Luke Humphries Triumphs in Premier League Play-offs, Secures Historic Triple Crown
In an exhilarating showdown at London’s O2 Arena on Thursday night, Luke Humphries claimed his ninth victory over rising star Luke Littler, winning the Premier League play-offs final with a commanding score of 11-8. This impressive victory not only solidified Humphries’ position as the world No. 1 but also earned him a substantial prize of £305,000, which included three additional £10,000 bonuses awarded throughout the evening.
Humphries has now entered the annals of darts history as only the fourth player to achieve the coveted Triple Crown, having captured the world title, the World Matchplay, and the Premier League champion title. He joins the ranks of legends like Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Gary Anderson, positioning himself as a formidable contender against the burgeoning talent of 18-year-old Littler.
Despite calls for changes to the Premier League format, Humphries has voiced his support for its current structure, stating, “People talk about changing the Premier League format, but why would I want to change it when I reached the final one year and won it the next?” He acknowledged that meeting top competitors frequently is a natural part of the sport, adding, “If it’s me and Luke in the final of every tournament, you will see us playing each other 40 or 50 times a year.”
Humphries emphasized that the existing format continues to attract large audiences, saying, “The fans still come in their thousands, and it still gets good numbers on Sky Sports.”
After a grueling Premier League season, where Littler held the top spot for nearly four months, both players are set to represent defending champions England at the upcoming World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt. Excited about the partnership, Littler remarked, "I can’t wait for the World Cup. He won it last year, so now he can lead me to victory."
Humphries also welcomed the chance to mentor his younger counterpart, stating, “It will take good darts to beat us. They will have to play well. We have a lot of pressure on our shoulders, but we will thrive on it.” Darts legends Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis have praised the duo, known as the "Two Lukes," as a strong force in the sport.
Acknowledging their bond, Humphries shared, “I love Luke; I think he’s a good kid and a close friend of mine in darts. We always chat when we’re together. He’s an incredible talent, and I’m sure he’ll achieve even more than I will in my career.” He added, “I’m happy when I snag a win here and there, but I know he’ll get back at me many times in the future.”
Looking ahead, Humphries recognizes the evolving landscape of darts, noting, “There’s always someone new coming up. In five years, there could be ten players as good as me and Luke.”
As the rivalry between these two exceptional players continues to unfold, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters in the world of darts.
