Luke Littler spoiled Luke Humphries' hopes of a hat-trick of night wins in Leeds by claiming his own third consecutive nightly victory in Premier League Darts Night 14 on Thursday. The 18-year-old sensation edged out the Leeds United fan 6-5 in a thrilling final, despite Humphries missing match darts in what could have been a vital win for his play-off hopes.
The final was a tense affair from the start. Littler opened with an 82 checkout to level at 1-1 after Humphries had hit a 94. Humphries responded with a 132 checkout to lead, but Littler fired back with a 146 checkout for 2-2. Littler missed 127 on the bull, and Humphries missed both tops and double 10, allowing Littler back to make it 3-3. A 180 from Humphries left 76, and he made it 4-3. Humphries went one away with a 42 checkout, but then missed 78 to seal the hat-trick. Littler hit 64 to make it 5-5, and with Humphries on the throw, Littler produced an 11-darter, splitting 26 to hit double 10 for the win.
Earlier in the night, Gerwyn Price struggled with illness, later confirming on Instagram that he is battling a health issue with a prognosis to come in the next few weeks. He lost 6-2 to Jonny Clayton, who broke on double four and sealed the win with a double five. Luke Littler then faced Michael van Gerwen, winning 6-4 in a decider after breaking for 3-1 and sealing the win with a 141 checkout. Luke Humphries defeated Josh Rock 6-5 in front of his 'second home' crowd, wearing Leeds United colours, hitting an 84 checkout to win. Stephen Bunting saw off Gian van Veen in another decider, getting over the line on double 16.
In the semi-finals, Jonny Clayton led 3-2 against Littler, but Littler turned it around, pinning double 20 after Clayton missed a chance at 91 to win 6-5. Humphries faced Bunting, who led 2-0 and held the advantage for most of the match. Bunting hit a 121 checkout to go 4-3, but Humphries forced a decider and took it to set up the final with Littler.
