Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler was overcome with emotion after defeating Luke Humphries 11-10 to win the Premier League Darts title at the O2 Arena in London.
The thrilling final saw Littler edge past world number one Humphries in a closely contested match to secure his second Premier League crown in just three appearances in the competition. The 19 year old finished top of the Premier League table during the regular season after recording six nightly victories from 16 events before heading into Finals Night as one of the favourites for the title.
Littler began the evening with a dramatic 10-9 semi final victory against Welsh darts star Gerwyn Price after surviving a strong comeback from his opponent. Price had fought back from 9-4 down to force a deciding leg before Littler eventually secured victory in one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament.
The young Englishman then produced another outstanding display in the final against Humphries averaging more than 111 during the match as both players exchanged legs in a tense battle that went all the way to the final leg.
After sealing the victory, Littler became emotional while reflecting on the difficult moments he experienced during the early stages of the Premier League campaign.
“It was a rollercoaster first four weeks, bottom of the table, but then the fifth night I won my first night. I had to pick myself up through some tough times,” Littler said after the match.
The teenager also admitted that criticism and boos from sections of the crowd during parts of the season had emotionally affected him.
Humphries was later seen comforting Littler on stage as the young champion struggled to hold back tears following the victory. The win further strengthens Littler’s growing reputation as one of the brightest young talents in world darts after his rapid rise in the sport over the past two years.
Since bursting onto the international stage, Littler has continued to attract massive attention from darts fans due to his confidence, consistency and impressive scoring ability despite his young age.
Meanwhile, Humphries also received praise for his performance after pushing the final to the deciding leg in what many fans described as one of the best Premier League Darts finals in recent years.
The latest triumph now adds another major title to Littler’s growing career as he continues to establish himself among the top players in professional darts.
