LUKE HUMPHRIES hit back at being dubbed the “worst world champion” after narrowly missing out on a fourth successive major title.
The world No1 blew two match darts and lost the UK Open final to Dimitri Van den Bergh in Minehead on Sunday night.
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Humphries, 28, had fought back from 7-2 down to level that match up at 10-10 to force a deciding leg.
But he missed his chance and the Belgian, who was booed by fans for delaying tactics in the latter stages, wrapped up the £110,000 title.
Humphries, who told the fans to stop jeering, said: “I give it everything and I didn’t play well there.
“A lot of people were saying I was the worst world champion three weeks ago. All of a sudden another major final. I’m proud of myself.
“I’ve had a long five days on the road, I’m actually shattered. I was flagging in the semi. I was lucky to get two darts in the end there. The crowd were amazing.
“I’ll obviously be gutted because I missed two darts. Dimitri played a good game. I did my best.”
Van den Bergh stood drinking water by his table for an extended time at one stage, but held his cool to take the crown – his second major title.
He broke down in tears and said: “Luke showed again why he is world champion.
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“When I was 10-8 in front I just lost it. I lost my guts. My grandad passed away two years ago, this is my first gold.”
Humphries will return to action on Thursday when he faces Gerwyn Price in Night 6 of the Premier League in Brighton.
He sits sixth in the eight-player standings after picking up just seven points from the opening five weeks.
The Premier League’s top four after 16 weeks of action advance through to the play-offs at The O2 in London on May 23.
