Humphries Breezes to Premier League Opener After Van Gerwen Sinks Littler
The Premier League of Darts kicked off with an electrifying atmosphere on the opening night in Belfast, showcasing the cream of the crop in the world of darts. Fans were treated to an evening full of drama, high averages, and outstanding finishes that set a thrilling tone for the season ahead.
The Opening Night
Luke Humphries emerged victorious in a stunning fashion, effortlessly dispatching Chris Dobey with a resounding 6-1 win in the final. This performance confirmed Humphries as a serious contender in the Premier League and set the stage for what could be an extraordinary campaign.
Earlier in the evening, the world No. 1 demonstrated his prowess by overcoming Nathan Aspinall and the legendary Michael van Gerwen in the semi-finals at the SSE Arena. Humphries’ clinical finishing made all the difference, particularly in his matches leading up to the final.
A Masterclass in Finishing
Humphries showcased a dazzling display of accuracy and poise, hitting six out of seven attempts at the outer ring in his final against Dobey. Following his victory, he jokingly remarked, “There was a bit of a breeze, but it was blowing my darts into the doubles so I was happy. I’m happy to get off to a good start; the aim is just to get into the top four. I think this is the hardest Premier League for a very, very long time.”
His confidence was palpable, hinting at a determined effort to cement his place among the Premier League elite.
Van Gerwen’s Dramatic Semi-Final
The semi-final stage witnessed a clash of titans as Michael van Gerwen faced Luke Littler in a nail-biting contest that mirrored their recent World Championship final encounter. In this highly anticipated match-up, Van Gerwen ultimately secured the win with a narrow 6-5 margin after an intense battle. The tension bubbled beneath the surface following some pre-match jabs from Van Gerwen, who criticized Littler for his tardiness at a media event.
Despite the external noise, Littler proved more than capable, posting an impressive average of 113.91—the second-highest losing average in Premier League history. Van Gerwen, averaging 105.91, displayed flashes of his legendary form. However, he nearly let the match slip away before holding his nerve to clinch victory.
Humphries’ Path to Glory
Before facing Dobey, Humphries had to bolster his confidence with a decisive 6-2 victory over Nathan Aspinall. In their semi-final clash against Van Gerwen, though he stayed close in scoring, his opponent struggled on doubles, missing a total of 11 attempts, including a match dart on the bullseye. In contrast, Humphries was a model of precision, achieving checkouts of 140 and 120—finishing with aplomb to advance 6-5.
“I was very fortunate,” Humphries admitted following his win, showing humility as he emphasized the need for luck alongside skill in such high-pressure environments.
The Young Sensation: Luke Littler
Luke Littler, at just 18 years old, remains a player to watch in the Premier League. Despite his loss to Van Gerwen, he showcased maturity and skill that belied his youth. Post-match, he downplayed the pre-match tension with Van Gerwen, acknowledging his own lateness to the media event.
With the rising star’s impressive averages and performance, darts fans can expect Littler to challenge the league’s veterans throughout the season.
Chris Dobey: A Solid Start
Dobey had a commendable run leading up to the final. He kicked off the night by beating Gerwyn Price 6-4 and then followed it up with a similar score against Rob Cross in the semi-finals, demonstrating both consistency and skill. Despite the setback in the final against Humphries, Dobey remains one of the league’s formidable players.
Upcoming Matches
The Premier League continues with its next event at the Hydro in Glasgow on Thursday, where Humphries will take on Dobey in a quarter-final rematch. As tones shift and rivalries deepen during the season, the drama and excitement of the Premier League will ride high.
Premier League Schedule Table
| Date | Venue | Match |
|---|---|---|
| March 3, 2023 | SSE Arena, Belfast | Luke Humphries vs. Chris Dobey |
| March 10, 2023 | Hydro, Glasgow | Luke Humphries vs. Chris Dobey |
| March 17, 2023 | The O2 Arena, London | Finals Night |
| Full Season Details | PDC Schedule |
Players’ Social Media Links
To follow the players’ journeys, fans can engage with their official social media accounts:
- Luke Humphries: Twitter, Instagram
- Michael van Gerwen: Twitter, Instagram
- Chris Dobey: Twitter, Instagram
- Luke Littler: Twitter, Instagram
Highlights and Replays
For highlights and notable moments from the matches, check out the PDC’s official YouTube channel, where you can find compiled highlights and full matches throughout the Premier League season:
Conclusion
The opening night of the Premier League was nothing short of spectacular, with Luke Humphries proving why he’s the world No. 1 by breezing past Chris Dobey while Van Gerwen and Littler entertained with their fierce rivalry. As the the league progresses, fans will eagerly await each match, wondering how the dynamic will shift in this intense tournament. Keep an eye on the emerging talents as they push established stars, and prepare for a thrilling season ahead in the world of darts!
Feature image Credit: Google.com/www.theguardian.com
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