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.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 6-2 Michael van Gerwen
Van Gerwen shaking his head after two single 19s. Humphries knows he can rest on this one and leaves himself needing 40.
He lands the double 20 easily, and it’s 6-2!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 5-2 Michael van Gerwen
Humphries is averaging 106 here at the moment. Van Gerwen lands a 180 to leave himself needing 233, with Humphries needing 189.
The Dutchman then gets 85, with Humphries responding with 100.
Van Gerwen misses the double 14 and Humphries takes the leg! He’s halfway to the final.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 4-2 Michael van Gerwen
A 180 from Humphries leaves him needing 138 to go 4-2 up.
He narrowly misses the doubles first time, but makes the 56 checkout as he lands a double 20.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 3-2 Michael van Gerwen
So close to another amazing finish from Humphries, who needed 170 but just missed the bull at the last.
No matter, as he makes it 3-2 after landing the double 8.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 2-2 Michael van Gerwen
Van Gerwen misses the doubles and hands Humphries the advantage, with the Englishman needing 132.
An amazing response from Humphries! He checks out, getting two bulls before a double 16!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 1-2 Michael van Gerwen
This is already looking like it’ll be a lot closer than the other tie.
Van Gerwen goes ahead with a double 18, having needed 103 to get ahead.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 1-1 Michael van Gerwen
The world number one is one-up but van Gerwen pulls ahead in the second leg, with a 130 leaving him needing 132.
Humphries hits the 180 and needs 81 to break, but he lands 12 rather than the double 12 he needed!
Van Gerwen levels it, checking out on 782 with a double 12.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Humphries 0-0 Michael van Gerwen
Humphries is the favourite here, and he’ll be first to throw.
Close in the opening stages, but Humphries pulls away a little, needing 206 now. He lands a 180, and manages to checkout on 26 with a double 13! 1-0.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Van Gerwen and Humphries are getting ready to come out now.
A huge cheer greets the Dutchman, with plenty of hugs and cheers for the world number one too.
Both look relaxed, with Humphries playing up to the crowd as he reaches the stage.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
So we’re not far from a rematch of the world championship final. All that stands in the way is the small matter of seven-time tournament champion Michael van Gerwen. That tie is scheduled to start in around 10 minutes.
Reacting to Littler’s win, former world champion Glenn Durrant praises “the maturity of him and the way he came on the stage. The way he handled this incredible crowd”.
“He looked the real deal and put a tremendous performance in. It’s hard to believe. He just has that real X-factor about him.
“It’s going to take something special to beat Littler tonight.”
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