Humphries experiences a spectacular evening in Birmingham, achieving a dual victory. Michael van Gerwen emerges as the significant loser.
Defending champion Luke Humphries has ended his compatriot Luke Littler’s winning streak in the Premier League and simultaneously celebrated his first nightly win on the 15th matchday. With this victory, the world number two also secured his spot in the playoffs, the final round in London.
Humphries delivered an outstanding performance in Birmingham. In the quarter-finals, the 2024 World Champion decisively defeated Jonny Clayton with a score of 6-0.
In the semi-final against Littler, who had won the last three matchdays and already accumulated six nightly victories, the 31-year-old trailed 0-3 before winning six consecutive legs, completely overwhelming the world number one. Humphries achieved a phenomenal average of 110.98, eleven points higher than Littler.
Michael van Gerwen’s Playoff Hopes Dashed After Loss to Price
In the final, Humphries went on to defeat Gerwyn Price 6-4. Despite the final loss, Price, like Humphries, has confirmed his place in the playoffs with one matchday remaining in the regular season.
Next week in Sheffield, the competition will focus on whether Price or Humphries (both on 24 points) will secure third place behind Littler (41), who is confirmed as the number one seed, and Clayton (34), who is guaranteed second place.
Conversely, record winner Michael van Gerwen’s playoff aspirations have ended. His first-round exit against Price leaves the seven-time Premier League champion with 18 points, eliminating any chance of reaching the playoffs.
The semi-finals and the grand final will take place on May 28th at London’s O2 Arena.