Luke Littler made history at the O2 Arena on Thursday night. Not only did he become the youngest ever winner of the
Premier League Darts, it was also his first ever PDC major title as he defeated Luke Humphries in the final, hitting a nine-darter en route.
“I’m a major winner! It feels incredible. It’s so good to win in front of my family. I was saying to Luke, I didn’t know what to do after I won!" Littler reflected afterwards. “There were people doubting me when I was selected, but now I’ve picked up the trophy. They’re not doubting me anymore! I have been practising really hard today. I was so focused, and I’m just so happy to add my name to the list of major winners.”
With this win, Littler earns the biggest prize haul of his career so far, a cool £275,000, not that the money is the first thing on the 17-year-old's mind. When asked in the post-final press conference if he has any plans on how to spend it, "Not really," Littler replies flatly. "I haven't even planned what time I'm going to bed tonight."
Luke Littler was too strong for Luke Humphries in the final 11-7
As mentioned, the highlight of an unforgettable performance, was Littler's nine-darter. With the scores locked at 5-5 tie in the final, Littler struck perfection and with a mid-match spurt, created clear distance between himself and his opponent. "The 144 I did on the Euro Tour was a lot easier because you're staying on the 20s," says Littler who checked out the more traditional 141 for his perfect leg. "I just thought to myself, don't do anything stupid, don't let all your energy out. I still had five legs to win."
A lot of people are now saying it, but does this Premier League title and the manner in which he achieved it make the Littler the best player in the world currently? "No I don't think I am at the minute," he answers modestly. "Who is? I don't know but not me.''