Luke Humphries makes feelings clear on Luke Littler collapse after winning New Zealand Darts Masters
Luke Humphries has defended Luke Littler after the teenager's collapse at the New Zealand Darts Masters on Saturday
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Luke Humphries has defended Luke Littler after the 17-year-old squandered a big lead in their New Zealand Darts Masters clash on Saturday.
Littler had opened up a 6-2 lead during the showdown, only for his rival to come roaring back to make the final.
Humphries would proceed to win the title by crushing Damon Heta, continuing his impressive form in the process.
Littler was criticised by fans on social media after his defeat, with some users accusing him of being a 'bottle job'.
Luke Humphries has defended Luke Littler after the teenager's collapse at the New Zealand Darts Masters on Saturday
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But Humphries believes Littler only folded due to a lack of experience and has backed his fellow Briton to bounce back.
"If Luke was five or six years into his Tour Card, he would have took the experience that he received like I have and reeled off the game," he told Online Darts.
"I never give in. Even if I'm seven legs down, I give it my best and when I got to 6-1 I'm thinking I've been in this situation.
"His apprenticeship is right in the deep end and it's probably the best thing for him.
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"My apprenticeship was playing in European Tour qualifiers, ProTour.
"If you would have put my apprenticeship in the deep end I probably would've been multiple time World Champion now. I needed that experience early.
"I'm not stupid to be honest, I know he will be the best player in the world one day. Whether it's in five years or in a couple of years.
"Can't be 17 years old and that good and not in five years be even better."
Humphries admitted he was 'really tired' following his win.
He also says a breeze on the stage 'affected him', though was happy to add another title to his growing collection.
"I'm really really tired," Humphries added.
"I was feeling it in the semi-finals to be honest. There was a breeze on the stage in the semi-final, it did affect me I can't lie. It's not an excuse it was very hard to come back from.
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Luke Littler folded in the semi-final of the New Zealand Darts Masters as he lost to Luke Humphries
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"When I put the heavier flights on, it seemed to help me a lot more.
"Luke tried to change his points to adapt and it actually worked for him as well. I thought he started a lot better after the second break.
"That's why I'm the world No 1, I never give in do I?
"As much as I was annoyed and disappointed, I didn't give in. I kept working hard."
Luke Humphries was delighted after winning the New Zealand Darts Masters
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Humphries says majors mean more to him than the World Series of Darts.
And he's eager to win every competition he takes part in, with the Briton adding: "As long as I'm winning the big ones that's all that matters, I stand by that statement as long as I'm winning the big titles, the World Series if I do or I don't win it doesn't matter.
"But I'm dedicated more than ever, I want to win everything."