Mardle saw Masters as turning point for Humphries Premier League omission: "He looked lost and someone who was devoid of confidence"

Luke Humphries was one of the big omissions from the Premier League Darts after being a standout player especially on the ProTour and European Tour in 2022 and reaching World Number Five.

But despite being a shoe-in to some, he was snubbed and Wayne Mardle believes that the Masters saw him out of the running as he lost out early on and he said he let the Premier League get in his head.

"I believe he has let a possible selection for the Premier League get to him in the last couple of months and during the Masters his head was absolutely everywhere," said Mardle to Sky Sports.

"He looked lost and someone who was devoid of confidence and unfortunately he succumbed to wanting to be in the Premier League more than winning the Masters.

"He'll get over it. He'll be absolutely distraught, but he's the world No 5 for a reason. He's won a handful of events, but I also feel for Danny Noppert and Ross Smith."