PDC World Championship: Luke Humphries reflects on 2021 after quarter-final defeat to Gary Anderson at Alexandra Palace

Luke Humphries admitted that his ‘scoring wasn’t there’ and it was a big factor as to why his World Darts Championship campaign came to an end.

The Newbury man suffered a 5-2 quarter-final defeat to Gary Anderson at Alexandra Palace on New Year’s Day.

It’s the third time Humphries has reached that stage, but he was unable to reach the semi-final for the first-time in his career.

“I felt really flat in the whole game to be honest, I didn’t get the best sleep, and the darts weren’t really going in,” said Humphries.

“The scoring wasn’t there today and that is why I lost to be honest.

“Gary probably played the best game he has played all year on stage and unfortunately it was against me.

“I gave him the opportunities to do what he did and my scoring was rubbish and it’s probably the best he has played I think.”

On his scoring, Humphries said: “The new darts are either hit or miss and it’s something I have to get better at because I am either hitting 180s or 58 and 59s.

“It is not good enough and I have to be hitting 100s and 140s. I can’t hit a 180 and then three 59s because it’s not enough.

“My scoring is either amazing or it’s not and that is what cost me the game.”

Despite being eliminated at the quarter-final stage for a third time, Humphries has had an impressive 2021.

In March, he finished runners-up to James Wade in the UK Open and further to this he has reached three Players Championship finals.

Two last-16 appearances in the World Matchplay and Grand Prix followed, as well as reaching the semi-final of the Hungarian Darts Trophy.

Humphries, who is currently ranked 19 in the world, is now targeting a place inside the top 16, plus more appearances in the major events.

“Winning that game would have probably made it easier for me, I probably would have been in there and in the World Matchplay and the Grand Prix for the next two years.

“It is a disappointment for me, but I’ll have to do it the hard way like I always do and hopefully I can get in those tournaments I mentioned.

“If I can get in them, I can make it easier for myself next year because I am not really defending much this year.”

In the game, the 26-year-old made a perfect start, averaging 102 on the way to a 3-0 advantage in the opening set.

Humphries held his own throw before breaking Anderson and then securing the third leg.

The second set went all the way and it was Anderson who ended on top as he levelled the game at 1-1.

The world number six then won a second leg on the spin to lead in the game for the very first time.

Anderson checked out with a 104 and broke Humphries twice on the way to the third set.

However, back came the Newbury man as he levelled the game up at 2-2.

There was more drama in the fifth set as Anderson came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and move ahead in the match.

The two-time world champion took the set in fantastic fashion as he checked-out with 110 - his second ton-plus finish of the match.

He then started the sixth set in an even better way as he hit a 148 checkout to hold his throw.

Anderson continued to fire in some solid scoring and he wrapped up the game, which included eight 180s and four ton-plus finishes.

The Flying Scotsman will now face the winner of Peter Wright and Callan Rydz, who play this evening.