Historic Premier League win for Luke Littler

WARRINGTON teenager Luke Littler does not think he is the best darts player in the world despite becoming the youngest-ever major champion by winning the Premier League on debut.

Littler gained revenge on Luke Humphries for his heartbreaking World Championship final defeat by beating the world number one in a thrilling final at the O2 in London last night.

The 17-year-old threw a nine-dart finish on his way to an 11-7 victory, which saw him get his hands on the second-biggest title in the sport and a £250,000 prize pot.

It continued his incredible rise since bursting onto the scene at Alexandra Palace over Christmas, but he still does not think he is the best yet.
“Potentially down the line,” he said. “(Sky Sports pundit) Wayne Mardle asked me last week, ‘Am I the best?’.
“I just said no. Because I don’t think I am at the minute. Who is? I don’t know. Not me.”

Littler only got a spot in the Premier League after his run to the World Championship final, earning a wildcard entry at the last moment.
People questioned whether the teenager would be able to cope with the demands of playing 17 successive Thursday nights in seven different countries – as well as competing in other tournaments – but he answered those doubts emphatically and was keen to tell everyone.
In his on-stage interview immediately after winning the title, he said: “One thing I just wanted to say, to all the doubters, ‘Hello!’. I’ve just picked up this, you’re not doubting me any more.”

He added: “It was one of those weird feelings with people saying I wasn’t good enough.
“I had just got to the World Championship final, maybe I should be picked as I was.
“I accepted the invite and I have gone on to win it. Twelve months ago, I watched it at home on the TV.”
It was a fitting final between the two best players in the world as an enduring rivalry continued.
Humphries may have won the biggest battle at Ally Pally but Littler has an 8-2 winning record overall.

The 29-year-old, who hopes to have more success when watching his beloved Leeds play in the Championship final against Southampton on Sunday, predicts that people will eventually get bored of seeing Littler win.
“Everyone is desperate to see Luke Littler win at the moment, it will probably get to the point in 10 years where it will end up like Phil Taylor where no one wants to see him win anymore because he wins everything,” Humphries said.
“He’s won his first major title, we all knew it was coming, we didn’t know when it was going to happen.
“He was definitely a deserved champion and I am sure he will win many more.”

In a pivotal revelation that would shape the course of his championship journey, Littler revealed post-match the defining moment during the Leeds Premier League event, where he knew he could go onto become champion.
It was there, amidst the intense competition, that Littler gazed upon the league table and saw his name solidly secured for the Play-Offs stage. This simple sight ignited a newfound belief within him, a belief that he could indeed clinch the title.
“You couldn’t really stop until I got that Q next to my name. But two weeks ago, when I secured my place here [at The O2], I knew I could go on and win it,” Littler told SportsBoom.com, reflecting on the significance of that moment.
Additionally, a shift in approach also contributed to Littler’s success. Rather than relaxing or indulging in a game of FIFA between matches, he dedicated himself to practice, a decision that paid dividends.
“Tonight, I practised well and played with freedom. I was playing to win it,” he noted after his victory.

Humour in Rivalry
In a light-hearted exchange, the Warrington wonderkid also offered a humorous take on his rivalry with Luke Humphries and their potential dominance in the sport’s future.
“You’re living in mine and Luke Humphries’ world,” he quipped, showcasing both confidence and camaraderie with his competitor.

World Cup Woes
Despite his recent triumph, the teenage sensation now faces disappointment as he has to sit at home and watch the PDC’s upcoming World Cup of Darts. Excluded from the England team due to the current order of merit ranking system, Littler acknowledges the challenge of sitting out.
“Yes. But the ranking rules have been in place for many years. I’m sure Luke [Humphries] and [Michael] Smith will get the job done,” he conceded when asked if he’s disappointed to miss out on the event, despite now being the reigning Premier League champion.
When pressed on whether rules should have been amended to allow his participation, Littler remained coy but hinted at future inclusion. “No, not this year,” he teased with a knowing grin, suggesting that his absence may be temporary.

Looking Ahead
Luke Littler’s victory in the 2024 Premier League not only cements his status as a rising star in the darting world but also sets the stage for future triumphs and rivalries to come. As he continues to hone his skills and challenge the sport’s elite, Littler’s journey promises excitement and success on the grandest stages of the PDC circuit.

Been 17 long weeks and couldn’t have done it without all the support from my family, Eloise, Martin, sponsors and everyone in my team❤️ thank you for everything🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/lcWcyAolgE

— Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) May 23, 2024

You asked for it and only went and delivered💥 pic.twitter.com/3Ns9vQgKxB

— Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) May 23, 2024