Exeter was electric on Thursday night as the fourth leg of the 2025 Premier League Darts unfolded at the Westpoint Arena, showcasing some of the best darts talent and delivering thrilling instances for the fans. The quarterfinals led to intense face-offs, where seasoned player Rob Cross triumphed over former champion Michael van Gerwen with a nail-biting score of 6-5, illustrating the high stakes and continued excitement of the Premier League.
Luke Humphries also made his mark, beating Gerwyn Price with the same scoreline, earning him a shot at victory against Cross. Both Cross and Humphries exhibited remarkable skill under pressure, each moving swiftly and decisively through their matches.
Following these electrifying quarterfinals, the semifinals did not disappoint either. Aspinall faced off against Chris Dobey and, after another tight contest, managed to secure his place with a 6-5 victory, keeping the stakes high as he prepared for the next challenge. Aspinall’s performance was particularly impressive as he navigated through multiple leg-breaks during the match.
Then came the match between Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting, where Littler dominated the stage spectacularly, closing the match at 6-3. Littler's impressive average of 112.34 and noteworthy finishes throughout the night left spectators buzzing with excitement. He soon found his way to the finals against world number one, Luke Humphries.
The final showdown was set; Humphries against Littler promised excitement. Both players had previously won nights earlier this season, setting the stage for what many anticipated would be nothing short of fireworks. According to reports from the live blog, "Humphries produced clinical finishes under pressure, especially clinching victories with multiple 12-darters and stunning ton-plus finishes" against Cross.
Fans engaged through live updates, with excitement rekindled as Littler entered the final, boasting impressive averages and total wins, including his semi-final highlight where he averaged 109.67 against Nathan Aspinall. Littler was noted to have taken his finishing powers to new heights, with five 180s to solidify his claim as a contender.
When the final began, tension filled the arena. Luke Humphries capitalized on moments of hesitation from Littler, allowing him to win the first leg with ease. Humphries pushed through to win back-to-back legs, showcasing his agility and precision, which had made him such fierce competition throughout the league.
An analysis reveals Humphries' strategy—his ability to average strong finishes and bounce back from missed opportunities becomes apparent as he strategically crafted each leg. Yet Littler, as the reigning champion, was determined to defend his title. He quickly recovered from some early hiccups, displaying resilience which left Humphries firmly on alert.
At one point, after some scrappy plays from both sides, it became clear the pressure of the match weighed heavily on Littler. A couple of visits went awry as he attempted to secure doubles, allowing Humphries yet another chance to take the lead. The back-and-forth established between them kept fans on the edge of their seats, their performances showcasing why they are regarded among the finest players on the circuit.
The leg exchanges highlighted the intensity of this competition, as Littler fumbled with missed doubles, missing multiple chances at match-critical shots. Meanwhile, Humphries seized the opportunity aided by timely shots and winning the tally on double tops.
Having taken the upper hand, Humphries displayed decisive performance consistency, sealing the final with good fortune and skill as he led to victory with a final score of 6-4. "There it is! Luke Humphries takes the leg with relative ease as Luke Littler just can't find the form he had previously,” noted the commentator, emphasizing the atmosphere's palpable excitement.
By the close of the evening, as the crowd erupted, it was clear Humphries had capitalized on the errors of Littler, as he took each moment to reinforce his position as one of the leading forces within the Premier League Darts—a title holder now firmly held under his mantle.
The night had everything—electric atmosphere, filled with highs and lows, and the fierce competitive spirit of both Humphries and Littler delivered once more. Darts fans around the world are certain excited for the next rounds, with every match promising more stunning displays and gripping narratives. Each shootout at the oche solidifies the talent present, leaving viewers longing for week five of the Premier League Darts.