‘Have You Got That Dog In You?’ — Luke Humphries Opens Up on Premier League Fightback

With just one week remaining before the Premier League Darts Play-Offs at London’s iconic The O2, the final four are officially confirmed.

Luke Humphries booked his place in the finals after finally securing his first nightly victory of the campaign on Night 15 in Birmingham, defeating Gerwyn Price in the final. Price also sealed qualification on the same night, joining league leader Luke Littler and Jonny Clayton in the season-ending showdown in London.

For Humphries, qualification has come in dramatic fashion. The reigning Premier League champion has spent just four of the 15 Premier League weeks inside the top four and admitted he has effectively “come through the back door” to reach finals night.

After dominating large periods of the last two seasons, this year’s campaign has been far more difficult than Humphries would have expected. 

Yet when his playoff hopes appeared to be fading, the Englishman discovered something important about himself.

“What have you got in you? Have you got that fight? Have you got that dog in you? I’ve found out that I have got it in me. That’s what separates the good players, from the great players. You need that dog in you, to fight when you really have to fight,” Humphries told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

“This Premier League hasn’t gone all my way. But I've managed to put my heart into it, and this past three weeks I've played my best darts when it really means something.”

Through the Back Door — and Dangerous

Across sport, teams or players who sneak into the playoffs late are often viewed as the most dangerous opponents of all.

Humphries believes there are similarities with his own situation. 

Only a few weeks ago, many expected him to miss out on the top four entirely, but his late resurgence has changed the entire complexion of his season.

The 31-year-old admitted that if he were to go on and win the Premier League title this year, it could feel even more rewarding than his triumph 12 months ago because of how hard he has had to battle to stay alive in the competition.

“Would winning the Premier League this year be more special than last year, I say yeah. It’s been hard work this year; it’s not been as easy. The last two years have been a lot more comfortable.”

“You could look at it as though I’ve just got through the backdoor and there’s not really pressure on me, because three weeks ago people would have said I wouldn’t qualify. But now I’ve qualified and no one really expected it.”

“I’m just going to have to try and relax, and think I'm a little bit not lucky, but fortunate to be here, and see what can happen.”

Sheffield Still Matters

Although the playoff places are now settled, there is still something significant on the line heading into next week’s final league night in Sheffield.

Humphries and Price remain level on 24 points, though the Welshman currently occupies third place thanks to his two nightly victories this season. Humphries can still leapfrog Price if he outscores him in Sheffield.

That finishing position could prove crucial.

Whoever ends the regular season in fourth place will face Littler in the semi-finals at The O2, while third place earns a clash against Clayton.

Littler arrives in London once again looking like the man to beat. The teenage sensation had won the previous three Premier League nights in Liverpool, Aberdeen and Leeds before Humphries stopped his remarkable 10-match winning streak in Birmingham.

Another Luke vs Luke Final?

The rivalry between Humphries and Littler has become the defining matchup of modern darts.

The pair have contested the last two Premier League finals, with Littler triumphing in 2024 before Humphries gained revenge by lifting his maiden Premier League crown last year.

Naturally, attention is already turning toward the possibility of another blockbuster “Luke vs Luke” final in London. 

While Humphries insisted he has no preference over when he faces Littler, he admitted their contests are the games he relishes most.

“It doesn't matter to me, but of course it’s always just a great final. I don't mean to sound biased, but I just think it’s the best game. You’ve seen that tonight.”

“When it’s a Premier League final, I think that really wets the appetite.”

“It’s always such a great game, and if it’s not a great game, it’s always a battle in certain moments. It would be nice if we were separated for those reasons, but if we’re not, then I’m ready to go and play him in the semi-finals,” he concluded.