“I’m going to be chasing him now” – Luke Littler targets Jonny Clayton as Premier League Darts title race heats up

Luke Littler has made his intentions clear heading into the final stretch of the 2026 Premier League Darts season, openly declaring he is now chasing Jonny Clayton for top spot in the league table.

After closing the gap to three points with his dominant Night 12 win in Liverpool, Littler acknowledged that the momentum has shifted into a direct head-to-head battle with Clayton, who remains top on 32 points.

“I’m going to be chasing him now,” Littler said. “I don’t really want to be. I want to be at the top, cruising. I want to be at No1, so I’m going to go chasing.”

With Clayton sitting on 32 points and Littler on 29, the world champion knows the margin for error is shrinking as the league phase enters its final weeks. “There’s still four weeks to play for. And yeah, I’m going to chase him.”

While Littler is already guaranteed to secure a play-off spot at The O2, his focus is firmly on finishing at the summit of the table rather than simply making the top four. “I want to finish first. That’s my main goal. If my game’s there, then obviously I can jump above Jonny.”

That ambition reflects both his recent form and the wider context of the season. Clayton’s consistency has kept him at the top, but Littler’s performances in recent weeks have ensured the gap remains within reach.

The nature of the Premier League format means the two are likely to meet again before the league phase concludes, something Littler is already anticipating.

“I don’t know how many times we can meet in the first round with the rest of the season to go," Luttler says. “Obviously I’m going to have to beat him in the semi-finals or even finals.”

For Littler, the importance of weekly victories has become even more pronounced as the competition enters its decisive phase. “These nightly wins, they’re crucial to get to the O2. I can say I’m there, but I want top spot first.”

That mindset underlines the difference between securing qualification and controlling the narrative heading into the play-offs, with the top seed holding a clear advantage.

Littler also acknowledged the psychological aspect that comes with repeated matchups against the same opponents across the Premier League format. “If people start getting the better of you, then going into the next game, you’re obviously in their head or whatever.”

With four weeks remaining, the race for top spot has now taken on a clear shape. Clayton remains the leader, but Littler has positioned himself as the closest challenger, setting up what looks increasingly like a two-man battle to finish the league phase at number one.