Luke Littler solidified his status as one of the leading figures in darts with an impressive nine-dart finish on March 20, 2025, during the Premier League Night Seven final held at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff. The 18-year-old world champion achieved remarkable darting feats against the formidable Michael Van Gerwen, setting the stage for a thrilling 6-4 victory that further extended his lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Littler opened the pivotal final with flair, reaching a nine-darter in the fourth leg, a combination that consisted of a treble 20, a treble 17, and a double 15 to check out at 141, igniting the Cardiff crowd into a frenzy. This nine-dart finish marks Littler's second in Premier League history; having previously dazzled audiences with a similar feat against Luke Humphries last year. Moreover, it's his sixth nine-darter in professional tournaments, a testament to his growing prowess in the sport.
Throughout the match, Littler demonstrated exceptional control and skill, managing to average 112.50, a performance that kept him firmly ahead of Van Gerwen, who could only match his tenacity without ensuring a win. After establishing a 3-1 lead, Littler showcased an ability to maintain composure, ultimately closing off Van Gerwen’s late challenge, marking his third nightly win of the 2025 season.
Reflecting on his unexpected success in the final, Littler shared insights into his preparation, admitting that he had taken time away from the practice board leading up to the match. “I had been playing very well but I must admit I hadn’t picked up my darts since last Thursday,” Littler confessed. “I had no idea that nine-darter was in, I just had to wait for Huw (Ware, referee) to call it.”
This recent break, he explained, had been intentional, allowing him space to recharge, stating: “I chose not to go to this week’s Euro Tour—it's just another chilled week off.” His decision to skip the upcoming Players Championship in Germany signals a strategic shift aimed at ensuring peak performance for future competitions.
In light of this victory, Littler now holds a commanding six-point advantage over his closest rivals, Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price, who both left Cardiff empty-handed. Humphries, ranked number one in the world yet encountering a streak of quarter-final defeats, now trails Littler significantly in the league standings. Yet, Littler maintains a cautious perspective, emphasizing, “I wouldn’t say the tide has turned because there’s still nine weeks left.”
Notably, Littler's nine-dart achievement awarded him bespoke 18-carat gold darts, valued at approximately £30,000, a prize he shared with Humphries and Rob Cross, who received their awards recently. This recognition illustrates the prestige associated with nine-dart finishes in professional darts.
With the Premier League nearing its halfway point, the pressure mounts as Littler prepares for Night Eight in Newcastle next week. During this pivotal stage, he faces off against St Helens competitor Stephen Bunting, a player still seeking to secure a victory this season. As the contest progresses, Littler’s position atop the leaderboard appears increasingly secure, regardless of the outcome next week, thanks to the substantial lead he has built.
In summarizing his aspirations, Littler expressed determination not just for consistency but also for improvement. “I just want to get to The O2 as quickly as possible. I am aiming for another 21 points, and I have put myself in a really good position,” he said.
As the Premier League continues, it remains to be seen if Littler can maintain his stellar performance amid a backdrop of competitive challenges from other elite players. He will embody the role of a reigning champion while tirelessly engaging in his drive to defend his title in what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Premier League seasons in recent memory.
The next match will undoubtedly be a vital chapter in Littler’s defense of his championship as he navigates fierce competition while aspiring toward future milestones, including a possible record-prize for the next world champion, suggested in a radio interview by Humphries.
This comprehensive picture of Littler's recent victories confirms his status in the darts world and sets a compelling narrative for observers and fans as competitive action continues in the upcoming weeks.
