Can Defending Champion Humphries Recover to Make the Premier League Play-Offs?

Defending Premier League champion Luke Humphries is in danger 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 suffered a narrow 6-5 defeat to leader Jonny Clayton in Brighton last week, with Clayton finishing with a bullseye to win a last-leg decider. Humphries then exited the Player Championship 9 in Wigan at the last-16 stage as Chris Dobey won his second title of 2026. Things don't get any easier for the world No 2 as he faces home favourite Gian van Veen in Rotterdam on Thursday. With Humphries looking to build momentum and push towards the Play-Off places, Michael Bridge and Chris Murphy discussed his chances 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 the pressure is getting to him like it used to. He'll try to go on a run now, but I don't think he'll be devastated if he doesn't make the top four." 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. "I don't know what the problem is, but something seems off," said commentator Murphy. "However, out of all the players currently outside the Play-Offs, I think Humphries is the one who could win back-to-back nights and catapult himself into the top four." Humphries, who won his ninth career European Tour title at the Belgian Darts Open last month, remains unconcerned about his title defence, saying he doesn't feel the pressure of defending. "You're not thinking about it every week you play," 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. It's just one of those things that happens in sport. Sometimes you play well and don't get the rewards. It's not something I'm worried about. I've been playing well this year and have won a couple of tournaments. I'm not too worried about my form; it's just that I haven't been performing consistently in the Premier League. But I'm still performing well, and it's up to me to put in big performances and try to win a night or two to get into the O2 and defend my title. If I don't, so be it. I won't be too hard on myself." The BetMGM Premier League heads to Rotterdam for another crucial night of action, with Dutch No 1 Gian van Veen hosting Luke Humphries on his first Premier League night on home soil. Luke Littler faces Gerwyn Price in a crucial battle near the top of the table, while Stephen Bunting hopes to make further inroads towards the Play-Offs as he takes on Josh Rock. Ranking points are awarded per night, with the top four players progressing to Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, May 28.