Luke Littler makes astonishing admission after creating more Premier League darts history

Luke Littler revealed that he prepared for his latest nine-darter on a thrilling Night Seven of the Premier League in Cardiff by enjoying ‘a week off to chill’.

The 18-year-old sensation cruised through to the final with wins over Nathan Aspinall and Rob Cross before defeating Michael van Gerwen to extend his lead at the top, creating more history in the process.

The teenager saved his best arrows for Thursday’s showpiece in the Welsh capital, producing a superb 112.5 average to see off Van Gerwen and claim his third night victory of the season.

And there was even a bit of history in the final as Littler checked out the third nine-darter of the Premier League season, after Luke Humphries and Cross both threw perfect legs in Brighton a fortnight ago.

Having begun the fourth leg with consecutive 180s, Littler found a treble 20 and a treble 17 before finishing with the double 15 and celebrating wildly in front of a jubilant Welsh crowd.

The unique checkout marked Littler’s second in the Premier League having produced one in last year’s final and it was first televised nine-darter ever to be finished on double 15.

With victory, Littler moves six points clear of Humphries at the top of the table and finds himself in a commanding position to finish in the top four and reach the play-offs at the O2 Arena in May.

‘I have been playing very well,’ Littler told Sky Sports post-match. ‘I must admit I haven’t picked my darts up since last Thursday, I had a week off to chill but to come here and win, I am comfortable.

‘I had no idea [if the final dart for the nine darter was in]. I just had to wait for [referee] Huw [Ware] to call it. You can see my face, is it? Is it? Is it? Yeah.

‘Tonight I was very happy with myself, especially the doubles. But there is plenty more to come and still nine weeks left.’

‘I just want to get to the O2 as quick as possible. [I’m on] 21 points and last year was 23 for top four. Last year I didn’t want number one, this year I want to try and stay there.

Van Gerween, meanwhile, sit in third place on 13 points after his run to the final.

Gerwyn Price currently occupies the fourth play-off spot on 12 points.

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