New darts world champion Humphries: He faced the end of his career due to panic attacks

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Due to his impressive last months, he was the big favorite for the world title. But the fact that Luke Humphries (28) actually managed to beat prodigy Luke Littler (16) 7:4 in the final on Wednesday evening is anything but a given. Because the Englishman had to fight inner demons for a long time.

“There was a time in my life when I was depressed. Then I thought this was it for me; I could no longer perform on the big stages. I’ve been through a lot of problems. The fact that I am now number one and world champion proves a lot and says a lot about my mental capabilities,” he said proudly after his triumph in the legendary London darts temple Alexandra Palace.

Fear of a heart attack

Humphries, who comes from the Vodafone town of Newbury, was referring, among other things, to the year 2017, when he first encountered problems as a newcomer on the professional tour and was repeatedly plagued by panic attacks. He often had a cardiologically unfounded fear of a heart attack – which is why the 2019 junior world champion repeatedly gave up matches in which he was on course to win. The problems became worse and the end of his career was even on the horizon.

He ultimately decided that the only way to save it was to make it public. He also underwent intensive treatment. Thanks to medical help and an open approach to the subject, the great talent regained control of his life. He also improved from year to year in darts. The only thing that never worked out for him was the most important tournament of the year, the World Cup. Until this year he never got further than the quarter-finals.

Started the World Cup tense

The start of this World Cup was also difficult at first, Humphries seemed tense. And almost failed in the round of 16 against the rising German Ricardo Pietreczko (29), but ultimately held on with a 4-3 win. But from the quarter-finals onwards – and a convincing 5-1 win against the strong Englishman Dave Chisnall (43), Humpries got into a flow – and was unstoppable. Not even from child prodigy Littler.

Considering his major problems in the past, it was impressive how strong Humphries was and continued to do his thing until the final. “My hand was shaking from the last arrow,” he admitted. That wasn’t a warning sign, though. But the time when nothing could actually go wrong and Humphries was overwhelmed by his emotions.

Source : Blick