1 week Ago By [email protected] (Tom Sunderland)
Welsh darts star Gerwyn Price has echoed Luke Humphries' concerns over the darts calendar after his recent comments suggesting the schedule is overloaded. 'The Iceman' admitted he was "so happy" to be heading home after his last-16 exit at the hands of Nathan Aspinall during the 2025 International Darts Open on Sunday. Humphries - who was playing in his 11th tournament of 2025 - reached the semi-finals before being defeated by tournament winner Stephen Bunting.
The 2024 world champion has found it challenging to replicate his peak form so far this year, and his admission that darts has started to feel like "a chore" sheds light on his struggles. "I feel a bit emotionless," Humphries said (via The Mirror ). "I feel like I'm up here and my emotions are 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. I'm playing too much. I need to give something away, I need a break.
It's not good for my mental state." While Humphries received support from many fans, there are those who have criticised him for what they perceive as a lack of perspective. Some comments suggested he should consider himself lucky, with several social media users telling Humphries "things could be worse".
'Cool Hand' later took to social media, declaring this candid moment would be "the last time I ever confess my real feelings to the public". And he warned fans they may have to settle for darts players giving "all give the same answers in interviews like robots" if this was the response to his outpour of emotion. The 30-year-old currently sits second in the Premier League rankings after securing victories in two of the first four events this season.
However, his performance has seen a slight dip following a series of first-round exits in the weekly competition. Price, 40, seemed to echo that sentiment about the overwhelming commitments on the PDC Tour when he posted on social media after his defeat on Sunday. Despite the loss, he wrote on his Instagram story: "Gutted to lose today but so happy to be on the way home.
To (sic) much darts [at the moment]." Darts is enjoying a surge in popularity over the past 18 months, largely due to the emergence of Luke Littler. PDC bosses are understandably eager to capitalise on the trajectory, yet an increase in events could impact certain stars negatively.
Price – who was crowned world champion in 2021 and also competes on the Premier League circuit – has previously expressed feeling overworked. 'The Iceman' attributed his poor form during 2024 to distractions from opening a fish and chip shop in his hometown, Markham. The seasoned pro has opened up about his long-standing struggle with a "nightmare" ear condition .
However, he hasn't managed to get proper treatment due to his relentless schedule, confessing he's "too busy." Price has also had to endure added criticism after several notable run-ins with fans during events. That animosity can also take its toll over time, with Price showing his frustrations when things haven't been going his way.
Some fans have suggested Humphries should not grumble, assuming the life of a professional darts player is easy. Yet, it's understandable the world No1 feels overstretched with the extensive travel demands of today's darts circuit, which frequently keeps players away from their home and loved ones. To prove that point, there's scarcely any downtime between this weekend's International Open in Germany and the next Premier League night.
Humphries is set to take part at the AO Arena in Manchester for Night 10 of the competition on Thursday..
