The addition of
Luke Littler to the
Premier League Darts has had a hugely positive effect, according to former Premier League star turned expert analyst,
Mark Webster.
''From the get-go the fuss has been about Luke Littler. It's benefited the other players as well. I know they may feel he's out their nose out of joint slightly with all the coverage he's getting but it certainly benefits them. It's made the viewing figures huge and they're involved,'' stated Webster in conversation with Sky Sports.
Littler made it to his first weekly final on Night 2, but it took until the Night 9 before "The Nuke" won his first weekly title. Then Littler also won Night 10, while Night 11 he lost in the final to Michael van Gerwen. After 11 rounds of play, Littler leads the standings with 26 points, followed by Luke Humphries (24 points) and Michael van Gerwen (22 points).
''It took him a while to win a night which I was very surprised about,'' Webster continued. ''That's not a criticism, that's just how good he is. But he's sussed it now, hasn't he? I think he's going to be in the Play-Offs. He only needs a few more points but he's been incredible.''
Webster expects Littler to soon be able to call himself a major-winner at the PDC. ''He's being looked after as well, he's in a position where he's missing a few competitions as well so he is managing his schedule. There is a duty of care. He's still young but he's old enough to make his own decisions and he'll do that. He's a major champion in waiting. It's a matter of when, not if.
Finally, Webster named the four players he believes will make the Premier League Darts playoffs: ''Luke Littler
Luke Humphries
Nathan Aspinall
Michael van Gerwen."