Luke Littler managed to get revenge on Luke Humphries from his World Championship final loss to defeat the world No 1 for the Premier League title after hitting his fourth nine-darter of the year.
Littler was given a wildcard entry to this year’s Premier League season and didn’t take long to settle into life at the top of professional darts.
It was Michael van Gerwen who dominated the early weeks of the 2024 Premier League season before Humphries went on a run of victories.
But Littler soon took control of the Premier League campaign following his first night victory in Belfast.
Luke Littler won the Premier League title after hitting a nine-darter in the final
PA
The teenager ended up topping the table with an incredible 40 points to make it to the play-offs on his debut.
Humphries also enjoyed an impressive debut Premier League campaign with the two on course to meet in the final.
Littler had to navigate past Michael Smith in his quarter-final, but the 2023 world champion had an off game as the 17-year-old raced to a 10-5 victory.
Humphries enjoyed a similar performance against Van Gerwen, who came into the play-offs out of form.
It ended up being a repeat of the World Championship final to decide the winner of the 2024 Premier League season.
And just like the contest at Alexandra Palace, there was little to separate them both in the early legs.
The score was 5-5 as they headed for the half-time break, but Littler came out all guns blazing when they returned as he blew Humphries out of the water.
The very first leg back saw both players start with 180s with Littler then getting the crowd out of their seats with another to leave the possibility of a nine-darter.
The teenager showed his nerve to his triple-20 and triple-19 before landing double 12 to spark bedlam inside the 02 Arena.
Humphries even applauded his opponent and that proved to be a pivotal moment as Littler then won three consecutive legs to take control of the final.
The reigning world champion tried to fight back, but he was unable to eat into Littler’s lead.
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Littler then had tops for the Premier League crown and he made no mistake on the first try.
The 17-year-old immediately embraced Humphries on stage where the tears were flowing and they continued when he went off the stage to hug his family and girlfriend.
After wiping away his tears, Littler had a message for those who questioned whether he would be able to cope with the rigours of the Premier League season.
He said: “One thing I want to say – for all the doubters, hello! I have just picked up this, you are not doubting me anymore! That’s it.”
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