Luke Littler celebrated his third Premier League victory of the season with an electrifying performance that included a stunning nine-dart leg, securing a 6-4 triumph over Michael van Gerwen in Cardiff on March 20, 2025. The excitement in the arena was palpable as the 18-year-old Littler showcased remarkable skill against a formidable opponent. Van Gerwen, the reigning world champion, pushed hard, hitting a remarkable 10 180s and boasting an impressive match average of 112.50, yet Littler's consistency and precision proved decisive.
Reflecting on his match-winning dart, Littler said, "I didn't even realise the double 15 was in until Huw (Ware, referee) shouted it." He shared insights about his recent performance at a Pro Tour event, stating, "I hit one two weeks ago at the Pro Tour and I went the treble 17, double 15 route after missing double 12 numerous times last year." This shows his shifting strategies as he adapts to the intense competition on the circuit. He also expressed, "So I think that's the new route to go for this year," indicating his evolving approach to the game.
Despite facing pressure after achieving the perfect leg, Littler managed to maintain his focus, explaining, "You've seen players in the world championships hit the nine and go out in that game, so I had to focus after that." The high-stakes nature of competitive darts was evident as Van Gerwen attempted a comeback, stating, "Michael won the next two legs but I managed to get back into it." Littler eventually regained control, culminating in an impressive victory.
This win not only secured him crucial points but also extended his lead in the Premier League standings over fellow competitor Luke Humphries by six points. In discussing the significance of the win, Littler concluded: "It's good to pick up another nightly win, more crucial points, and to have a six-point over Luke (Humphries) is a good boost for myself."
The final match was just the culmination of an action-packed evening at the Utilitia Arena, Cardiff, known for its electric atmosphere. The crowd was vibrant, contributing to the excitement surrounding the event. The evening had marked the first Premier League darts night in Cardiff since February 1, 2024, highlighting the anticipation among fans who welcomed the sport back to their city.
Earlier during the night, Littler triumphed in the semi-finals, defeating Rob Cross 6-2 after a previous subdued 6-3 victory against Nathan Aspinall in his opening match. Meanwhile, Van Gerwen showcased his skill by besting Chris Dobey and Humphries, finally making his way to the final.
Gerwyn Price, another home favorite, faced disappointment as he was eliminated by Rob Cross with a nail-biting score of 6-5. After trailing 5-2, Price leveled the match but was unable to clinch victory against Cross, who finalized the contest with a spectacular 170 checkout while Price was waiting on a double.
Stephen Bunting also faced a frustrating night, suffering a 6-2 loss to Dobey and finding himself at the bottom of the Premier League table without a single point to show for his efforts. The spirited ambiance during the matches was echoed in Leipzigermaniacs' Twitter exchanges and social media posts filled with celebrations and highlights from the night.
As for Littler, the victory not only added to his accolades but also brought him a significant prize. The league sponsor, Bet MGM, awarded him a set of 18-carat gold darts worth £30,000 for his achievement of the perfect leg. This recognition underscores the growing stature of this young darts player on the global stage.
Fans have praised Littler's performance, drawing comparisons to seasoned players while recognizing his unique style and fervent approach. The evening concluded with a vibrant display of rivalries, talent, and a community spirit that embraces the love for the sport.
As the Premier League Darts continues, Littler's performance in Cardiff will surely be remembered as a remarkable milestone in his budding career, signaling a promising future in this competitive arena.
