HUYBRECHTS BLASTS PREMIER LEAGUE FORMAT
10/05/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
KIM HUYBRECHTS has slammed the current Premier League format and claims fans don’t want to see Luke Littler face Michael van Gerwen 20 times.
World No. 1 Luke Humphries launched a staunch defence of the scheduling after his sixth meeting of the season with Luke Littler on Thursday night in Leeds.
‘Cool Hand’ says fans want to see the best clash with the best on a regular basis.
But Huybrechts, who last competed in the Premier League during the old format, admits he’s not a backer.
He said on the Darts Draait Door podcast: “I don’t really like this format. It’s lost some of its charm compared to before.
“Who wants to watch the twentieth meeting between Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen in just half a year?
“Back then, it was one blockbuster like Phil Taylor versus Raymond van Barneveld. That was something you’d switch your TV on for.
“Now, I don’t watch much when I’m home. I see these guys more often than I see my own family.”
The 39-year-old revealed his own previous experiences were tough for differing reasons.
Former major finalist Kim Huybrechts competed in the Premier League twice, in 2015 and 2017, but finished rock bottom in tenth place both times.
‘The Hurricane’s’ most recent appearance in the competition ended in sad circumstances as he missed the final night.
He explained: “That week, I found out my mother only had about a month left to live. It was all just too much.
“I skipped that final week, which was meant to be against Peter Wright.
“The doctors advised me not to leave the country because it could happen at any moment.”
Antwerp thrower Huybrechts has had a tough start to the year, with his best performance so far being a run to the last 16 at Players Championship Two.
However, Huybrechts could potentially be set to represent Belgium at the World Cup on June 12-15 in Frankfurt, following compatriot Dimitri Van den Bergh’s decision to take a break from darts to focus on his mental health and well-being.
And world No. 48 Huybrechts has a stellar record in the competition reaching the semi-final on seven occasions in the last ten years.
He would play in the team event alongside World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
