Luke Humphries letting Premier League frustration disrupt his whole game says Mardle: "Now we are seeing a bit of headshaking"

Luke Humphries is having a difficult campaign in the Premier League Darts and, according to analyst Wayne Mardle, that disappointing run is now clearly beginning to affect his game. The former professional argues that the problems, which were initially only evident in his doubles, are now spreading to other aspects of his game.

After twelve weeks of play, Humphries is still without a win and has reached just one final. Last week, he lost 6-2 to Luke Littler in Liverpool, dropping him to sixth place in the standings. He is now five points adrift of the play-off places.

According to Mardle, the problem initially lay mainly in his finishing. He said that Humphries was still playing strongly on other stages, but on Premier League nights, the results just weren’t coming. “It started off where his doubling went missing and there was no other negatives. He was playing beautifully winning on the European Tour," Mardle told Oche.

“He was doing a lot right but just getting on the Premier League stages and not hitting doubles. Now his scoring game has gone just a little. In spells his doubling is returning but I just don’t think he was as comfortable as he was.

“He was doing a lot right but just getting on the Premier League stages and not hitting doubles," continued Mardle.

“Now his scoring game has gone just a little. In spells his doubling is returning but I just don’t think he was as comfortable as he was.

According to the former pro, Humphries was so strong precisely because everything seemed to come naturally. “He was looking like this smooth operator that he is. Now we are seeing a bit of headshaking."

Mardle believes that the lack of success is starting to weigh on him mentally. “I think he's maybe letting the winless streak infect him. I don’t think he should. It is easy for me to say because he knows at any moment."

At the same time, he realises that’s easier said than done. Humphries knows he can win a tournament at any moment, but week after week he sees chances slip away.

“I have been accused of literally backing Luke Humphries every week. I’m like it’s a matter of time — I am surely going to get it right once.

“He has not got it right at all and he has hardly reached a final, which I find bamboozling as well.”

Despite the critical analysis, Mardle has no doubt about Humphries’ qualities. He believes things could quickly change once the big summer tournaments begin. “I do think it turns around for the play-offs. When I say turn around I mean June and July, come the World Cup and Matchplay, that he hits the ground running there and walks away with one."

According to Mardle, no one would be surprised if Humphries suddenly dominates again there. “If he was to annihilate everyone at the Matchplay who would be surprised? No one. What is surprising is he hasn’t won a week yet."

With several weeks of play still to go, qualification for the play-offs is far from out of reach. Humphries only needs one strong run to put himself right back in contention.

“When you are used to winning and you don’t win, that is when the pressure hits. I do think there is pressure on him. There has to be.

“He was expected to coast his way into the play-offs. There is still five weeks and he can go bang and win 15 points.

“I do believe he will win one or two weeks. There is pressure on — there is no doubt about it.”