Humphries Dismisses Threat to Darting Duopoly with Littler
Luke Humphries has issued a firm response to suggestions that his and Luke Littler's stranglehold on world darts could be challenged this season, asserting that the pair remain the sport's undisputed "big two". The reigning Premier League champion has outlined the immense consistency required to reach the pinnacle, warning rising stars like Gian van Veen and Josh Rock that they still have significant ground to cover.
The Challenge of Sustained Excellence
Despite entering the recent World Championship aiming to reclaim the world number one spot from Littler, Humphries now finds himself under pressure from Gian van Veen in the PDC Order of Merit. Van Veen was the player who eliminated Humphries at the quarter-final stage at Alexandra Palace. Both he and fellow prodigy Josh Rock are set to make their Premier League debuts and are widely tipped as the primary challengers to the dominance established by the two Lukes over the past two years.
However, Humphries, 30, believes they must demonstrate far greater longevity before being considered amongst the very elite. "I still think it is about the two of us," declared Humphries, who defeated Van Veen at the recent World Masters before ultimately falling to Littler in the final. "For someone else to come into that mix, you've got a lot to prove. You can't make a couple of finals and, all of a sudden, it's three people."
A High Bar for Consistency
The Cool Hand Luke emphasised that joining the top echelon requires a proven track record across multiple major tournaments, a standard he and Littler have set. "You've got to consistently do it for many major tournaments," he explained. "Over the last two and a half years, I've made like 16 major finals and I think Luke has made the same. Someone else has got to make 16 major finals, then they can say, 'OK, I'm in that mix.' I still think me and Luke are the two best players in the world consistently."
While acknowledging the threat posed by the new generation, Humphries maintained a clear distinction. "Gian has definitely shown that he can challenge us and be a part of that league. There are definitely two of us at the top who are consistent. There are 10 players who are just as good, they just need to perform at a consistent level, as we have."
The Gruelling Premier League Reality Check
The stamina of Van Veen and Rock will face an immediate and stern test throughout the demanding Premier League campaign, which commences in Newcastle on Thursday night and concludes in late May. Humphries, who begins his title defence against Gerwyn Price, offered a seasoned perspective on the challenges that await the debutants.
"For the new players who aren't used to it, they'll enjoy the first year. In the second and third years, it gets tougher," he cautioned. "The new Premier League players think they're going to play in everything but you're not going to. You're going to have to miss tournaments and you're going to get burnout, so it'll be interesting to see how they're going to handle it."
He elaborated on the relentless schedule that defines the top level. "They're going to learn how tough it is. When you're playing in every World Series event, every Premier League night, every European Tour event, like some of them think they're going to do, they'll find out that burnout does happen. After the Worlds, you just think you're going to keep going but it doesn't happen like that. It does take a lot out of you. People like Josh and Gian will learn that you can't do everything."
Advice from a Champion
Humphries revealed he has already offered counsel to Van Veen, based on his own hard-earned experience. "I spoke to Gian the other week and I said, 'What are you going to miss?' He said, 'I'm going to do every Euro Tour.' I said, 'You probably won't because you'll realise halfway through it that it's a lot tougher than people think.'"
Despite the warnings, the champion acknowledged the advantages youth provides. "But I think they'll do really well. They're young, they're healthy and that's what's important. If you're young, fit and healthy, you should be able to do most things." Contrasting his own situation, Humphries added, "I'm not as young as them anymore, so I have to try and pick and choose what I do. I think I've got it sussed now but it takes a bit of time to understand that."
The opening night in Newcastle sets the stage for compelling clashes. Alongside Humphries versus Price, the other quarter-finals feature a heavyweight rematch between Luke Littler and Gian van Veen, a repeat of the World Championship final. Josh Rock makes his bow against Jonny Clayton, while Stephen Bunting takes on the legendary Michael van Gerwen.
