Luke Littler makes surprise admission after nine-darter in Premier League of Darts | Other | Sport
Luke Littler revealed he hadn’t picked up his darts for an entire week before delivering a crushing performance to beat Michael van Gerwen in Cardiff on Thursday night. The 18-year-old sensation was at the top of his game and even pulled out a nine-darter on his way to beating the Dutchman 6-4 on night eight of the Premier League Darts. Littler hit the perfect nine on the board in the fourth leg, registering back-to-back 180s and checking out on 141 with T20, T17 and D15 to send the crowd in raptures in the Welsh capital. In doing so, he won a custom-made set of solid gold darts worth £30,000 from tournament sponsors BetMGM.
The teenager averaged 112 on the night and hit double figures for 180s with 10 to Van Gerwen’s four. That was all despite giving himself a week away from the oche to recuperate after a busy schedule, and Littler joked he may need to rest up more often if he produces similar performances. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I’ve been playing very well. I’ve not picked my darts up since last Thursday as I had a week off to chill. But to come here and win, six points clear which is a good lead and I’m comfortable. “All players have got to have rests, that’s why I pulled out of my appearance this weekend, just to have a rest. After the performance tonight, I’ll have to have another week off!”
In the past, critics have questioned Littler’s preparations as he revealed he enjoys gaming on his days off instead of practicing. But few will be doing so after his victory in Wales, with Littler moving six points clear of Luke Humphries in second place after claiming his third triumph of the competition – having also tasted success on night two in Glasgow and night five in Brighton.
His original target was to make it to the play-offs as quickly as possible, but the Warrington native admitted that he now wants to finish top of the standings.
“I just want to get to the O2 [for May’s play-offs] as quick as possible,” he added. “I have put myself in a really good position and I do want to finish No 1.
“Last year I didn’t want No 1, this year I want to try and stay there. I was happy with my doubles tonight but there is plenty more to come.”
The reigning world champion will be back in action from Thursday, March 27 in Newcastle where he will be hoping to repeat his clinical performance. There, he faces the out of form Stephen Bunting, who is yet to win a Premier League fixture and sits rock bottom with zero points.
