Luke Humphries won the New Zealand Masters to clinch his first-ever event victory in the World Series of Darts – but is still unhappy about his past performances
World No.1 Luke Humphries has finally bagged his first World Series of Darts title at the New Zealand Masters – but he’s not happy.
Scoring an 8-2 victory over Damon Heta in the final, Humphries took home a cool £20k grand prize, banishing the ghosts of past World Series events that had until now eluded him. After losing the first leg, Humphries swiftly turned things around to lead 5-1. He then sealed the deal, dominating the last three legs and showing why he’s the reigning world champion.
The New Zealand Masters marks the seventh event of this year’s series, setting the stage for the upcoming World Series of Darts Final in Amsterdam. The tournament was created by the PDC in 2013, with Michael van Gerwen defeating Nathan Aspinall in last year’s final.
Despite winning the World Championship, World Cup, and World Matchplay titles this year, a victory in the World Series of Darts has been one accolade missing from Humphries’ career. The 29-year-old has been candid about the issues he’s faced, with ‘Cool Hand Luke’ admitting he has been more focused on other major tournaments in the past.
There are no frustrations for me. I don’t get frustrated, I think I enjoy it too much and that’s my problem,” Humphries told Online Darts during the New Zealand Masters. “I do take them seriously. Of course, I want to win, I don’t come here and want to lose but I don’t have the same setup as I do when I play major tournaments. Why [am I] deadly in them and not deadly in these?”
“I think that’s why. It’s just to do with the fact my preparation’s different. When you’re in different time zones, I love my sleep, so that’s maybe why. I get good sleep, good preparation. In these, you don’t get the best preparation and the long days are harder but you just got to enjoy these.
They’re fantastic opportunities for us as players to go and travel the world and hopefully give the fans great darts.” Humphries added: “If I win, I’m over the moon, but if not I’m happy to just win the big ones, that’s all I care about.”
Despite previously struggling to prioritise World Series events, Humphries finally got the balance right at the New Zealand Masters. Wins over former world champion Michael Smith and rising star Luke Littler on the way to the final demonstrated Humphries’ impressive form in Hamilton.
Following his emphatic win over Heta, Humphries was happy to win the elusive title but there was still a sense that the reigning world champion felt he hadn’t lived up to his own standards. “I’ve been searching for a World Series title, and I felt one was coming,” he admitted.
My performances on the World Series over the last two years haven’t been at the standard I wanted, and I still wasn’t at my best today, but I was good enough. I feel so lucky and privileged to be here.
The crowds over the last few days have been fantastic, and me and my Dad have really enjoyed our time here. It’s been a great journey, I’ve made some great memories and I’ll be looking forward to coming back next year.”
Humphries will be one of eight top seeds in the 32-man field at the World Series of Darts Finals. Littler and Gerwyn Price have won two World Series events apiece this year, with Rob Cross and Michael van Gerwen also claiming a title each. The World Series of Darts Finals will begin on 13 September at AFA
S Live in Amsterdam.
