World number one Luke Humphries has defended himself after facing criticism for admitting that his gruelling schedule is taking an emotional toll. The darts star had said on Saturday that stepping onto the oche was beginning to feel like a “chore” due to the volume of matches.
Following a 6-1 victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode in the second round of the International Darts Open, Humphries opened up about his mental state. “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,” he said.
After some social media users criticised his comments, Humphries responded on X, saying he will keep his feelings to himself in future. “Considering the comments and people not understanding what I meant, it will be the last time I ever confess my real feelings to the public,” he wrote.
Humphries has previously spoken about struggling with anxiety and depression, and even considered quitting the sport. After winning the 2024 world title, he told Sky Sports: “It makes it more incredible for myself mentally because there was a time in my life when I was really depressed and I didn't think this was going to be it for me.”
