05/03/2020

Humphries becomes first Challenger to win a Premier League match with victory over Anderson

Luke Humphries is the first Challenger/Contender to win a Premier League match after defeating Gary Anderson in Exeter.

Humphries who came so close last year but this time around he has made a slice of Premier League history ironically against the player who the format was designed for due to his injury forcing him out of the darting roadshow last year.

'Cool Hand' showed the temperament early on taking out 80 to double his advantage and take an early lead against Anderson.

Despite that, he was soon level breaking back with a 12 darter to make it 2-2 and he held throw to go into the lead with three consecutive legs.

Humphries though kept with him as Anderson continued slowly towards the finishing line but whilst knowing that one slip up could cost the multiple Premier League champion.

The turning point came at 5-5, Humphries smashed in two double 20's for a 100 checkout to level it up at 5-5 and pounced on missed doubles to go one away from victory and from there he concluded the tie with a bizarre madhouse finish. The last three legs proved pivotal in the Newbury ace though in claiming the tie.

Click here for more information on this year’s Premier League, including the fixtures and prize money breakdown.