. 

“So, I think in such a small space of time, that’ll probably affect you on the stage when everyone’s watching you. It’s probably not easy, but I’m sure he’ll bounce back. He’s an incredible player.

“Seen him for years and, yeah, I’m sure he’ll win soon. I think as a footballer you’re kind of just in the zone on the pitch, not really paying attention to what’s going on.

“Obviously you can hear little things in the background, but I don’t think that affects you on the pitch as much as what it might affect other people.” 

But presenter JaackMaate believes the biggest issue for the former world champ could be self-inflicted.

He added: “I feel like he’s — and who am I to really say this — but I feel like he’s trying too hard. I feel like he wants it so much.

“There’s just too much pressure on him. Say he was second now, I think we’d see him just winning every game, but yes, it’s a real struggle for him at the moment, isn’t it?”

Image by Taylor Lanning.