Ambitious Humphries reveals Premier League dream

Luke Humphries

Luke Humphries has revealed his ambition to play in the Premier League in the future after reaching his first televised ranking final at the Ladbrokes UK Open on Sunday.

Despite coming up short in his first televised final against James Wade, fomer World Youth Champion Humphries produced a sensational 107.41 average in an eye-catching 11-5 semi-final defeat of reigning champion Michael van Gerwen.

Humphries, who became the first 'Challenger' to win a Premier League match last March, moves up eight places to 33rd on the PDC Order of Merit but is now looking to accelerate his progress in 2021.

"It's coming to that time of my career now, I want to start winning major titles," said the 26-year-old two-time World Championship quarter-finalist.

"I strive for big things in darts. This is not just a final for me, it puts me in the Grand Slam [of Darts] as well which is another tournament I can look forward to.

"I want to be in the Premier League, I want to be playing the best players in the world week-in, week-out. I think I've got the game, I really do think I've got the game.

"[Sunday] wasn't my night but I'm very proud of what I've achieved this weekend. It's been an incredible weekend, an emotional weekend for me.

"Losing early at the World Championship really hurt my confidence, so to bounce back and reach a TV final is the most unbelievable feeling.

"I put up the best fight I could against James, who is the best player in the world under pressure and he showed that in the final."