"I have nothing but admiration for this teenager" - Wayne Mardle compliments emotional Littler following honest interview

Luke Littler became candid after clinching back his Premier League Darts title after narrowly defeating Luke Humphries 11-10 in the final at the O2. An emotional interview afterwards pictured what a tumultuous time it was for the 19-year-old, who Wayne Marlde has praised over his honesty.

'The Nuke' doubled his Premier League tally after averaging over 111 in a staggering final, which went the distance in a night of last-leg deciders. Littler kept his cool after missing the big number before pinning tops to regain his crown.

He was extremely emotional and teary afterwards as he reminisced on how tricky the last few months have been with the booing and hate being directed towards him. "I was sitting at home saying to [girlfriend] Faith, 'I don't want to do it anymore, just the crowd every week.'. I said to her, 'I'm down bad."

Speaking afterwards, Mardle was sympathetic towards the two-time world champion and was in awe of his honesty on stage. "There is more that goes on in a Premier League than just turning up week after week. It is a rollercoaster for every player, whether you are winning games or struggling," he said on Sky Sports.

"We know there are worse jobs but for a dart player this is an endurance test. This is the culmination of all that effort and it came out for Littler. He was inconsolable. No one is that strong they don't have doubts. He had doubts but came back. Owning up to that is a step forward for him. I have nothing but admiration for this teenager."

Littler's mentality on the oche has never come under question despite his very young age, but it can be too much for anyone when seemingly the world is against you. "We know how strong Littler is mentally, but when you are feeling like you're public enemy number one, you can feel like you don't want to turn up. But he did turn up, and this is the by-product of turning up."

He also praised his family and support for being by his side every step of the way. "I love the family support he has. His mum and dad travel everywhere, as does Faith. That's so important," he admitted. "You are never on your own. I was fortunate that I never played this sport on my own as when you do it is a lonely place. I have seen people want to walk away. But Luke has one of the best support systems there is in darts. It is a family affair and he has a great team behind him."

Despite it being a 14th major title, Littler was still absolutely delighted when that dart found its way into the double 20 segment, celebrating passionately after securing more glory. "I also love the reaction [to winning the title]. We want to see more of that. We don't want to see someone win a trophy and be like 'oh, I've won another one, so what?' That is marvellous to see. Even though he has been so successful, it still means the world."

The winning does not seem to be stopping anytime soon. "He has the belief, he knows he has the ability and somehow he finds it within to keep doing it," Mardle continued. "There is a point in everyone's career when they are at their peak. We don't know if this is the peak, we have no idea, but we know this is the peak level as Michael van Gerwen's peak, Phil Taylor's peak, was this kind of standard.

"It's good enough time and time again. When he can run riot, he is happy with that. When he has to fight back, he is happy with that. When it goes to a last-leg decider, he is happy with that. There are no weaknesses. Back-to-back world champion, then he wins the Masters, then the UK Open after being in trouble a few times. He was in trouble a few times in the Premier League and won. The kid is never beaten until you are shaking his hand and holding that trophy."

Littler will now team up with Humphries once more as they look to win the World Cup of Darts for England before the defence of his World Matchplay crown in July takes centre stage.