The incredible has proved once again why has the been the talk of the darting world all year by becoming Premier League Darts champion in his debut season, pinning a nine darter in the final vs Luke Humphries.
In their respective semifinals, both Littler and Humphries were incredibly impressive and somewhat comprehensive winners over Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen respectively. For Littler, it was a 10-5 win over averaging over a ton in the process and hitting four maximums. Humphries meanwhile, saw off van Gerwen by the same 10-5 scoreline, averaging 101.71 and nailing five 180s.
A repeat of the World Darts Championship final from earlier in the year of course, the winner back at the Ally Pally, Luke Humphries, had the chance to assert his authority early, but saw two darts at tops for an opening leg break of throw come and go. Littler punished and held throw on double 10. After some more missed darts at double in the second from Humphries, Littler capitalised again to move two clear early doors. Waking up and arriving in the game though, Humphries broke back in style in leg 3, with an 11-darter. Then, with it being Littler's turn to suffer some double trouble, Humphries managed to get back to level terms at two apiece. With both players getting some breathing room in the next few legs, exchanging comfortable holds of throw, Humphries pulled a rabbit out of the hat with a 116 checkout, to deny Littler a shot to break in leg 8. Although Littler looked to the eye at least, to be playing the better darts, two more holds of throw ensured the pair couldn't be separated at the interval, with the scores locked at 5-5.
Then, after the break, the final erupted into another level with an incredible nine-darter from Luke Littler! Spurting towards the finish line following his magic moment, Littler reeled off the next two legs to get to 8-5. Although Humphries took two of the next three to stay alive at 9-7, Littler was playing darts from another planet and moved within one of the match by holding throw in leg 17. A few moments later, after a perfect dart at tops, the match was over.
and in the process joining the illustrious list of Premier League Darts champions alongside Phil Taylor, James Wade, Gary Anderson, Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Glen Durrant and Jonny Clayton.
The ultimate winner gets to lift the trophy, of course, but even more important is the accompanying check. For the title holder, a lucrative reward lies ahead.
The four semifinalists are already guaranteed 85,000 pounds in prize money anyway. That amount is transferred to the two players who lose in the semifinals. Upon winning the semifinals, the proceeds already rise to at least £125,000. For the eventual winner of Premier League Darts, a check for 275,000 pounds then awaits.