Luke Humphries: I’m ready to face Luke Littler in semi-final if it comes to it

By Jonathan Veal, Press Association

Luke Humphries does not mind if he ends up playing Luke Littler in the Premier League play-offs semi-final as the weekly roadshow wraps up in Sheffield.

Humphries overcame a poor start to the campaign to book his spot at the O2 Arena next Thursday after winning in Birmingham last week.

Gerwyn Price also secured a top-four spot and with Littler and Jonny Clayton locked in the top two spots, all that is left to be decided on the final night is third and fourth position.

Whoever finishes third will meet Littler in the last-four next week and Humphries is ready to take it as it comes, even if he thinks their rivalry should be reserved for the final.

“It doesn’t matter to me, but of course, it’s always just a great final between me (and Luke) and I don’t mean to sound biased, but I just think it’s the best game – it’s always such a good game,” the defending champion, who beat Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals, said.

“And if it’s not a great game, it’s always a battle in certain moments.

“It would be nice if we are separated for that reason, but if we’re not, then I’m ready to go and play him in the semi-final and it’d be the same for him against me.

“I think I’m one of those players now where it doesn’t matter when we’re playing. I don’t think Luke’s going to care if it’s me or Gezzy, he knows it is going to be a tough game.

“And I think top four in the Premier League this year, the top four players in the world.”

Littler, fresh from receiving his MBE from Prince William on Tuesday, is aiming for a record seventh nightly win.

He opens against Josh Rock, while Price takes on Gian van Veen.