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 Littler through to the Premier League Darts final!
“Michael Smith had no answer, he was taken apart”, says the commentator.
An impressive display from Littler, whose average was just over 100.
Speaking to Sky, he says that “all of my game was very good”.
“I knew I had the darts straightaway and wanted a decent lead at the break and then to come back and get it done.
“That’s what I did. I took my chances.
“The build-up has been amazing but I have been practising and that had paid off.”
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Littler 10-5 Michael Smith
170 needed for Littler to make it 10-5, but he misses the second double 20.
Smith answers with 57, and Littler knows he’s on the brink.
And Littler wins it with a 25, a 7 and a finish on double 4!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Littler 9-5 Michael Smith
Much better from Smith, who lands a 180 before holding his throw.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Littler 9-4 Michael Smith
Littler needs 222 now, and he lands a 180! His fourth today. He needs 42 for 9-4, and he gets the double 20!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Littler 8-4 Michael Smith
Smith needs 120 to take another leg, but only manages 80. And Littler checkout on 107, finishing on double 20!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Littler 7-4 Michael Smith
Back underway here! Another 180 from Littler leaves him needing 170, and he takes 93.
He tries to checkout on 97 but wires the two attempts at double 10!
Smith takes the leg!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Littler 7-3 Michael Smith
We’re into a brief break after a 100-miles-an-hour opening at the O2 Arena.
Littler has dominated so far and may even be a little annoyed at himself that he isn’t 8-2 ahead. The teenager is doing all he can to dismiss the talk around his ‘nemesis’.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Luke Littler 7-3 Michael Smith
140 from Littler and then 105, to leave him 25 off 8-2.
Smith misses the treble 18, but Littler misses the double 10 to leave himself needing double 5. The youngster wires his first two before landing a 5!
Smith then brings it back, nailing a double 15.
Luke Littler 7-2 Michael Smith
Poor from Smith as he wires the double 20 and gives Littler the opportunity to finish, which he takes easily.
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