Wayne Mardle has made a striking claim about Luke Humphries after the world No.2 unveiled a surprising adjustment to his throwing style during a gripping Premier League night that ultimately ended in defeat to Luke Littler — and the former professional believes the change could shape the rest of Humphries’ season.
The night delivered high drama from start to finish, with Aberdeen playing host to another electrifying chapter in the Premier League campaign. While Littler once again demonstrated his remarkable composure and match-winning instinct to clinch the night, much of the post-match conversation revolved around Humphries and the noticeable tweak he introduced to his game.
Traditionally known for his fluent and relatively quick rhythm at the oche, Humphries appeared to deliberately slow down his throwing action. From his opening match, it was clear something had changed. His setup was more measured, his release more deliberate, and his overall tempo significantly calmer than fans are used to seeing. In a sport where timing and rhythm are everything, it was a bold move — especially at such a critical stage of the competition.
Yet, rather than disrupting his performance, the adjustment seemed to have a stabilising effect.
Humphries produced a string of high-quality displays across the night, averaging around the high 90s and at times pushing beyond that mark. He battled through tough opponents, including Michael van Gerwen, showcasing both resilience and precision under pressure. Each match reinforced the idea that this was not a temporary experiment, but a calculated effort to refine his game.
Speaking after the event, Mardle admitted he was initially unsure about the change. Altering something as fundamental as throwing rhythm mid-season is rarely straightforward, and many players struggle when attempting to adjust ingrained habits. However, as Humphries progressed through the night, Mardle’s doubts began to fade.
He explained that while such changes can often backfire, Humphries looked more composed and in control with his new approach. The slower pace appeared to give him more time to focus, particularly in high-pressure moments where matches can be decided by a single dart.
Mardle emphasised that the mental side of the adjustment was just as important as the technical aspect. According to him, it takes significant confidence for a player to make such a visible change on a big stage rather than retreating to familiar habits. He noted that “the easiest thing” after a disappointing run would be to revert to what feels natural, but Humphries seems determined to resist that temptation.
Instead, the 2024 world champion is embracing the challenge of evolving his game, even if it means short-term discomfort. That mindset, Mardle suggested, is what separates elite competitors from the rest of the field.
Despite Humphries’ impressive run to the final, Littler once again proved why he is the standout figure in the current darts landscape. The teenager held his nerve in the final, producing clinical finishing at crucial moments to edge out victory. His ability to deliver under pressure continues to define his rapid rise, and this latest win further strengthens his position near the top of the standings.
For Humphries, however, the defeat may not tell the full story.
Currently battling to secure a playoff spot, he entered the night knowing that time is running out to climb into the top four. The performance in Aberdeen, even in defeat, offered clear signs of progress. More importantly, it suggested he may have found a solution to the inconsistencies that have occasionally affected his campaign.
Mardle believes this could be a turning point.
He highlighted that Humphries’ willingness to adapt demonstrates a proactive approach to improvement. Rather than attributing dips in form to external factors, he is taking responsibility and actively seeking ways to raise his level. That attitude, Mardle argued, is essential for sustained success at the highest level.
There is also a strategic element behind the change. By slowing his throw, Humphries may be aiming to improve his accuracy on doubles — often the deciding factor in tight matches. A more deliberate routine allows players to reset mentally between darts, reducing rushed decisions and increasing composure when it matters most.
However, the adjustment is not without risk. Finding the perfect balance between rhythm and control is one of the most challenging aspects of professional darts. A tempo that is too slow can disrupt natural flow, while one that is too quick can lead to costly errors. Fine-tuning that balance requires time, patience, and a willingness to persist even when results do not immediately follow.
That is why the coming weeks will be crucial.
With only a limited number of league nights remaining, every match carries significant weight for Humphries. He faces a difficult run-in, with key clashes that could determine whether he reaches the playoffs. The spotlight will be firmly on whether he sticks with his new approach or reverts to his previous rhythm under pressure.
Mardle, however, is optimistic.
He believes that if Humphries commits to the slower action and continues to build on the level he showed in Aberdeen, he has every chance of forcing his way back into contention. The signs are there, and the foundation appears solid.
In many ways, this moment reflects a broader theme in elite sport — the constant need to evolve. Even the very best players cannot afford to stand still, and those who are willing to adapt often gain the edge over their rivals.
While Littler continues to dominate headlines with his victories, Humphries’ performance offered a different kind of story — one of adjustment, resilience, and long-term ambition.
If the change proves successful, this defeat could ultimately be remembered not as a setback, but as the beginning of a crucial transformation.
For now, the Premier League season remains finely poised. Littler’s momentum shows no signs of slowing, but Humphries may have quietly unlocked a new dimension to his game. And if Mardle’s assessment proves accurate, the rest of the field has every reason to take notice.
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