Luke Littler has proved once again that he is the biggest name in darts. By beating Luke Humphries in the Premier League final, not only did he avenge his World Championship final defeat, but also hit a nine-darter in the process. Prior to this, he beat Michael Smith in the semi-final, on a night that'll live long in the memory for 'The Nuke'.
Littler opened the evening in style with a convincing victory over Smith. In just the third leg of the match, he hit a 144 checkout, then threw seven perfect darts in the following leg, showing early signs he meant business on the night. From here on in, the match got a bit scrappy, with both players missing multiple darts at doubles, but Littler's early breaks of throw were enough to see him through comfortably. (10-5)
Like Littler, it was also Humphries' first time playing at the O2, as he faced reigning champion Michael van Gerwen in the other semi final. It was the experienced MVG who broke first, however Humphries instantly replied with a superb 132 finish (bull, bull, D16). Van Gerwen was then unable to keep up with the consistent scoring of 'Cool Hand Luke', who won six legs on the spin to take a commanding lead. Following the interval, 'The Green Machine' fought valiantly, but left himself too much to do as Humphries ensured it would be an all-english final in London. (10-5)
Read more: Luke Littler - World Champ before 21?
In the early stages of the final, Humphries showed signs he wasn't at his best, when in the second leg of the match he carelessly drifted into the double 15 segment when trying to hit double 10. Littler took advantage of Humphries busting his score and managed the first break of the match in the process. Humphries, then however immediately broke back, leaving nothing to separate the players going into the interval. We already saw Littler hit seven perfect darts against Smith, however in this one he managed to go the full way, with a superb nine dart finish in the eleventh leg. From here on in, there was only one winner, as the seventeen year old stepped up a gear and cruised to victory, winning his first Premier League title of what will surely be many. (11-7)
In the space of six months, Luke Littler has won the Premier League, reached the World Championship final, hit four nine darters, won the Austrian and Belgian Darts Opens, appeared on The Jonathan Ross Show and become an internet sensation. All before he can legally have a beer!
In his post match interview he silenced his critics, "to all my doubters, you're not doubting me anymore." Well, to be honest, I'm not sure if he did have any doubters before, he certainly won't now...
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