Luke Littler hit a scintillating nine-dart finish in the final of Premier League Darts against rival Michael van Gerwen as he claimed his latest night victory.
It was the third nine-darter of the Premier League this season, after world No 1 Luke Humphries and Rob Cross both achieved the feat – finishing a leg in the fewest darts possible – two weeks ago in Brighton.
It also came just nine days after he his another nine in the Players Championship in Leicester, but this time it was in front of the crowd, with the Welsh faithful sent into a frenzy.
Littler, who will receive 18ct gold darts – worth £30,000 – for the feat from sponsors BetMGM, also managed to pick up a third nightly win our of seven, with van Gerwen managing to stay in the game despite Littler’s achievement but missing out on his own first nightly win of the season.
Still, Littler remains top of the Premier league table going into night eight, where he will face Stephen Bunting in a week that forms the quarter-final matches based on league positions
Littler hit a staggering 10 180s in the final, extending his lead at the top of that table too, and averaged 112.50 to extend his lead to six points at the top of the table.
Luke Littler hit a scintillating nine-darter against Michael van Gerwen in the Premier League Darts final on Thursday
The Nuke stormed to his third nightly victory of the season to extend his lead at the top of the table after seven weeks
Littler had initially been booed entering the arena but had won over fans by the end of the night
‘I have been playing very well,’ Littler told Sky Sports post-match. I must admit I haven’t p[icked my darts up since last thursday, i had a week to chill but to come here and win, I am comfortable.
‘I had no idea [if it was in]. You can see my face, is it? Yeah. I just want to get to the O2 as quick as possible, I have put myself in a really good position, this year I may as well try and stay No 1.
‘Tonight I was very happy with myself, especially the doubles. But there is plenty more to come and still nine weeks left.’
He had also predicted the outcome prior to the game, writing on Instagram: ‘My 9 darter in Leicester was 60-51-30 so take a hint.’
Littler was booed as he entered the arena for his quarter-final match-up with Nathan Aspinall, who had vowed to be less friendly with Littler on stage after drawing criticism from other players and fans.
‘We get booed as players,’ Littler added. ‘But once you hit a 180 or nice finish… I think they are on my side now.’
He dispatched of Aspinall, averaging over 102 in his 6-3 win before dispatching of Cross with ease in the semis, averaging nearly 108 to set up the bout with van Gerwen.
Van Gerwen himself had enjoyed a positive night, getting the better of Humphries and Chris Dobey to reach his first final of the season.
The seven-time Premier League champion fought valiantly in what was a repeat of the World Championship final, and continued to prove a threat after Littler had pinned his nine-darter.
Van Gerwen had played well in his first final of the year but came up short against Littler
World No 1 Luke Humphries, meanwhile, lost to Van Gerwen in the quarters on Thursday
After back-to-back 180s – two of his 22 on the night – Littler opted for the treble 20, treble 17, double 15 route and nailed each dart to the elation of the crowd.
He first appeared unsure if he had hit the double, but, once referee Huw Ware had confirmed it, he jumped for joy and van Gerwen struggled to hold back his smile.
Despite the Green Machine’s best efforts, he fell to a 6-4 defeat overall, but did strengthen his grip on the play-offs going into Newcastle next week.
