World number one Luke Humphries admitted to mixed emotions after delivering a crushing 10-0 whitewash victory over his “best mate” Ryan Searle at the UK Open.
The former world champion was in devastating form during Saturday’s fifth-round clash at Butlin’s Minehead.
Despite his dominant display, Humphries appeared reserved after sealing victory with double eight in the tenth leg.
He rolled his eyes as he collected his dart from the board before shaking hands with Searle on stage.
Luke Humphries was not happy despite winning 10-0 at the UK Open
ITV
The 30-year-old later revealed the emotional toll of inflicting such a heavy defeat on his close friend.
“I did not expect that scoreline to be honest,” Humphries told ITV after the match.
The world number one averaged 100.2 and achieved a checkout success of 52.60%.
“He’s my best mate in darts, it kind of crushes you inside, you don’t want to smash someone who is so close to you,” he admitted.
Humphries acknowledged the need for ruthlessness in competition despite his personal feelings.
“Of course when you are in this game you have to be ruthless. You can’t give anybody anything. Even if he is your best mate,” he said.
“It’s not the most enjoyable 10-0 win I’ve had in my career.”
Humphries maintained his momentum following the victory over Searle, producing another clinical performance in the sixth round.
He dispatched Ryan Joyce with similar ease, securing a commanding 10-1 win to advance to the quarter-finals.
Luke Humphries has been in top form at the UK Open and has high hopes of winning it
ITV
The world champion has now reached the UK Open quarter-finals for the third time in his career.
His path through the tournament began in the fourth round on Friday, where he recovered from a slow start to defeat Beau Greaves 10-7.
Humphries’ ruthless form continued with the whitewash of Searle before his dominant display against Joyce set up his quarter-final clash.
Humphries will now face James Wade in Sunday’s quarter-final, setting up an intriguing rematch between the two players.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Luke Humphries reached the UK Open final in 2023 but was beaten by Dimitri Van den Bergh
Getty
Wade previously defeated Humphries in the 2021 UK Open final, a result the world number one will be keen to avenge.
The two-time runner-up is also looking to overcome the disappointment of last year’s tournament.
Humphries suffered an agonising 11-10 defeat to Dimitri Van den Bergh in the 2023 final.
This year’s tournament marks his eighth appearance at the UK Open, with Humphries determined to finally claim the title that has twice eluded him.