World Series Order of Merit: Luke Littler regains lead after title at Poland Darts Masters

Luke Littler has regained first place on the World Series Order of Merit. By winning the Poland Darts Masters in Gliwice, 'The Nuke' retook the lead from Gerwyn Price, who himself was missing from the World Series of Darts tournament in Poland.

Price had relieved the 17-year-old Englishman as the ranking leader after 'The Iceman' won the Nordic Darts Masters in Copenhagen earlier this month. However, his absence in Poland gave Littler the opportunity to catch up. The teenage sensation did so convincingly, taking the overall victory at the Poland Darts Masters by beating Adam Gawlas (6-4), Peter Wright (6-3), Michael Smith (7-6) and Rob Cross (8-3).

With 37 points, Littler now tops the rankings, while Price even dropped to third with 30 points. The Welshman was also passed by Rob Cross, who reached his third World Series final this month. 'Voltage' brought his point total to 32 points.

Michael van Gerwen can be found in fourth place with 28 points. 'Mighty Mike' won the Dutch Darts Masters in Den Bosch early this year and made it to the final of the Bahrain Darts Masters. Behind Van Gerwen follows a sizable gap to Luke Humphries, who is fifth with 19 points. Michael Smith (17 points), Peter Wright (11 points) and Nathan Aspinall (11 points) complete the top eight.

The top eight of the World Series Order of Merit are assured of participation in the World Series Finals in Amsterdam at the end of the season. In the coming months, World Series tournaments will first be played in Australia and New Zealand. Winning a World Series tournament earns 12 points toward the World Series Order of Merit. The losing finalist receives eight points and semifinalists five points. Reaching the quarterfinals is valued with three points, and players who lose their first game still receive one point.