Luke Humphries has had a very successful debut
Premier League Darts campaign. 'Cool Hand Luke' has already won four weekly titles, putting him in second place after 15 of the 16 nights.
The reigning world champion plays again this Thursday night in Sheffield against Gerwyn Price, who has been out of contention for a spot in the playoffs for several weeks. Humphries, however, admits in conversation with PDC.tv that he is secretly already thinking about final night.
It will take place at the O2 Arena in London on Thursday, May 23. ''There's not long to go until The O2, so I'm just happy to be playing well,'' the Englishman stated in a preview. Last week's title in Leeds certainly did Humphries some good leading up to the Premier League playoffs. “I’ve had some games recently where it hasn’t gone my way, but the most important thing is how you bounce back, and I played really well last week," he reflects. "It meant a lot to me given the occasion. Regardless of the Premier League it was a massive night for me, and the support I got was absolutely amazing."
Humphries still has a slim chance at first place in the final rankings. If so, however, two things must happen on Thursday night. Luke Littler must lose to Peter Wright in his first match, while Humphries must then take the weekly title again in Sheffield.
''Finishing first would obviously be a massive achievement,'' Humphries acknowledged. ''But qualifying for The O2 is all that really matters to me, and if Luke Littler finishes top he deserves it - he's been fantastic.''
Luke Humphries still has a slim chance Thursday night of finishing first in the Premier League Darts league phase