HUMPHRIES BLAMES PREMIER LEAGUE FOR MINEHEAD TROUBLE
14/09/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
LUKE HUMPHRIES admits the Premier League grind is leaving darts’ biggest stars sweating on Minehead qualification.
World No. 1 Humphries saw off Kevin Doets 6-4 in round two of the World Series Finals after averaging a terrific 101.87 and smashing in SEVEN 180s to reach the quarter-final.
But ‘Cool Hand’ confessed the hectic calendar is taking its toll on the game’s elite.
Humphries reckons the intensity of the Premier League, combined with a packed PDC schedule, has left many top names under pressure to reach the Players Championship Finals in November.
Cheshire ace Humphries knows the clock is ticking with just seven Players Championship events left to seal his spot at the major and said: “I will play in all of them.
“Even if I win one, I’ll probably still play in all of them, to be honest. It’s the situation I find myself in – not one I’m regretting.
“If I didn’t make it, I feel like I should, but I wouldn’t be regretting anything or disappointed. I had to take time off, and I’ve had to spend more time with my family.
“If it becomes the scenario of missing out, of course I’ll be gutted – but it won’t be the end of the world. I want to be in every major, so I’ll be playing in all of them.”
He added: “It’s up to me to go and earn my spot.
“I had a couple of really good performances in the week but just didn’t get over the line – there’s nothing to say that won’t happen again in the next seven.
“I’m under no illusion that it’s not guaranteed. When you’re in the Premier League – me, Michael, Luke, Nathan – we’re all under the cosh because you just can’t play in everything.
“With seven more tournaments left, in my own mind I feel like I should qualify, but if I don’t, then unfortunately, I won’t be there.”
Eight-times major winner Humphries will now face home favourite Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-final at Amsterdam.
He revealed: “He’s beaten me every time I’ve been here. He’s a great friend of mine. I absolutely love Michael to bits.
“He’s one of the funniest guys on tour, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. He’s looked after me over the years, being in the same management group.
“I’ve got a lot of time for him, but of course, it’s business tomorrow.
“Michael thrives in this environment, in his home country – I know he lives very close to here.
“If I have to face him tomorrow, it’s going to be a tough task, because the crowd will be behind him.
“But I’ve played him in this environment many times.
“I beat him in Rotterdam in the Premier League last year, so I’m experienced enough that I won’t let it affect me too much.”
