Luke Littler issued a “catch me” warning to his Premier League title rivals after moving top of the table by claiming his third nightly victory of the season in Berlin.
The world No 1 delivered a string of impressive performances to storm to victory at the Uber Arena, averaging over 105 in all three of his matches to see off Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen to the £10,000 first prize.
Littler reeled in two ‘Big Fish’ finishes during his 6-4 victory over Van Gerwen, his third night win in four weeks, with his latest success seeing him leapfrog Jonny Clayton into top spot at the halfway stage of the season.
The upturn in form follows a slow start to the season, where Littler sat seventh after the first four weeks, but now leaves him on 21 points and in pole position to qualify for Finals Night at The O2.
“It’s been very interesting this Premier League,” Littler admitted. “Obviously Jonny [Clayton] ran away with it a little bit, but I thought there was going to be a much bigger gap while I was sat seventh.
“I was also sat at sixth at one point but now they can all try and catch me!”
Littler added: “Feeling very good – better than the first few weeks. Now I’m at the top, I don’t want to move from there – I want to stay at the top.”
How Littler delivered ‘best ‘Premier League night
Littler raced through the first four legs against Bunting in his quarter-final, with ‘The Bullet’ needing a 167 checkout on the bullseye to stop the risk of a whitewash before the 19-year-old closed out a 6-3 win.
Stephen Bunting checks out 167 on the bull to take a leg back against Littler
He averaged even higher against Price – in a rematch of last week’s Dublin final, as Littler responded to the Welshman going 4-3 up with a 152 finish by claiming the next three legs to secure a 13th win in 14 meetings over the two-time world champion.
Littler also had a fast start against Van Gerwen after taking out a 126 finish on his way to moving 3-0 ahead, then fired ‘Big Fish’ checkouts in the eighth and final legs to claim the maximum five points on offer for the evening.
Highlights of the Premier League Darts match between Littler and Bunting
“It was a very good night overall,” Littler explained. “I played some outstanding darts – I think that’s the best I’ve ever played for a [Premier League] night and got the job done.
“With the new darts, when I was practising, I was hitting bull near enough every three darts at least once. Before the 170s I hit a 126 hit on the bull.
“I just feel really confident with these new darts but we’ve just got to back it up next week.
“Stats-wise and obviously how I played and how I feel, this is the best I’ve felt in a while.”
Why did ‘incredible’ Littler change darts mid-night?
Littler used two different sets of darts during his nightly victory, changing ahead of his semi-final win over Price, although revealed it was a decision already made before his quarter-final win.
“I said coming in that if I won my first game I would change my darts in the second,” Littler told Sky Sports. “That will get a few people talking!
Littler explains his decisions to change darts during night eight of the Premier League
“Target did a few adjustments as they weren’t quite right, but they worked tonight.”
Former Premier League champion Glen Durrant said: “I am from an era where you played with the same darts for as long as possible but he is changing after an incredible opening game when he averaged over a hundred. He is incredible.
“We are all saying Jonny Clayton is already through and Luke Littler – but Clayton will want to get another couple of points after two quarter-final exits in a row. The league is sat nicely and every week will feel massive.”
Littler overtook Jonny Clayton at the top of the standings
What’s next?
The Premier League heads to the AO Arena in Manchester for Night Nine, with Van Gerwen opening against Bunting before Gerwyn Price takes on Luke Humphries.
Van Veen faces Littler, now looking for a fourth nightly win in five weeks, with Clayton facing Rock again after losing to the Northern Irishman in Berlin.
Watch Premier League Darts every Thursday up to and including Finals Night on May 28. Catch Week Nine, from Manchester, live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event from 7pm on Thursday April 2. Stream darts contract-free with NOW.
