HUMPHRIES INSISTS HE IS NOT CHASING LITTLER
16/03/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
By Aaron Nijjar
LUKE HUMPHRIES insists he is not trying to chase Luke Littler in the race to be the best player on the planet.
World No.2 Humphries relinquished top spot to Littler on November 16 last year after losing the Grand Slam final.
The teenage sensation has dominated the PDC circuit since, winning FIVE successive major titles as he closes in on becoming the sport’s first £3million earner.
‘Cool Hand’ now sits a staggering £1,754,500 behind Littler in the Order of Merit.
Humphries admits the gap at the top feels huge and believes he will need around 18 months to realistically close it.
He said: “I’m not chasing Luke, to be honest. If we were in a marathon and if I was chasing him, he would be on the 14th mile and I would be at the start.
“So, I ain’t catching him. So, I am not chasing anybody, nor am I trying to let Gian [van Veen] chase me.
“I know I am still one of the top two players in the world, regardless of results and whatever happens.
“If I was number three in the world right now, I would still believe I am number two playing-wise.”
The Cheshire thrower has also called for changes to the rankings system after the World Championship winner’s prize was increased to £1million.
Humphries believes the structure does not reward consistency, with players able to leapfrog others after just one good run at Ally Pally.
He added: “The rankings don’t always tell the story. The Worlds is very heavily headed now.
“If some random person goes on to win the Worlds next year, I won’t be number two anyway. It might not be deserving.
“So maybe the rankings will be checked and looked at one day to reward the player that is playing the most consistent.
“If you are not world No.1 there is nothing to chase. I need a good 18 months to catch that back, to be fair.”
Humphries has already enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 season, winning Players Championship 4 and finishing runner-up at the World Masters.
The eight-time major winner returns to action this Thursday in the Premier League, where he faces Jonny Clayton on Night Seven in Dublin.
Humphries currently sits fifth in the table after reaching the final last week in Nottingham.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
