Leeds sees an unprecedented darts night: only Clayton stops a full run of last leg drama

Matchday fourteen of the Premier League Darts in Leeds delivered a historic night. Never before in the tournament’s history had six of the seven matches gone to a deciding leg. The crowd at the First Direct Arena was treated to an absolute thriller, with tension right down to the final dart.

The evening started in spectacular fashion. Stephen Bunting edged the opening match of week fourteen of the Premier League Darts 6-5 against Gian van Veen. Luke Humphries also needed a deciding leg to see off Josh Rock. The Englishman likewise won 6-5 and booked his place in the semi-finals.

That was followed by a convincing win for Jonny Clayton, who dispatched Gerwyn Price 6-2. It turned out to be the only match of the night that didn’t go to a deciding leg. The fans then got another blockbuster as Luke Littler faced Michael van Gerwen. Both players produced a remarkably high level, but as earlier in the night, a last leg had to settle it. Littler kept his cool and beat the Dutchman 6-5.

The semi-finals were equally dramatic. Humphries and Bunting served up a highly entertaining contest, with both players constantly piling on the pressure through heavy scoring and strong checkouts. Humphries ultimately edged it 6-5 and secured a spot in the final on home soil.

In the other semi-final, Littler seemed to be in control against Clayton for long spells, but the Welshman battled back superbly. Once again it all came down to a deciding leg, in which Littler again showed his class to win 6-5. That sent “The Nuke” into his third consecutive weekly final.

The final between Littler and Humphries proved the perfect finale to an already legendary night. The two Englishmen delivered a top-level duel, with high averages and spectacular checkouts. Humphries had chances to close it out but couldn’t take them. Littler punished that ruthlessly and clinched victory in a nerve-racking deciding leg: 6-5.

Thanks to that new weekly title, Littler strengthens his lead in the Premier League. The night in Leeds also underlined just how tight it is at the very top right now. With six matches decided in the last leg, fans witnessed one of the most dramatic Premier League nights ever.