HUMPHRIES CALLS FOR PREMIER LEAGUE FORMAT CHANGE

LUKE HUMPHRIES reckons the Premier League format is “due a change” as too many top players are missing out.

The World No.2 believes the current system has run its course after five years. 

The eight-man tournament operates on a knockout system, with each competitor facing off once in the quarter-finals during weeks 1-7 and again in weeks 9-15. 

Humphries insists the strength in depth across the sport means 10 stars deserve a shot on the big stage each season. 

He told talkSPORT: “I’ve really enjoyed this format. It’s suited me over the years, I love tournament play. 

“When I have won a game and played well, you are itching to play again. 

“It’s been five years now since it’s been this way, so I think it’s due a change and something the PDC will actually do. 

“I think personally there are so many great players now, certain players are missing out. They don’t need to if it was 10 players.

“So, look, it has been a great run and a lot of players have enjoyed it, but they are ready for something different to happen. I think it will next year.” 

The former world champion also fuels up before matches with a Nando’s, though he is yet to receive a coveted Black Card.

He added: “I’m still waiting for it. I’ve got my Toby Carvery one, just need a Nando’s one now.” 

‘Cool Hand’ currently sits seventh in the Premier League table after ten weeks, still searching for his first nightly victory. 

The Cheshire thrower will next face Gian van Veen in Rotterdam on Thursday, as he looks to build momentum and push towards the play-off places. 

Humphries insisted he remains unconcerned about defending his title despite mixed results so far this season. 

He continued: “I don’t really feel the pressure of defending. You’re not thinking about it every week you’re playing in it. 

“I think my average this year in the Premier League has been the best it has ever been. 

“It was better than 2024 at this moment in time and better than 2025. 

“But maybe my timing has been off and people are playing better against me. 

“That is just what happens in sport. Sometimes you can be playing really well and are just not getting the rewards. 

“It happens, but it is not something I am worried about. I have been playing well this year and have won a couple of tournaments. 

“I am not too worried about the form, it is just that I have not been performing at a consistent level in the Premier League. 

“But I’m still performing well. It is up to me now to put in those big performances, to try and maybe win one or two nights, get myself up there and try to get into the O2 and defend that title. 

“If I don’t, so be it. I am not going to be too hard on myself.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.