WARRINGTON’S Luke Littler lost his Premier League crown as he was defeated by arch-rival and World Number 1 Luke Humphries 11-8 at The O2 arena in London last night.
In a rematch of the 2024 final, Littler stormed into a 3-0 lead but Humphries grew into the encounter, winning with his third match dart, nailing D10 to claim glory.
It was Humphries’ first Premier League title win after making his debut in the competition last year before eventually losing out to Littler in the final.
Humphries secured his victory after Littler beat Gerwyn Price 10-7 in the semis, while Humphries came through 10-7 in his semi with Nathan Aspinall.
Humphries added to his illustrious list of titles and now has the darting ‘Triple Crown’, having won the World Championship, World Match Play and the Premier League.
He becomes only the fourth player to complete the feat, alongside Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson.
“This one means the world to me, that was the one I was missing. It was the one I wanted, I have done it now,” Humphries told Sky Sports.
“If I don’t win another title, I am happy as I have done the three hardest ones to do.
He also pocketted £275,000 in prize money after becoming the 8th winner of the competition.
In the 23rd meeting between the two best players in the world, Littler headed into the contest 13-9 in his favour.
He also had the advantage of winning the 2024 title 11-7 against his arch-rival.
Littler came out of the gates flying romping into a 3-0 lead. Breaks of throw were then cancelled out as Humphries grew in confidence, but the frustrations also increased as both players struggled to find rhythm as ‘Cool Hand’ somehow managed to go in at the break level at 5-5.
Then the tide turned and Humphries came back out in the zone, pouncing on Littler to immediately break the throw to move 7-5 ahead.
While the teenager continued to find big numbers too Humphries kept his cool and held his throw well to put himself 10-8 up and one away from the title.
Then after missing two match darts he finally sealed the deal on D10, adding the Premier League trophy to his cabinet.
Littler and Humphries are due back in action at the Nordic Darts Masters in Copenhagen from June 6-7.
🗣️ “Honestly, this title means the world to me.”
Luke Humphries produced a brilliant surge to defeat World Champion Luke Littler and clinch his maiden BetMGM Premier League title at The O2 in London on Thursday.
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 29, 2025
