LITTLER SUPPORTS HUMPHRIES OVER ‘EMOTIONLESS’ GAMES

By Aaron Nijjar  

LUKE LITTLER has sympathised with Luke Humphries after the world number one admitted he needed a break from darts due to the hectic schedule.   

Seven-time major winner Humphries said he had been left “emotionless” from playing too many games after making his 11th tournament appearance since the turn of the year at the International Darts Open in Germany.  

‘Cool Hand’ described the packed calendar as a chore and suggested it has taken a toll on his mental state. 

Teen sensation Littler advised his predecessor as world champion to focus on the 17-week Premier League where both Lukes are comfortably the top two in the table.  

The Nuke said: “It’s not good to see a player like Luke Humphries, the world No.1, admit he’s struggling. 

“I totally agree with him, and Gerwyn Price said the same thing last night – it’s tough, especially when players are travelling to places where there are no direct flights and then you have to catch a train to reach the venue. 

“I think Luke knows he has to balance his schedule and maybe focus on the Premier League. That’s why I’ve taken time off this year and I’ve not gone to the last two European Tour events. 

“After I played against Luke in the final of the Premier League night in Newcastle a couple of weeks ago, we both said we were tired. 

“I think we averaged around 94 (93.62 and 93.31) in that game and I was just happy to get the win.”  

Former world champion Gerwyn Price is another elite star who has had enough of the circuit, saying there is “too much darts at the moment”.  

After his narrow defeat by Nathan Aspinall in the last 16 in Riesa, Price posted: “Gutted to lose today but so happy to be on the way home. Too much darts.” 

‘The Iceman’ goes for a seventh consecutive win against Littler in the BetMGM Premier League in Manchester on Thursday night.  

Whilst Littler aims to achieve a record fifth nightly win in the tournament.  

Image by Taylor Lanning.