MANCHESTER — The Premier League Darts roadshow descended into a war of words on Thursday night as Gerwyn Price, fresh off a thunderous victory in Night 12, sensationally declared that teenage sensation Luke Littler and world champion Luke Humphries are “scared” to face him.
Price, the 2021 world champion, produced a blistering display at the AO Arena to claim the nightly win, averaging over 105 and silencing a crowd that had heavily backed his rivals. But it was his post-match interview that sent shockwaves through the sport.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — they don’t want this smoke,” Price told Sky Sports, gesturing toward the practice board area where Littler and Humphries had been warming up. “You can see it in their body language. Littler looks at the floor when I walk past. Humphries tries to laugh it off, but I know fear when I see it. They’re both scared of playing me.”
The comments immediately drew a furious response. Humphries, who has beaten Price in two major finals this year, dismissed the claims with a terse social media post: “Delusional. I’ve beaten him when it matters most. If anyone’s scared, it’s him of losing his spot in the top four.”
Littler, the 19-year-old phenomenon who has taken the darting world by storm, was more cryptic, simply tweeting a laughing emoji followed by the word “Okie dokie.”
Darts pundits were left divided. Former world champion John Part said, “Gerwyn is a master of psychological warfare, but this feels like overreach. Littler just beat him 6-1 in Belfast two weeks ago. Fear? That doesn’t add up.”
However, Price’s camp insists the Welshman has turned a corner after a slump in form. His victory in Manchester — which included a 170 checkout against Michael van Gerwen — marked his first nightly win since February.
“When I’m on my game, no one can live with me,” Price added. “Luke Littler is still a kid, and Humphries knows deep down that I’ve got his number. They can tweet all they want. The proof is on that board.”
With only four weeks remaining before the Premier League playoffs, the explosive claim ensures that all eyes will be on the next round in Birmingham — should Price draw either Littler or Humphries, the darting world may witness its most combustible showdown in years.
