Wayne Mardle believes Luke Humphries’ struggles in the Premier League Darts are beginning to “infect” the rest of his game.
The world No.2 has endured a difficult campaign so far, failing to win a single night after 12 weeks and reaching just one final.
“Cool Hand” suffered a 6-2 defeat to Luke Littler in the quarter-finals in Liverpool last week, leaving him down in sixth place—five points adrift of the play-off positions.
Mardle believes the issues that first appeared in Humphries’ finishing have now started to affect other areas of his performance.
Speaking to Oche180, he said: “It began with his doubling letting him down, and at that stage there were no other real negatives. He was playing brilliantly and winning on the European Tour.
“He was doing so much right, but then stepping onto the Premier League stage and not taking out his doubles.
“Now, his scoring has dipped slightly as well. At times his doubling is coming back, but he just doesn’t look as comfortable as he once did.
“He used to look like that smooth operator we all know. Now we’re seeing a bit of frustration creeping in—headshakes and signs it’s getting to him.
“I think he might be letting that winless run affect him. He shouldn’t—but it’s easy for me to say. He knows himself that at any moment he can turn it around.
“I’ve probably been guilty of backing him every single week, thinking it’s only a matter of time before he wins one.
“But it hasn’t happened, and the fact he’s barely reached a final is quite baffling.”
Despite the current slump, Mardle is confident Humphries still has what it takes to bounce back—and wouldn’t be surprised to see him dominate again soon.
He added: “I do think things will turn around, maybe heading into the play-offs period. And when I say that, I’m looking at June and July—events like the World Cup and the Matchplay.
“If he suddenly blows everyone away at the Matchplay, would anyone be shocked? Not at all. What’s surprising is that he hasn’t managed to win a single night yet.
“There’s definitely pressure on Premier League players to perform, and when they don’t, people start looking closely at why.
“For me, he’s just not getting the rub of the green right now and missing key chances.
“When you’re used to winning consistently, there’s less pressure because results keep coming.
“But when you’re used to winning and suddenly you’re not—that’s when the pressure builds. And I do think he’s feeling that now. He has to be.
“Everyone expected him to cruise into the play-offs. There are still five weeks left, and he could easily go on a run and pick up big points.
“I still believe he’ll win one or two nights before it’s over. But make no mistake—there’s pressure on him now.”
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