Even the world’s top darts players need a break from the oche! This past weekend saw Premier League stars like Luke Humphries, Luke Littler, and Gerwyn Price trading darts for football and rugby stadiums. Humphries and Littler celebrated victories with their beloved football teams, while Price endured a tough defeat supporting Wales in the Six Nations. Many are now preparing for upcoming Premier League clashes, with some opting to skip the initial ProTour events to recharge.
Darts Elite Embrace the Spectator Life
While the dartboards rested, the stands were buzzing with familiar faces. Several of the sport’s biggest names took advantage of a break in their demanding schedules to enjoy some major sporting events.
Luke Humphries: From Newcastle to Leeds Victory
- Fresh from his Premier League appearance in Newcastle, reigning World Champion Luke Humphries wasted no time in heading to Elland Road on Friday night.
- He was spotted and featured on Sky Sports as his team, Leeds United, secured a convincing 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest.
- Humphries is making the most of his downtime, skipping the first two ProTour events in Germany (February 9th and 10th). This break gives him ample preparation time before his highly anticipated Premier League clash against Luke Littler in Antwerp next Thursday.
Luke Littler: Trophy Parade and Manchester United Glory
- Teenage sensation Luke Littler also enjoyed a high-profile weekend, attending Manchester United’s match against Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime.
- During half-time, Littler captivated the crowd by parading his World Championship trophy around the pitch, an event prominently featured in TNT Sports’ coverage.
- A moment that sparked discussion was Littler holding up two fingers. This gesture, widely interpreted, was likely a playful jab at rival fans, signifying his second major world-level triumph (World Championship and World Youth Championship), rather than a call for peace.
- Like Humphries, Littler celebrated a win as Manchester United triumphed 2-0. He is also opting out of the upcoming ProTour events in Germany.
Gerwyn Price: Rugby Heartbreak and a Busy Week Ahead
- “The Iceman” Gerwyn Price dedicated his Saturday to the Rugby Six Nations, watching Wales take on England.
- Despite being in a box, it was a challenging day for Price, as his Welsh team suffered a heavy 48-7 defeat.
- Unlike Humphries and Littler, Price has a packed schedule, as he will be competing in the ProTour events on Monday and Tuesday. He then travels to Antwerp for his Premier League fixture against Gian Van Veen on Thursday, making for an intense week.
Other Premier League Stars: Football and Charity
The sporting interest extended beyond these three:
- Stephen Bunting and Jonny Clayton were reportedly planning to attend the high-stakes Liverpool vs. Manchester City match on Sunday.
- Josh Rock is focusing on his Premier League fixture against Michael van Gerwen on Thursday before heading to his beloved football club, Rangers, for a charity event next Friday. This special moment will see the darts hero star at Ibrox.
It’s clear that even the top darts professionals enjoy stepping away from the spotlight of the oche to immerse themselves in the excitement of other major sports, proving they’re fans just like us.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
