"I think everyone’s probably bored of me and Luke meeting in finals": Luke Littler admits darting world is getting bored of Humphries clashes as Premier League play-offs loom

The spotlight returns to the O2 Arena on Thursday night for one of the biggest evenings in the darts calendar. For Luke Littler, it is all about revenge. The reigning world champion was once again the dominant force throughout the Premier League season, but he knows better than anyone that all those impressive performances mean nothing if he fails to lift the trophy in the play-offs.

Last year, despite an outstanding campaign, Littler fell short in the latter stages of the tournament. That disappointment still lingers. During the press conference, he made it clear that he has only one goal in mind: reclaiming the Premier League title.

"The most important thing for myself is just making the final, making three consecutive finals would mean everything to me. But most importantly, it’s about winning that first semi-final and hopefully getting across the line in the final," he said in his presser.

It comes as little surprise that Littler heads to the O2 once again as the overwhelming favourite. Just like last season, he has been the most consistent player throughout the regular Premier League Darts campaign, producing huge averages and spectacular finishes week after week.

Still, he knows nobody will remember the league table if he fails to take home the main prize again. "I think it’s all about that semi-final. You’ve just got to come to the O2 and win that game. Then in the final, obviously I’ll be on first, so you get that extra-long break."

Littler also realises how important the play-off schedule can be. The winner of the first semi-final receives a longer break before the final — a small advantage that can make a huge difference at the highest level.

"I wouldn’t want to be playing in the second semi-final because you barely get a break. So hopefully if I can get past Gezzy, I’ll have a break, sit down, watch the other game and have an extra practice. But yeah, just really focus, I guess," he added.

That opening semi-final promises fireworks. Price remains one of the most dangerous players on television. The former world champion has endured an inconsistent season, but on the big stage he is still capable of reaching extraordinary levels.

However, Price will not head into the clash with much confidence, as Littler has won the last eight meetings between the pair. "I don’t think it’ll be in the back of his mind. Tomorrow is different, it’s the semi-final, and we’re done with the league phase now. We’ve just got to throw everything at each other and it’s all or nothing."

On the other side of the draw, another final between Littler and Luke Humphries could be waiting. The two English stars have developed into the defining rivalry of modern darts over the past year.

Humphries is once again in top form and has fought his way back towards the top of the Premier League standings in recent weeks. He also recently claimed another ProTour title with some stunning performances but he said that he thinks the darting world is bored of the tie. "I think everyone’s probably bored of me and Luke meeting in finals. But we’re one and two, and if we both play well all the time then we’re going to meet in finals. But like I said, I’m fully focused on the semi-final."

"I’m sure he’ll be focused on his semi-final and I’ll be focused on mine. If we happen to meet, then I’m sure it’ll be another great game. But like Jon just said, they’re two tough games for the Welsh lads, but they’re also two tough games for us English lads."

Albeit he refused to say he is the best player in the world. "No, not really. I think if you’re number one, then you’re the best in the world no matter what. You’re number one for a reason, and you should be better than everyone. But tomorrow’s the same for all of us, you’ve got to throw everything at each other. I’m just hoping to play well."

But Littler now is also looking forward to the free time that the end of the Premier League brings. "Obviously I know what free time I’ve got coming up. I’ve been down in London since Monday now, so it’s been a long week. But I’ll definitely be ready to go tomorrow."

He also touched upon perhaps having the psychological edge that comes with previously winning the title but while he sees it as perhaps a factor, he expects the best version of Price.

"I think it gives you that extra boost knowing how to win at the O2. Obviously I know how to win here, Luke does and Jonny does. But Gezzy is a former world champion and he’s won the Grand Slam plenty of times. He’s had one of the last eight against him, but like I said, tomorrow is completely different. Last year suited Gezzy and we had an incredible semi-final, so hopefully we can have another great game. But obviously I want to be in that final."

Littler went on to say that he hopes he can thrill the crowd perhaps even with perfection as well as winning the title. I’ll definitely be feeling the adrenaline tomorrow. The first year was incredible, winning it with a nine-darter. There hasn’t been one from me this year, so hopefully I can get a nine-darter tomorrow.

But he remains pragmatic in his mission that he needs to get past Price first and foremost before he can dream of any title. "The main goal is to get that trophy back, but I’ve got to get past Gezzy Price first. Like I said, as long as I play well, I’ll be happy tomorrow. If I don’t play well, I’m not going to be happy. But I’m just looking forward to another great game with Gezzy.