Newbury ace continues his domination in Premier League

Luke Humphries continued his scintillating form with a third consecutive nightly victory in the BetMGM Premier League in Dublin on Thursday.

The world number one arrived in the Irish capital fresh from wins in Brighton and Nottingham, and he maintained his dominance with Night Eight success in the Emerald Isle.

Humphries recorded a trio of ton-topping averages to scoop the £10,000 bonus prize, defeating Peter Wright, Nathan Aspinall and Michael Smith to extend his lead at the top of the table to seven points.

The 29-year-old opened Thursday’s proceedings with a comprehensive 6-1 success against Peter Wright, averaging 106 and producing two stunning ton-plus checkouts in the process.

This set the tone for another memorable night for the world champion, who crashed in six 180s to overcome a spirited Nathan Aspinall in the semi-finals, in a repeat of last week’s Nottingham final.

Humphries then produced another merciless display to topple Smith in the evening’s showpiece, kicking off the contest with legs of 12, 13 and 11 darts to threaten a record-breaking average.

Smith converted 113 and 125 combinations to win his two legs, although it wasn’t enough to deny Humphries a ninth consecutive victory in the Premier League.

“I’m really enjoying myself,” said the Newbury-born star, who could become the first player in Premier League history to win four successive nights with victory in Belfast next week.

“At the start of the season it felt really tough for me, but now I’m enjoying the game, and that’s when I’m at my best.

“I feel much more comfortable now. I feel like I belong here, and the last three weeks have just been fantastic.

“I know I’m not unbeatable, but I feel like I’m playing at a level where it’s going to take a big performance to beat me.

“I loved tonight. It was the loudest crowd I’ve ever played in front of. The atmosphere was incredible.

“As I said last week, I have got Irish heritage in my family, and I’m sure my Mum will be super-proud tonight, so it’s a really special feeling.”