‘I feel emotionless’ – Luke Humphries reveals he needs a break from darts amid mental health fears in shock interview
"EMOTIONLESS" Luke Humphries revealed he "needs a break" from darts.
The world No1 smashed Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-1 in his opening International Darts Open clash on Saturday evening.
But despite the impressive performance, Humphries admitted he is struggling mentally with the demands of the sport and the constant travel.
He plays on the Premier League circuit every week but also combines exhibitions with appearances on the European Tour and Players Championships.
Dad-of-two Humphries, 30, 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.
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“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.”
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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.
“I felt Dirk 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.”
Humphries plays Ross Smith in the third round for the right to play Damon Heta or Wessel Nijman in the quarter-finals in Riesa.
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Cool Hand is then on the confirmed players entrants list for the PDC Players Championship 10 and 11 in Leicester on Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Thursday, it is Night Ten of the Premier League Darts in Manchester with Humphries second in the table on 20 points behind leader Luke Littler.
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