Luke Littler, the teenage sensation of darts, continued to impress by clinching a thrilling victory during night seven of the Premier League Darts held on March 20, 2025, in Cardiff. The 18-year-old dazzled the crowd with a sensational performance that included hitting a nine-darter, culminating in a 6-4 win over seasoned competitor Michael van Gerwen.
Littler’s triumph was not just about the win; it also exhibited a remarkable average of 112.5, showcasing his precision and skill in the sport. The final was a high-stakes affair where Littler and Van Gerwen exchanged breaks of throw, contributing to a chaotic yet exhilarating atmosphere in the Utilita Arena.
During the match, Littler achieved the nine-darter in the fourth leg, a perfect leg that involved a treble 20, treble 17, and a double 15 to seal the deal. "I just had to wait for Huw [Ware] to call it. I had no idea [if the nine-darter had gone in]. Is it? Is it? Yeah," Littler said in a post-match interview. His stunned excitement resonated with the electrified crowd in Cardiff, which celebrated wildly.
The match saw Littler take an early advantage, breaking Van Gerwen's throw and establishing a 3-1 lead before the Dutchman rallied to level the match at 4-4. However, Littler quickly regained control, finishing strongly and capping off the evening with an impressive display that delighted fans and critics alike.
In the earlier rounds of the night, Rob Cross had also made headlines by defeating Welshman Gerwyn Price in a nail-biting quarter-final. Price, who faced additional pressure competing on home soil, could not seal the deal against Cross, who emerged victorious with a 6-5 victory, including a spectacular 170 checkout to win the deciding leg.
The night's semi-finals featured a showdown between Cross and Littler, with Littler defeating Cross 6-2, further solidifying his performance throughout the evening. Meanwhile, Van Gerwen showcased resilience as he fought back against top seed Luke Humphries, who he managed to defeat 6-4 after trailing early in the match.
Despite having come off a week of rest, Littler's performance was a testament to his ongoing development and confidence as a player. Following his win, he expressed his desire to maintain his momentum, stating, "All players have to have a rest and after the performance tonight, I will have another week off! I just want to get to the O2 as quickly as possible."
With this victory, Littler now stands six points clear at the top of the Premier League standings, amassing a total of 21 points after seven weeks of competition. His consistent performances have not only earned him the respect of his peers but also placed him in a strong position as he eyes a spot in the playoffs, scheduled for May at London's O2 Arena.
As the tournament progresses, the pressure mounts not only on Littler but also on other competitors, including Van Gerwen, who is in third place with 13 points. Current standings also see Rob Cross hot on the heels of the leaders, demonstrating that the competition remains fierce and unpredictable.
As we look ahead to night eight set to take place in Newcastle on March 27, 2025, Littler is scheduled to face off against Stephen Bunting, who is still seeking his first victory of the season after a difficult start. The upcoming clashes promise to be highly anticipated, with fans eager to see if Littler can continue his unbeaten run and whether others, like Van Gerwen and Cross, will rise to challenge him.
In summary, Luke Littler's win at Cardiff exemplifies his extraordinary talent as he rapidly establishes himself as a formidable force in the Premier League Darts. His nine-darter and effective scoring not only enthralled the crowd but has also set the stage for what could be a landmark season in his young career.
