COOL HEAD Luke Humphries reveals retirement date after darts rival Luke Littler hinted he could quit by 27
He cited the gruelling schedule for darts players
LUKE HUMPHRIES has revealed that he already has retirement on his mind.
Humphries won his first ever PDC World Darts Championship in January as he capped off a brilliant individual season.
‘Cool Hand’ Luke triumphed over Luke Littler in the final, and the two have developed a friendly rivalry since.
The current world no1, 29, was asked about his plans going forward having already won the biggest prize in darts.
He told The Express courtesy of Bet MGM: “When I first started in the sport it was just about winning a major.
“I did that and thought, ‘I want to be world champion now’. Then I did that, and started thinking about winning the triple crown, which is the world championship, the Premier League and the matchplay.”
He missed out on that aim of winning the Premier League to Littler last month.
Speaking about his current career plans and possible retirement, he said: “I think my game has got to the point now where I do think I can win a lot more, to be honest.
“I’ve won four majors, a realistic goal would be 20 to 25 majors by the time I’ve finished my career.
“That’s still quite an incredible amount of major titles to win, but I believe I could win 20 if I’m around for another 15 or 20 years.”
The Englishman even put a time frame on his possible retirement, saying: “For me, I hope I’m not playing darts professionally in 20 years because it’s a busy sport, you’re playing all the time.
“I’m thinking I’ll retire by 50 at the most, hopefully with three or four world titles. But it’s not easy to do.”
Luke Littler leaves World No1 Humphries speechless with ‘greatest moment ever witnessed’ in Premier League Darts final
It comes as Luke Littler said he could retire at the age of just 27.
The 17-year-old said: “I’ve been playing a long time in the juniors, in the old British Darts Federation.
“I might just do ten or fifteen years and retire, if I’ve had enough.”
Littler has already made strides that would hint at a career after darts.
He has been signed up to be an after dinner speaker which could see him rake in £10k-a-night.
The dartsman has also trademarked a number of fitness products that will be sold with Littler branding.
