The Premier League Darts stage in Exeter’s Westpoint Arena buzzed with intensity on Night Four of the 2025 season, as world No. 1 Luke Humphries clinched a hard-fought 6-4 victory over teenage sensation Luke Littler. The win, Humphries’ second nightly title of the campaign, solidified his lead atop the league standings with 15 points, seven ahead of Littler. Yet, beyond the scoreline, it was Humphries’ candid post-match admission that stole the spotlight, offering a raw glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster of life at the pinnacle of professional darts. His revelation about the love-hate dynamic of performing on stage underscored the mental toll of the sport, even for a player at the height of his powers.
Humphries, known as ‘Cool Hand Luke’ for his composure, navigated a grueling path to the final. He first dispatched Gerwyn Price in a nervy 6-4 quarter-final, overcoming a doubling disaster that saw him miss five match darts. In the semi-finals, he battled back from a 5-4 deficit against Rob Cross, nailing a stunning 167 checkout followed by a 116 to secure a 6-5 win. The final against Littler was no less dramatic. Littler, the reigning world champion, started with a bang, taking out a 144 finish to seize an early 3-1 lead. But Humphries’ finishing prowess, particularly on doubles 10 and 5, turned the tide, allowing him to capitalize on Littler’s misses and close out the match. “Luke played fantastic tonight, didn’t play that great in the final, and I managed to put my foot on the gas right at the end of the legs,” Humphries reflected, crediting his clutch finishing for the win. “It’s the first time I’ve beaten him in the Premier League.”
The victory was a milestone, marking Humphries’ first Premier League win over Littler in seven attempts. Yet, it was his introspection that resonated most. “You’ll see me on the stage, and one minute I’m furious with myself, the next I’m happy,” he told reporters, revealing the emotional swings that define his performances. “Sometimes I enjoy it, sometimes I hate it.” This admission laid bare the pressure of competing under the spotlight, especially against a prodigy like Littler, whose 20 maximums and averages of 112 and 110 earlier in the night set a blistering pace. Humphries’ honesty highlighted the mental fortitude required to maintain his world No. 1 status, a position he’s held since his 2024 World Championship triumph over Littler.
The 30-year-old from Newbury has had a stellar 2025, adding the World Masters and the opening Premier League night in Belfast to his resume. His Exeter performance, with a 101.24 average and six 180s, showcased his ability to rise to the occasion, even when not at his peak. “It felt like hard work but felt good,” he said, acknowledging the grind of facing a field stacked with talents like Price, Cross, and Littler. The win, he hopes, will propel him toward the elusive Premier League crown, a title he’s yet to claim despite his 2023 Players Championship Finals and World Grand Prix titles. “Being sat on 15 points after four weeks, that’s a dream start for me,” he added, eyeing a top-four finish for the May 29 play-offs at London’s O2 Arena.
Littler, despite the loss, remained a formidable force, having obliterated Stephen Bunting 6-3 with a record 10 maximums in the quarter-finals and Nathan Aspinall 6-2 in the semis with a 110 average. Humphries praised his rival’s brilliance, noting, “When you know you’re playing against Luke Littler, you need to be at your best to beat him.” The defeat didn’t dent Littler’s confidence, as he prepares for the UK Open in Minehead, where Humphries is also a favorite. As the Premier League heads to Brighton, Humphries’ candid reflection serves as a reminder of the human side of darts’ elite, where triumphs are as much about mental resilience as they are about precision on the oche.
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