“I actually questioned whether he thought he could win last week” – Mark Webster puzzled about Luke Humphries recent form as he questions his belief on the oche

Reigning Premier League Darts champion Luke Humphries is facing a difficult spell in this year’s competition. Currently sitting sixth without a nightly win, there’s a real risk he could miss out on Finals Night. Former pro turned pundit Mark Webster has even questioned whether the world No.2 still believes he can win a night.

‘Cool Hand Luke’ is now five points adrift of Michael van Gerwen in fourth — the final qualification spot for the playoffs at London’s O2 Arena. His hopes took another hit after a 6-2 quarter-final defeat to Luke Littler, who went on to win the night in Liverpool. Meanwhile, rivals around him continue to collect valuable points as time begins to run out.

Webster admitted he was surprised by both the performance and Humphries’ reaction on Night 12. Speaking to Paddy Power, he said: “Humphries is running out of time and I thought he would have found his rhythm by now. I even questioned whether he believed he could win last week — it was a strange one.”

With only four nights remaining, there is still a chance to turn things around — but urgency is key. Webster added: “He’s still got a bit of time, but he needs to start winning nights quickly. Van Gerwen looks like he’s regaining focus, and I can see him holding onto that top-four spot.”

Elsewhere, Gerwyn Price is another big name struggling for consistency. His last nightly win came in Manchester, and since then he has suffered three straight quarter-final exits. Despite sitting third on 19 points, the pressure is building.

Looking ahead to Night 13 in Aberdeen, Webster highlighted Price’s clash with Stephen Bunting as a key match. “It’s a big game for Price,” he said. “He’s been stuck on 19 points for a while now and needs to push on after a frustrating week.”

While defeat could put his top-four spot at risk, Webster expects Price to deliver. “It might be a tight, scrappy game, but when it matters most, Price usually steps up. I fancy him to get the win.”

Webster also tipped Littler to continue his strong form and chase a fifth nightly victory. He praised Josh Rock for improving during the campaign but believes Littler remains the standout performer.

“Normal service resumed for Littler last week,” Webster said. “He bounced back in style and doesn’t stay out of form for long. He let his darts do the talking, and I expect more of the same.”

With confidence restored, Littler is being backed to go back-to-back. “There should be plenty of 180s, and I can see him coming through comfortably. He looked sharp and focused — and he’ll be chasing that top spot again.”