Luke Littler wins Premier League Darts title on debut as 17-year-old hits a NINE-DARTER on way to clinching £275,000 prize with victory over Luke Humphries in repeat of World Championship final
Luke Littler won his first major title after claiming the Premier League Darts title The 17-year-old won 11-7 against Luke Humphries at the O2 Arena in London Afterwards, Littler painted an emotional figure as he celebrated with his family
Luke Littler won the Premier League 2024 title after cruising past rival Luke Humphries in the final on Thursday night.
The 17-year-old sensation triumphed 11-7 over rival Luke Humphries in the showpiece event to claim the £275,000 prize after a stunning performance at the O2 Arena in London.
It was a closely contested affair until Littler took control of the match by hitting a terrific nine-dart finish in the 11th leg, to go into a 6-5 lead.
Littler hit back-to-back 180s before checking out on 141 with a treble 20, treble 19 and a double 12 to send him on his way to victory on the night.
After clinching the leg, Littler powered on into an 10-7 lead and dispatched of Humphries after leaving himself on 40 and then hitting a double 20.
Luke Littler won his first major title after clinching the Premier League 2024 title on Thursday
Littler triumphed 11-7 over rival Luke Humphries in the showpiece event at the O2 Arena
The 17-year-old rushed to girlfriend Eloise Milburn and his family to celebrate the occasion
It proved to be an emotional moment for Littler who, after clinching the final leg, went over to his family and girlfriend, Eloise Milburn.
Speaking to Sky Sports after winning, Littler said: 'For all the doubters, you're not doubting me any more! I've just picked up this.
'It's so good to win but in front of my family and my girlfriend I don't know what to do.
'I've hit a nine-darter on the World Series and so did Phil [Taylor] - now I've hit one in the final here and so did he.'
Littler booked his place in the final on Thursday after cruising past Michael Smith 10-5 earlier in the night to set up a repeat of the World Championship final.
On that night in January, it was Humphries who came out on top after a thrilling 7-4 clash but, on this occasion, it was Littler who left with the trophy.
In his first time in the competition, across 16 weeks of league action, Littler flourished and finished top of the table with 40 points after winning four nights.
His phenomenal form has earned him a place in finals night in London, where he was joined by Humphries, Smith and Michael van Gerwen.
Those three men have five world titles between them but, as the last five months have proved, Littler wasn't fazed one bit by the competition.
Littler painted an emotional figure as he rushed to hug girlfriend Milburn, who only began attending the 17-year-old's matches at the start of the month.
They first went public with their relationship during the World Championship after meeting on the darts circuit last year, and Milburn has remained by Littler's side in 2024.
Humphries, meanwhile, also spoke to Sky Sports after his defeat and said: 'I was trying to stick in there - there was a massive breeze coming across the stage all night and it's so hard to deal with.
'It's credit to Luke, he managed it all night so well. When I went to the break 5-5 I had stuck in there.
'But then all of a sudden the breeze stopped and he's played much better - he's such a fantastic player, he really is.
'I think me and Luke are the two greatest players in the world at the moment and this was another great battle.
'I just love playing him - I know I lose a lot [seven of the past nine meetings have gone in Littler's favour] but I just love playing him and we are going to have many more battles in the future.'