Luke Humphries pays for ‘ridiculous’ blunder vs MVG – ‘Can’t believe what I’ve just seen’ | Other | Sport

Luke Humphries was called “ridiculous’ by Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle after making a huge error in his Premier League Darts defeat to Michael van Gerwen. The world No.1 went out at the quarter-final stage in Cardiff, blowing a 3-0 lead against ‘MVG’ as he lost 6-4.

However, he made a hugely questionable call when given a chance to take the match into a deciding leg. Trailing 5-4, Humphries stepped up to the oche with 80 left on the board, with Van Gerwen needing just 25. Rather than aim for treble 20, though, the Englishman went for an audacious ‘double-double’ on tops.

However, he was too high with his first dart and then strayed into double-five with his second. Trying to salvage matters, he then only hit double 18 to leave himself 52. 

“I cannot believe what I’ve just seen,” said Mardle. “He knows that is ridiculous. Michael van Gerwen will seriously want to get this.” Co-commentator John Part described the move as “silliness.”

Van Gerwen duly made him pay, hitting a single nine before taking out double eight at the first attempt. The Dutchman let out roars of relief after sealing victory, setting up a semi-final with Chris Dobey.

Humphries was as magnanimous as ever in defeat, shaking hands with his rival before leaving the stage. However, he looked despondent after his blunder and could now lose second spot in the table by the time the tournament finishes in Wales.

Indeed, Humphries’ pre-match words also came back to haunt him. Referencing Van Gerwen’s record of five last-eight wins from six before their meeting, he said: “Michael hasn’t been playing his best.

“But you’ve got to look at the record he’s had in those first games. He’s winning them every time. And obviously for me, I’m probably the one that stops him.”