World No.1 Luke Humphries continued his memorable year by proposing to his girlfriend, and will look to celebrate after competing in the U.S. Darts Masters on Friday
World champion Luke Humphries marked his return to New York City for the U.S. Darts Masters with a special moment, as he proposed to girlfriend Kayley.
Kayley joined Humphries for his flight to New York on Monday ahead of the Masters on Friday night, where the eventual winner will be crowned following Saturday’s evening session. But on Thursday the world No.1 went to the top of the iconic Edge building in the city, and surprised his girlfriend with a ring.
“A moment that I’ve been waiting to do for some time now… just wanted to wait until that perfect moment!” Humphries wrote on Instagram with images of the proposal. “Today was that time. Up the edge in New York all by ourselves I popped the question, proud to say Kayley said yes!”
Darts sensation and fellow U.S. Masters challenger Luke Littler was quick to congratulate his associate, commenting: “Congrats mate.” Humphries puts a lot of his success down to Kayley, who helped him through some dark times after winning the World Championship in January.
After being on top of the world, Humphries suffered a major dip in form, struggling in the opening rounds of the Players Championship, and being eliminated early in the Bahrain Dutch Darts Masters. It turns out that Humphries was dealing with a death in the family, something Kayley helped him through.
His form soon returned and Humphries was back to his best, but he poured his heart out to his then-girlfriend for being his rock. While competing in the Premier League players often look to travel home after play on Thursday nights, and usually don’t get back until the early hours of the morning.
During a hectic schedule there are often events on the weekend, making Friday a crucial period for rest and recovery. “Credit to my girlfriend. She could easily have me up at 6am, looking after my son who wakes up at that time. But she allows me to sleep in,” Humphries said earlier this year.
“She understands the importance of rest. If she wanted me to get up at those times, I’d do it. But she’s the most supportive woman in the world towards me. I give a lot of credit to her. She allows me to come home from darts and have that rest time I need. Whereas a normal dad may get up at 6am for the kids.
“I got home from the UK Open in Minehead at 4am. My week would have been ruined. All the credit to her for allowing me to have that relaxed time. She works incredibly hard at home, I work incredibly hard at darts.
“Your home life is really, really tough, especially when you’re away a lot. But I love spending time with my family. She allows me to sleep in. I know it sounds crazy but that extra rest I really do need is what I get from my girlfriend.
“Mentally I’m in the best place possible since the worlds. I feel like I have achieved everything I ever wanted. But you have to work harder and harder. You go to your family and you realise that there’s more to life than darts. I will make sure I take the breaks that I need throughout the year.”