Can Defending Champion Humphries Overcome Struggles to Reach Top Four?

Defending Premier League champion Luke Humphries is at risk of missing out on the top four and failing to qualify for the Play-Offs at London's O2 on May 28. Currently sitting seventh in the Premier League table with 11 points after 10 weeks, Humphries is still searching for his first nightly victory. He recently suffered a 6-5 defeat to leader Jonny Clayton in Brighton, with Clayton finishing with a bullseye to edge a last-leg decider. Humphries then experienced a last-16 exit at the Player Championship 9 in Wigan, where Chris Dobey secured his second title of 2026. Humphries' schedule doesn't get any easier as he faces home favourite Gian van Veen in Rotterdam on Thursday. With time running out, Michael Bridge and Chris Murphy discussed Humphries' chances of making the Play-Off places on the Love The Darts podcast. "Luke isn't dominating like he used to," said Bridge. "He's getting his life back on track, and I don't think missing the top four would devastate him like it would have a couple of years ago.") 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 noted, "I don't know what the issue is, but something seems off. However, out of all the players currently outside the Play-Offs, I think Humphries is the one who could go on a winning streak and catapult himself into the top four." Humphries remains confident, stating he doesn't feel the pressure of defending his title and believes his average in the Premier League this year has been the best it's ever been. The BetMGM Premier League continues in Rotterdam, with Dutch No 1 Gian van Veen hosting Luke Humphries, while home hero Michael van Gerwen faces Jonny Clayton. Ranking points are awarded per night, with the top four players progressing to Finals Night at The O2 in London on May 28.