Luke Humphries is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his beloved Leeds United as he sets his sights on BetMGM Premier League success at the First Direct Arena tonight.
Humphries will take centre stage on Night 14 of this year’s roadshow in West Yorkshire, as he goes up against seven-time champion Michael van Gerwen in a mouth-watering quarter-final tie.
The world number one defeated Van Gerwen to claim the nightly spoils in Leeds 12 months ago, and a repeat performance on Thursday would confirm his Play-Off qualification with two weeks of league action to spare.
“Winning in Leeds last year was a great feeling, and it's something I would love to repeat again,” insisted Humphries, who leads Van Gerwen by six points heading into this evening’s action.
“It's been a great few weeks for the city of Leeds, and I would love to be the one to top it off.
"It should be an amazing atmosphere. I'm really up for it, and I want to make sure I'm the best version of myself.
"Michael needs to win games to get himself to The O2, so he won't want to create any unnecessary drama for himself, but I'm here to win.”
Humphries was denied Premier League glory by an inspired Luke Littler 12 months ago, and just days later, Leeds suffered a chastening defeat against Southampton in the Championship Play-Off final.
However, after Daniel Farke’s side secured their return to the top flight by winning the Championship last weekend, Humphries is hoping to replicate their success over the coming weeks.
“It would be a great double,” quipped Humphries, who boasts a seven-point buffer over Nathan Aspinall in fifth position.
“Last year was double-heartbreak - I lost in the Premier League final and Leeds lost the Play-Off final.
“Hopefully it’s my turn to double-up, with Leeds going up to the Premier League and me winning the Premier League. That would be nice!”
Humphries has featured in six nightly finals so far this season, although he’s without a nightly triumph since Night Four in Exeter, losing in a hat-trick of finals since then.
Despite that, the 30-year-old has produced some monstrous averages over recent weeks, including a staggering 118.43 against Stephen Bunting on Night Ten in Manchester.
The 2023/24 World Champion also averaged 113 in his quarter-final win over Nathan Aspinall on Night 12, while he posted a 107.46 average in defeat against Gerwyn Price in Birmingham last Thursday.
“In last year’s Premier League my first games were my weakest, and my second and third games were my best,” reflected the world number one.
“This year my first game seems to be where I’m at my best. I’ve had countless ton-plus averages in my opening game, which stands me in good stead for this week.
“Hopefully I can start well and then what I need to do is capitalise on it by performing at a consistent level, because that is what will win you the night.”
2025 BetMGM Premier League
Night 14 - Thursday May 8
First Direct Arena, Leeds
Quarter-Finals
Rob Cross v Gerwyn Price
Nathan Aspinall v Luke Littler
Michael van Gerwen v Luke Humphries
Stephen Bunting v Chris Dobey
Semi-Finals
Cross/Price v Aspinall/Littler
Van Gerwen/Humphries v Bunting/Dobey
Final
v
All matches best of 11 legs
