LUKE Littler lost to Luke Humphries in Thursday’s Premier League Darts final and immediately showed his class in defeat.
After the match the two embraced and Littler raised Humphries’ hand above his head in celebration of the better man on the night.
4
4
4
The gesture – mimicking a boxing referee announcing the winner – showed the respect the 18-year-old has for the world number one.
Humphries showed the feeling was mutual when he spoke out after his victory.
The 30-year-old former world champ told Sky Sports: “When you know you’re playing against Luke Littler you know you’re not going to get away with mid-game performances, you need to be at your best to beat him.
“We weren’t at our best but it was a decent final and I do seem to raise my performance against him.”
Both players progressed through the night with comfortable wins before Humphries edged the final 6-5 win.
Littler beat Nathan Aspinall 6-4 in the quarters and Gerwyn Price 6-3 in the semis. Humphries beat both Stephen Bunting and Michael van Gerwen 6-4 on his way to the final.
It was written in the stars for the victor who wanted to continue the celebrations in the town of his beloved Leeds United, who won the Championship last weekend.
Humphries unveiled a unique club-inspired match shirt in honour of the Whites getting promoted to the top flight.
Despite being 2-0 down to the Nuke on the night, Cool Hand Luke ended his 10-week wait for a Premier League nightly victory.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS
The competition extended beyond just the players as Littler fought back against hecklers in the crowd.
The Manchester United fan was met with boos from the crowd in Leeds – their historic rivals – but beat them at their own game with a cry-baby gesture before winning his semi-final.
Littler is now seven points ahead of Humphries at the top of the table, while third-placed Gerywn Price has also qualified for the play-offs.
Van Gerwen occupies fourth spot ahead of Nathan Aspinall with two nights remaining before they head to the O2.
4
Premier League Darts 2025
THE Premier League Darts is back with eight players vying for massive prize money and Luke Littler’s crown.
The teenager, who went on to win the world title in December, won the Premier League in 2024 and will be looking to defend his crown over 18 thrilling weeks.
There were two new entries this season, with Stephen Bunting and Chris Dobey replacing Peter Wright and Michael Smith.
Luke Humphries, Rob Cross, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall keep their place in what will be a hotly-contested title race.
INFORMATION
LATEST DARTS NEWS
SEASON SO FAR