Defending Premier League champion Luke Humphries is in danger of missing out on the top four and failing to secure a spot in the Play-Offs at London's O2 on May 28. Currently seventh in the Premier League table with 11 points after 10 weeks, Humphries is still searching for his first nightly victory.
A recent 6-5 defeat to leader Jonny Clayton in Brighton has added to the pressure, as has a last-16 exit at the Player Championship 9 in Wigan. Humphries faces an uphill task as he takes on home favourite Gian van Veen in Rotterdam, with pundits Michael Bridge and Chris Murphy discussing his chances of turning his season around on the Love The Darts podcast. "Luke isn't dominating like he used to," said Bridge.
"He's got other things on his mind, like attending the Grand National and Cheltenham, so I don't think the pressure is getting to him as much as it used to." Humphries has six more nights to gain enough points to reach the Play-Off spots, with seven-time winner Michael van Gerwen currently occupying fourth spot on 16 points - five points ahead of Humphries. Commentator Murphy believes Humphries has the ability to go on a winning streak and catapult himself into the Play-Offs. "I don't know what's wrong, but he's the one player outside the Play-Offs who could win back-to-back nights and make a push for the top four." Humphries remains unconcerned about his title defence, claiming he doesn't feel the pressure of being the defending champion. "You don't think about it every week you're playing," said the 31-year-old.
"My average in the Premier League this year has been the best it's ever been, but maybe my timing has been off and people are playing better against me." The BetMGM Premier League continues in Rotterdam, with Dutch No 1 Gian van Veen hosting Luke Humphries on his first Premier League night on home soil. Home hero Michael van Gerwen faces Jonny Clayton, while Luke Littler takes on Gerwyn Price in a crucial battle near the top of the table.