This is the type of beating MVG used to dish out during his pomp.

But it's increasingly looking like this is becoming the era of the Lukes.

However, Van Gerwen showing he's not totally out of this semi-final by holding throw in the final leg before the mini-break.

Yep, he bosses the ninth too, taking out double 10 for a sixth leg on the spin.

It is quite the rivalry forming between Littler and Humphries. Humphries is just bossing every leg since going 2-1 down.

Image source, PA Media

MVG goes completely missing on his own throw, and now is not the time to do that at 5-2 down.

Make that 6-2 after Humphries dispatches double top.

Four legs from setting up a rematch of the World Championship final against Luke Littler.

A great effort from Van Gerwen. A 17-dart leg from Humphries and that represents what was a massive opportunity for Van Gerwen.

Michael van Gerwen registers his first 180 of the semi-final.

And he's millimetres away from taking out 148 after two treble 20s and hitting the wire on double 14.

Luke Humphries shows no pity, taking out 89 with treble 19 and double 16.

This is a barrage from Luke Humphries.

Michael van Gerwen seemingly angered him with that break of throw in leg three.

Humphries takes out 56 with 16 and tops for a third straight leg.

A brilliant start to this semi-final. Humphries averaging around 111 and Van Gerwen at 99.

Goodness me, Humphries almost follows that amazing last leg up with a 170 finish in this one.

He narrowly misses the bull - but MVG is too far back to apply any pressure and the world number one nudges ahead.

What a finish, Luke Humphries, take a bow.

MVG is loitering on 75 but 'Cool Hand' takes out 132 with two bullseyes and double 16.

Simply sensational darts to immediately cancel out that break.

Michael van Gerwen rubs salt in the wounds by brilliantly checking out 103 to break the Humphries throw in leg three.

That was a huge opportunity for Luke Humphries to get clear.

Missed chance for Humphries, who is errant on double for a break of throw.

MVG pounces to level.

I don't expect this semi-final to be as clear-cut at the first.

Impressive opening leg on throw by Luke Humphries, polishing it off in 14 darts with double 13.

Michael van Gerwen is putting Luke Humphries under pressure by saying he's the best player in the world. I like the swagger that Van Gerwen in the past six or seven day, and him using some new darts.

I just can't look beyond Luke Humphries though. Once he won that first big event he's just cracked it. I expect him to beat Van Gerwen again tonight.

World champion and world number one Luke Humphries does his best to emulate MVG's walk-on, leading the crowd in a rendition of 'I Predict A Riot' by the Kaiser Chiefs.

Image source, PA Media

Tonight's second semi-final sees world number one Luke Humphries and reigning champion Michael van Gerwen renew their rivalry.

Humphries boasts an incredible record over Van Gerwen in 2024, winning his last six meetings against the Dutchman.

"I don't think that record will have any bearing," Humphries said. "If there's any player that won't let it affect them it would be Michael. He's got great mental strength and he's won this title seven times.

"It would mean the world to win this title. I've wanted to be part of the Premier League for so long, so to go and win it in my debut year would be really special."

Van Gerwen added: "Luke has been playing the darts of his life over the last few months. But it won't last forever, and I want to be the man who stops him!"

There are few more iconic entrances in sport than Michael van Gerwen emerging to a packed house singing his name along to the tune of 'Seven Nation Army'.

I don't know how they feel but you would have thought Luke is more on his game and you would expect him more to produce.

Michael may have found something with his new equipment and his darts are standing up which is what you want. I think Michael is the most likely to play poorly but I also think he could win the night.