Luke Humphries has claimed his first victory against Luke Littler in the Premier League Darts on Night Four, defeating the teenager 6-4 at the Westpoint Arena, Exeter on February 27, 2025.
This win marks a significant milestone for the world number one, who had previously lost six consecutive matches to Littler, including the 2024 Premier League final. With this victory, Humphries solidifies his position at the top of the Premier League table, now leading with 15 points, seven points clear of Littler.
"It felt hard work, but felt good in a weird way. I felt like my game was in a good place but in certain moments I struggled so it was a bit strange," Humphries reflected on his performance. He demonstrated resilience, coming back from being 3-1 behind to clinch the match. The turning point came when Littler missed several darts at double, allowing Humphries to capitalize.
Littler started strong, firing out of the gate with impressive early legs, including taking out 144 to lead 3-1. Despite his efforts, he struggled to maintain the high-caliber scoring exhibited earlier, eventually recording a finishing average of 97.
Although disappointing for Littler, this night still highlighted his extraordinary talent. The 18-year-old set multiple records throughout the evening: he hit ten 180s against Stephen Bunting and averaged 112 before advancing to the semi-finals where he defeated Nathan Aspinall 6-2. This performance included three ton-plus finishes and showcased his exceptional scoring ability.
Post-match, Humphries acknowledged Littler's earlier brilliance: "Luke played fantastic tonight; he didn't play as great in the final, but I managed to step on the gas. This is the first time I've beaten him in the Premier League. It gets harder every time you lose, but I felt more fresh and had no more excuses." His sentiments echo the growing competitive spirit as both players strive for excellence.
The evening began with Humphries edging out Gerwyn Price, the previous week’s winner, in the quarter-finals, where he showcased his exceptional darting skills with remarkable checkouts of 167 and 116, overcoming deficits to secure his spot in the final. Shortly after, Littler's powerful display against Bunting caught the attention of fans with record-breaking moments.
Humphries' win on Night Four is his second consecutive victory, having already won Night One. The tournament format is structured so each player faces the other seven competitors during the initial league stages. With only five points available for winning the night, maintaining consistency becomes pivotal as the season progresses.
Looking forward, both players are determined to continue their compelling performances, with Littler set to aim for redemption as the competition travels to Brighton for Night Five, which takes place on March 6. This gripping matchup signals the energetic thrust of the Premier League, reminiscent of major sporting spectacles such as football’s FA Cup.
With such thrilling performances and nail-biting finishes, the excitement for the rest of the Premier League Darts 2025 season is palpable, as the next matches promise to be equally or even more electrifying. Players like Littler and Humphries are not just competing for wins; they are captivating audiences and inspiring the next generation of darts enthusiasts.
The upcoming matches are set to showcase the expansive talents within the sport, and with Humphries' recent form and Littler's record-breaking potential, fans anticipate even greater rivalries and moments of brilliance moving forward.