Littler beats Humphries for record-equalling win

Despite a second successive final defeat by Littler, this was a positive night for Humphries. He started the night in sixth spot and before his run to last week's final he was five points off fourth. The world number two now occupies that final qualifying berth after his runner-up finish and quarter-final defeats for Gerwyn Price and Van Gerwen.

Third-placed Price is three points clear of Van Gerwen in fifth, but intriguingly the pair meet in Birmingham next Thursday. One of them will again fail to add to their tally and that means the picture is starting to look rosy for Humphries. This was another improved evening for the 2024 world champion and, after deliberately slowing his throw down in Aberdeen last week, the Leeds United supporter seemed closer to his usual rhythm in front of an expectant crowd.

Humphries faces Stephen Bunting in his opening match next week, having edged out the same opponent 6-5 in the semi-finals in Leeds. Victory in that match could put Humphries in a very strong position going into the final week, when the fixtures are decided based on the league standings after 15 weeks - with the aim of a direct shootout between fourth and fifth for a play-off spot. Five points separate Price and sixth-placed Gian van Veen so certain results next week could see a congested field and two play-off spots up for grabs in Sheffield on 21 May.

Before his quarter-final defeat by Clayton, Price told Sky Sports he was struggling with his health. He was beaten 6-2 by his Welsh compatriot and posted on his Instagram story afterwards to say he needed "a lot of luck to go my way" to reach the play-offs. The post also said "hopefully I get the results I want in three weeks' time" alongside a hospital emoji.