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 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 his struggles, as has a last-16 exit at the Player Championship 9 in Wigan. Humphries faces home favourite Gian van Veen in Rotterdam on Thursday, and with time running out, experts Michael Bridge and Chris Murphy discuss 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 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 Michael van Gerwen currently occupying fourth spot, five points ahead of him. Commentator Murphy believes Humphries has the ability to go on a winning streak and catapult himself into the top four. "I don't think it's panic stations yet, but he is running out of time and needs to win nights, not just matches," said Murphy.
Humphries remains unconcerned about his title defence, stating he doesn't feel the pressure of defending. "You're not thinking about it every week you're playing in it," said the 31-year-old. "My average this year in the Premier League has been the best it has ever been, but maybe my timing has been off, and people are playing better against me." The BetMGM Premier League moves to Rotterdam, where Dutch No 1 Gian van Veen will host Luke Humphries, and Michael van Gerwen faces Jonny Clayton.
With ranking points awarded per night, the top four players will progress to Finals Night at The O2 in London on May 28.