Wayne Mardle makes major Luke Humphries claim after star resorts to shock new darts action in Luke Littler defeat

Wayne Mardle has praised Luke Humphries for appearing “more composed” after adopting a slower throwing rhythm.

Humphries reached his second nightly final of the Premier League season on Night 13 in Aberdeen, before losing out to Luke Littler.

Mardle highlighted how easy it can be for players to abandon changes under pressure, especially after a tough result.

He explained: “If he takes a heavy loss in a final, the natural reaction is to go straight back to what feels comfortable.

“That’s what we all do — revert to type. Recency plays a big part too. Your brain tells you what worked before and pushes you back in that direction.

“But I hope he sticks with this approach because, to me, he looks more composed with the slower pace.

“I’ll admit, like Glen Durrant, I wasn’t convinced at first. But I’ve changed my view — I really like what he’s doing now.

“He deserves credit because it’s not easy to make that kind of adjustment when everyone is watching and questioning it.

“People will say he’s lost rhythm or gone out of sync, but that’s not the case. He understands his own game.”

Humphries now sits sixth in the standings, just two points off the Play-Off spots, with three nights of the regular season left.

The former world champion returns to action on Thursday, where he is set to face Josh Rock in Leeds.