An extensive statistical analysis by Christopher Kempf, examining the last 200 legs of PDC players, has highlighted significant shifts in form, with reigning Premier League champion Luke Humphries experiencing a notable decline. Humphries, currently sixth in the Premier League after nine nights, has seen his OChE rating—a measure of effectiveness—drop to 60.63, the largest decline of any player in this period. Despite ranking fourth worldwide in this metric, his doubles success rate of 35.6 percent places him only mid-table within the PDC, contrasting with his elite scoring averages.
In contrast, Wessel Nijman is knocking loudly on the door of the top ranks. The Dutchman, who has won two Players Championship titles and a European Tour event in Göttingen in 2026, posts a 98.9 average over his last 200 legs and wins a large share of his legs within fifteen darts. Only two players in the PDC are more effective at closing out legs within four visits, and within the current Premier League lineup, only Jonny Clayton is more accurate on doubles. Although Nijman sits just outside the world's top twenty, his trajectory suggests a top-ten entry is imminent if maintained.
Keane Barry emerges as the most improved player of the past month, according to the analysis. The young Irishman enjoyed a strong Pro Tour spell, defeating Stephen Bunting, Michael Smith, and Krzysztof Ratajski en route to the semi-finals of Players Championship 7, followed by a last-16 berth at the next event and qualification for his first European Tour event of the year. In three days, he recorded eleven wins, a season-high tally. Barry is now the most clinical finisher on the outer ring in the PDC, dislodging Clayton from first place, with a four-point rise in averages and an eight-point jump in effectiveness, positioning him close to the world elite.
Kim Huybrechts also surprises in the numbers, showing signs of a career resurgence. The Belgian, without a title for several years, has qualified for four European Tour events this season and recorded a notable win over Josh Rock at the Belgian Darts Open. His scoring power stands out, with 89 maximums in his last 200 legs, surpassing even Luke Littler for 180s. During a qualifier for the Austrian Darts Open, he produced six maximums in nine legs, an exceptionally high rate. While this scoring surge hasn't always led to deep runs on the floor, his improved numbers indicate he will increasingly turn matches in his favour.
