One-Sided! Luke Humphries dominant against Michael van Gerwen in recent meetings

With the ever-expanding darts calendar, players now face each other far more frequently than in years past. Whereas top names might once have clashed just a handful of times per season, it is now not uncommon for rivalries to be renewed almost weekly. A prime example is the burgeoning head-to-head between Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries — the pair have met an astonishing 15 times over the past 18 months.

Ten of those encounters have come this year alone in the Premier League Darts. It has been a lopsided affair, with Humphries winning eight of their ten meetings — a record that has caused frustration for the 36-year-old Dutchman.

The Premier League standings after 14 of 16 nights reflect Humphries’ superiority. He currently sits second with 31 points and has already secured his spot in the play-offs. Van Gerwen, meanwhile, holds the fourth and final play-off position with 20 points and faces a crucial fortnight ahead. His advantage over fifth-placed Nathan Aspinall stands at just a single point, leaving little room for error.

When widening the lens to their full head-to-head over the past 18 months, Humphries’ dominance becomes even clearer. He has triumphed in 12 of their 15 meetings, with Van Gerwen managing just three victories in return.

In the PDC Order of Merit, Humphries also have the advantage as he remains the undisputed world number one, while Van Gerwen currently occupies third place.