Luke Humphries has admitted to feeling ’emotionless’ following his latest win – admitting he ‘needs a break’ from darts.
The world number one cruised to a 6-1 demolition of Dirk van Duijvenbode in the second round of the International Darts Open in Germany on Saturday evening.
While happy with the victory, ‘Cool Hand Luke’ declared he is feeling the effects of a busy schedule.
Humphries is muddling through a jam-packed calendar that included 19 matches during the month of March.
His 2025 schedule has included the European tour, Players Championship and the World Series of Darts – not to mention the Premier League.
After winning the World Masters in February, his form has suffered, losing his lead in the Premier League as a result.
Two wins in the first four nights have been followed by three quarter-final exits before being soundly beaten 6-2 by Stephen Bunting in their semi-final on night nine.
Having been defeated in last-four in Berlin on Thursday, the 30-year-old barely had a break before taking part in the International Darts Open.
It has led to him giving a frank interview after booking his place in Sunday’s third round – despite boasting a three-dart average of 99.8 and hitting five 180’s.
Humphries, who finished his clash against Van Duijvenbode with a checkout percentage of 60, 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.
“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.”
Humphries’ rival, Luke Littler, also recently opened up on the manic schedule that they face.
Littler told the Stick To Football podcast: “Some people like to practice a lot, but I barely practice during the week.
“I was being honest the other week in my interview about not picking up a dart from the previous tournament.
“We have the Premier League on a Thursday and usually, we’re then flying somewhere on the Friday for an international tournament, so you’re playing Thursday to Sunday.
“On Monday and Tuesday, we tend to have pro tours and then back to the Premier League on a Thursday. My practice is playing in these tournaments every week.”
Next up for Humphries in the International Darts Open is a clash with Ross Smith on Sunday lunchtime.
