Luke Humphries moves to first Premier League win of the night and Play-Offs with win against Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price in Birmingham | Arrow News
Luke Humphries cruised to his first Premier League night success with a win against Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price in Birmingham to reach Finals Night at London’s O2.
Humphries started the night with a whitewash victory over Stephen Bunting, before defeating world No 1 Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price in the final.
He struck out 117, and averaged 100.16 with a 6-4 victory over Price that meant all four Play-Off spots were guaranteed.
“I’m incredibly proud of myself, probably the proudest I’ve ever been in my life. For me, the last two Premier Leagues have been easy, going through 14 weeks,” said former world champion Humphries.
“The last few weeks there has been a lot of pressure on my shoulders. To get to three finals and win one means a lot. I am written down a lot as a player but this means I have that determination and determination.”
He added: “Yes [there was a point where I thought I wouldn’t make Finals Night]. If you have five points out of the top four you think you need a miracle.
“But in my mind, my girlfriend’s mind, we knew I had it in me. I needed someone to tell me I could do it, and I believed in myself those last few weeks.
“I’m very proud because it would have hurt me if I didn’t defend the title at the O2.”
Humphries averaged nearly 111 as he defeated arch-rival Luke Littler 6-3 to reach his third straight final of the night.
‘Cool Hand’ trailed 3-0 to Littler before reeling off six straight legs to claim a dominant victory.
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Humphries won SIX laps on the spin to beat Luke Littler
Sky Sports Darts‘ John Part called Humphries’ performance “golden”, saying: “I described Luke’s chances of qualifying a few weeks ago as impossible. But he’s made the odds so much better. What a performance tonight, absolute gold, you couldn’t ask for more.”
Price booked his place in the Play-Offs for the second consecutive year defeating Gian van Veen in a tough semi-final.
The Welshman reached the final for the first time since winning in Manchester six weeks ago with 112 and 109 en route to a 6-4 victory against the reigning world junior champion.
Littler is an excellent host
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Highlights of the quarter-final between Littler and Jonny Clayton
Littler anointed Jonny Clayton with an average of a ton to ensure he will finish top of the table for the third campaign in a row.
The youngster was once again up against old foe Humphries in the semi-finals, with the reigning champion handing Bunting a 6-0 defeat to eliminate the Liverpudlian.
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Littler walked out to a chorus of boos in Birmingham
‘Cool Hand’ averaged 107.3 with 60 percent doubles.
Van Veen brought the highest rating down on Josh Rock and stopped the day with Price.
The young Dutchman averaged over 102 to secure two crucial points in his push for the Play-Offs, while Price grabbed victory from Michael van Gerwen in a back-and-forth thriller.
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Price and Michael van Gerwen faced trouble twice in their quarter-final match
The ‘Iceman’ crashed eight 180s and averaged over a ton to score two big points and close at the O2.
It means that Van Gerwen, who made the Play-Offs in 12 of the 13 years in the Premier League until 2024, has failed to make it to Final Night in the last two years and is now in danger of dropping down the rankings.
Mark Webster has rejoined the Sky Sports team in Birmingham and recently revealed that he has been there he was diagnosed with hair cell leukemia – a rare form of blood cancer – and recovery has been slower than expected.
What happened on Premier League Night 16 in Sheffield
The 2026 BetMGM Premier League season will conclude at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield where the seats are checked, which will determine who plays in the semi-finals of the Play-Off.
Price faces Van Veen and Humphries will face Van Gerwen, while top seed Littler faces Rock, and Clayton moves up against Bunting.
Ranking points are awarded each night – five for the winner, three for the runner-up and two for the semi-finalists – to form a league table where the top four players will advance to Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, May 28.
Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries will be defending his title and you can watch the action every Thursday until May on Sky Sports. Stream darts and other top games NOW.
