Darts
2024 Premier League: Luke Littler Wins First Major Title Beating Luke Humphries in the Final
Luke Littler wins the 2024 Premier League title after beating Luke Humphries in a stellar final, which included a nine-dart finish.
The World Championship Final Repeated
In a thrilling culmination to the 2024 Premier League Darts season, the spotlight descended upon The O2 in London, where the atmosphere crackled with anticipation.
It was a rematch of the 2024 World Darts Championship final, pitting the two most formidable players of the moment against each other: Luke Humphries and Luke Littler.
Littler boasted a formidable record against the world's number one, securing victory in six out of their eight encounters. Yet, it was Humphries who claimed the pinnacle triumph in the world final.
Their clash not only promised a showcase of unparalleled skill but also guaranteed a historic moment, as the Premier League trophy awaited a new bearer, with either contender poised to etch their name into darting immortality on their debut in the competition.
Early Momentum Swings
The 115th match of the Premier League season commenced with an auspicious opportunity for Humphries to disrupt his opponent's rhythm, aiming to break the 17-year-old’s record.
Despite Humphries' initial chances, Littler demonstrated resilience, securing double 10 after the world number one faltered with two missed shots at double 20. Humphries found himself grappling with missed opportunities, enabling Littler to swiftly seize a 2-0 advantage by breaking his throw.
A sudden twist of fate unfolded in the subsequent legs. Humphries swiftly retaliated, reclaiming the break before solidifying his own hold of throw. Littler, uncharacteristically wayward in his aim, missed multiple attempts at double 10, allowing Humphries to level the game at 2-2.
Nothing to Split the Two Luke’s
As the score line stood deadlocked at 3-3, Littler smoothly retained his throw, securing a crucial leg to edge ahead once more. Momentum seemed to favour Littler as he aimed to extend his lead in the eighth leg. Yet, Humphries displayed his resilience, staging a remarkable comeback with a flawless 116 three-dart checkout to level the score at 4-4.
In the ensuing legs, neither Luke could gain a decisive edge, with both players fiercely contesting each point. The tension soared as the game remained deadlocked at 5-5, setting the stage for a gripping battle as the players headed into the mid-match break.
Nine Dart Magic from Littler
Returning to the spotlight, the youthful prodigy seized the moment to assert his dominance over the match. In a display of unparalleled skill and composure, he delivered a mesmerising nine-dart finish on one of darts' most prestigious platforms, propelling himself to a 6-5 lead against the reigning world champion.
In this remarkable feat, he not only surged ahead in the match but also etched his name in the annals of darting history, breaking the record for the highest number of 180s ever recorded in a single Premier League season, the previous record was 112, hit by Gerwyn Price in 2023.
Image credit: PDC
Youngest Ever PDC Major Champion
Continuing his commanding performance, Littler maintained his dominance over the proceedings, securing victory in three of the next four legs, punctuated by another crucial break of throw, establishing a commanding 9-6 lead. With his first-ever PDC televised major title within grasp, he exuded confidence and control.
In the climactic moments of the match, the 17-year-old phenom delivered a spellbinding performance, capturing two of the final three legs with precision and flair, ultimately triumphing over Humphries with an 11-7 score line to clinch the 2024 Premier League title.
This momentous victory marks the dawn of a promising career for Littler, undoubtedly the first of many PDC major titles to come. Alongside the prestigious title, he also secured the substantial £275,000 prize money, marking his most significant darting payday to date and solidifying his place among the sport's elite.
Littler's achievement is further underscored by the fact that he is not only the youngest but also the first teenager ever to seize a PDC major title.
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