Luke Littler Makes History with Fifth Premier League Win
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, 18-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler has etched his name in the record books by becoming the first player to win five nights in a Premier League season. Littler’s 6-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen in Birmingham has not only cemented his position at the top of the league but also secured his spot in the season-ending play-offs at O2 Arena on May 29.
According to a report by the BBC, Littler’s remarkable achievement is a testament to his rapid rise to fame in the world of darts. The youngster, who became the youngest world darts champion in January, has been in scintillating form throughout the season, winning four nights in the opening eight weeks. Although he had failed to reach the final in the past four weeks, Littler’s latest triumph has silenced his critics and reaffirmed his position as a force to be reckoned with in the sport.
The BBC reports that no player has won more than four nights since the 16-week league phase was introduced in 2022, with Jonny Clayton (2022), Gerwyn Price and Michael Smith (2023), and Littler, Luke Humphries, and Van Gerwen (2024) all achieving that mark. Littler’s fifth win is a significant milestone, and he is now on track to finish top of the league, which would grant him a semi-final spot and a much-needed break before the final.
As quoted by the BBC, Littler expressed his delight at achieving the milestone, saying, "I’m very happy. The fifth nightly win was going to come at some point but it’s been a few weeks since I actually won on a Thursday." He also highlighted the importance of topping the league phase, adding, "It’s something I’ve always thought in my head, playing the first semi-final is so crucial because there is not that big of a turnaround."
The match against Van Gerwen was a closely contested affair, with Littler needing last-leg shootout wins over Stephen Bunting and Nathan Aspinall to reach the final. However, he improved significantly as the evening progressed, averaging 102.5 to Van Gerwen’s 94.31 and converting six out of 13 checkouts. The BBC notes that Littler kept pace with Van Gerwen, recovering a break in leg six and breaking again in leg 10 to secure the win and avoid a final-leg decider.
Littler’s confidence is evident, as he told the BBC, "I’m nine points clear, so I’m very happy and very confident I’ll stay at number one." With his sights set on the play-offs, Littler is poised to make a deep run in the competition and cement his status as one of the top players in the sport. The BBC reports that Littler’s achievement has sent shockwaves through the darts community, with fans and pundits alike hailing him as a prodigy.
In conclusion, Luke Littler’s historic fifth Premier League win has solidified his position as a leading light in the world of darts. As reported by the BBC, Littler’s remarkable achievement is a testament to his skill, determination, and dedication to the sport. With the play-offs looming, Littler will look to continue his impressive form and bring glory to his name.
Source: BBC Sport
