Luke Humphries takes over lead from Luke Littler in European Tour Order of Merit; Michael van Gerwen enters ranking in fifth place

Luke Humphries has taken over the lead from Luke Littler on the Euro Tour Order of Merit after winning the German Darts Grand Prix. Littler was missing in Munich because he failed to make it through the qualifying tournament.

Humphries made a big impression at the German Darts Grand Prix by successively beating Luke Woodhouse (6-3), Ryan Joyce (6-2), Danny Noppert (6-2), Gerwyn Price (7-3) and Michael van Gerwen (8-1). In addition, 'Cool Hand Luke' recorded averages of 111 and 112 in his matches against Joyce and Van Gerwen.

After two Euro Tour tournaments, Humphries stands at £34,000, while Littler was stuck at £30,000. Gerwyn Price retained the third spot by again reaching the semifinals. Cross, previously a losing finalist at the Belgian Darts Open, is now in fourth place.

Van Gerwen enters the rankings in fifth place. 'Mighty Mike' had lost his first match at the first Euro Tour tournament, so the prize money did not count toward the ranking. So now the Dutchman managed to reach the final, earning £12,000 in one fell swoop.

After two Euro Tour tournaments, there are five players who competed in both events but do not yet appear on the Euro Tour Order of Merit. Dirk van Duijvenbode, Krzysztof Ratajski, Andrew Gilding, Jose de Sousa and Raymond van Barneveld had automatically qualified for both Euro Tours, but also lost their opening matches each time.

At the end of the season, the 32 best players in the rankings will compete in the European Championship in Dortmund. This tournament is scheduled from Oct. 24 to 27.