Premier League Darts LIVE: Result as Luke Littler throws nine-darter to claim biggest title of career
The 17-year-old darts sensation picked up his biggest title yet after beating world number one Luke Humphries 11-7
Luke Littler stormed to an enthralling 11-7 win in the Premier League Darts final to capture the biggest title of his career in front of 40,000 fans at the O2 Arena.
The 17-year-old easily overcame his semi-final opponent Michael Smith, winning 10-5 and showcasing his impressive talent to an already excited O2 crowd.
And Luke Humphries was equally impressive in his semi-final win over Michael van Gerwen, easing to a 10-5 win to set up a rematch of the world championship final.
The pair couldn’t be separated after the first 10 legs, heading into the break at 5-5, both having showcased why they’re the two leading players in their sport.
But it was Littler who really showed his class in the second period, landing an exceptional nine-darter to take a lead that he never relinquished.
The teenager finally fought off a brief challenge from Humphries to take the match 11-7 and land what may well be the first of many Premier League titles.
Luke Humphries makes the final against Luke Littler!
Some highlights from the semi-final between Littler and Smith too.
Littler was on fire from the off!
And he kept his cool to stroll to the final!
Luke Humphries 10-5 Michael van Gerwen - Luke Humphries makes the final!
Some highlights of that impressive Humphries display.
He’s set up a final that will be played by two debutants!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 10-5 Michael van Gerwen - Luke Humphries makes the final!
A similarly impressive performance to the one we saw from Littler earlier. Van Gerwen showed his class at times but he was just overrun by the quality and composure of the world number one.
And Humphries’ reward is a rematch of the world championship final!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 10-5 Michael van Gerwen - Luke Humphries makes the final!
Humphries needs just 72 to put himself in the final, but he won’t do it in this round. 32 needed now.
Van Gerwen misses the double 16 to give Humphries the chance to get into the final with a double 16, and the world number one needs no invitation! He sinks it, and he’s into the final against Luke Littler!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 9-5 Michael van Gerwen
Both players are briefly missing the doubles and trebles. Humphries needs 183, with MvG needing 156!
Humphries manages just 58, with van Gerwen replying with 125.
He looks to have the advantage but Humphries replies with a checkout of 125, finishing by nailing tops. The world number one is on the brink of the final!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 8-5 Michael van Gerwen
A little more hope for van Gerwen as he lands the 180 followed by 154. He needs 81, with Humphries needing 152.
And he lands it! He pins the double 12 and its 8-5 now!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 8-4 Michael van Gerwen
Not a lot changing from the first period, as Humphries lands a 180. But van Gerwen replies with a composed checkout of 105!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 8-3 Michael van Gerwen
Close in the opening stages of the 11th leg, with Humphries needing 167 (of which he gets 47).
Van Gerwen replies with just 88 to leave himself on 188.
Humphries has a clear advantage now, with just 60 needed – but he only lands 20!
Van Gerwen to check out on 128 but he misses the double 10 at the last!
Humphries replies by finishing the leg!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 7-3 Michael van Gerwen
Van Gerwne has the chance to check out on 155, but can only make 95.
Humphries only gets 100 of his 156, and van Gerwen makes it 7-3 before the break by landing double top. It’s one-sided at the break!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 7-2 Michael van Gerwen
An inspired performance from the debutant so far. He pulls ahead in the ninth leg, needing just 56, with van Gerwen needing 189.
And the Englishman makes it 7-2! He misses the double 20 but makes no mistake on the double 10. That’s six legs in a row now.
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