Premier League Darts LIVE: Result as Luke Littler throws nine-darter to claim biggest title of career
Luke Littler stormed to an enthralling 11-7 win in the Premier League Darts final to capture the biggest title of his career in front of 40,000 fans at the O2 Arena.
The 17-year-old easily overcame his semi-final opponent Michael Smith, winning 10-5 and showcasing his impressive talent to an already excited O2 crowd.
And Luke Humphries was equally impressive in his semi-final win over Michael van Gerwen, easing to a 10-5 win to set up a rematch of the world championship final.
The pair couldn’t be separated after the first 10 legs, heading into the break at 5-5, both having showcased why they’re the two leading players in their sport.
But it was Littler who really showed his class in the second period, landing an exceptional nine-darter to take a lead that he never relinquished.
The teenager finally fought off a brief challenge from Humphries to take the match 11-7 and land what may well be the first of many Premier League titles.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
Premier League Darts reaches its conclusion with Finals Night at the O2 in London
Luke Littler demolishes Michael Smith 10-5 in first semi-final
Luke Humphries crushes Michael van Gerwen 10-5 in second semi-final
Littler takes on Humphries in final in World Championship rematch
Littler lands exceptional nine-darter to take the lead against Humphries
Luke Littler beats Luke Humphries 11-7 to win his first Premier League Darts title
How nine darts from the gods carried Luke Litter to Premier League glory
00:49 , Lawrence Ostlere
Luke Humphries stood and applauded, because, really, what else could he do?
Luke Littler had just thrown nine immaculate darts, each one greeted with a louder roar than the last. The first three landed while some of the crowd were still settling back into their seats after a break, spilling beer as they took their place. But by the end of the next three they were fully invested in the moment, and when Littler stepped back to the oche needing 141, grown men could be seen standing with hands on heads, gloriously bewitched and bewildered, knowing they were about to witness the live workings of teenaged genius.
Triple 20, thud; triple 19, thud. Double 12, thud. For the first time all night, Littler let his concentrated face slip and held his arms out to the delirious crowd with a grin as if to say, well, what did you expect?
Full story from the O2 Arena:
How nine darts from the gods carried Luke Litter to Premier League glory
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
22:55 , Chris Wilson
In his interview just after his loss, Luke Humphries said that Littler “was much stronger than I was and he deserved to win”.
“if you look at the season as a whole, he deserved to be Premier League champion.
“It’s been a learning curve for me and for Luke as well. We both played our part in this tournament and I’m really proud to make the final.
“Of course I’m gutted not to win but you can’t win everything. Six out of seven major finals for me now, I can only build on it.
“I’m proud of Luke, everyone knows what I think of him, I love him to bits, he’s a great lad. I hope he enjoys himself and he deserves this moment.”
He finishes by adding that he thinks himself and Littler “are the two greatest players in the world at the moment, and this was another great battle”.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
22:50 , Chris Wilson
Speaking to Sky after his win, Littler said that it was “so good to win in front of my family, my girlfriend and my manager”.
“I don’t know what to do! “I’ve hit a nine-darter on the World Series and so did Phil [Taylor]. Now I’ve hit one in the final here and so did he.
““I’m just enjoying it. I’ve been practicing really hard and you can probably see it on the oche. I was dead focused, I didn’t want to blink.
“I’m a major winner, I can put myself in that hat now - I can’t wait to go to New York next week and after that I’ll have to have a week off in Orlando.
“I can’t wait to play in all the events. I’ve done so well on the Euro Tour and Pro Tour that I’m guaranteed to be in the Matchplay and Grand Prix.”
On today’s opponent Humphries, he adds that “we’ll meet in many finals”.
Luke Littler hits nine-darter as he storms to Premier League glory
22:44 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler’s incredible rise continued as he hit a stunning nine-dart finish on his way to becoming the Premier League champion on debut.
The 17-year-old threw a perfect leg of darts in a thrilling final against Luke Humphries as he gained revenge for his heartbreaking defeat in the World Championship showpiece in January.
Littler became the first player to hit a nine-dart finish in the Premier League final since Phil Taylor did it twice in 2010 and that surely will not be the only time the teenager emulates ‘The Power’ over the next few years on the road to stardom.
He was in tears at the end as he became the sport’s youngest ever major champion by winning its second biggest tournament on his debut, thrilling a record 14,000 fans at London’s O2 Arena with an 11-7 victory over Humphries.
Luke Littler hits nine-darter as he storms to Premier League glory
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
22:40 , Chris Wilson
Littler becomes just the eighth Premier League Darts champion since the competition’s inception in 2005.
He joins greats including Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, Glen Durrant, Raymond van Barneveld, Jonny Clayton and James Wade.
Humphries will be disappointed to not have made that list tonight, but surely he’ll have plenty more chances.
Shortly after his loss, the world number one said that himself and Littler are “going to have a lot of battles in the future”.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
22:35 , Chris Wilson
Some shots of a beaming Luke Littler and a disappointed Luke Humphries, who was as gracious as ever in defeat.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
22:25 , Chris Wilson
Littler was in a half-jubilant, half-defiant mood right after winning the title. The youngster asked ‘where his doubters were’ immediately as he was interviewed.
"You're not doubting me anymore!"
A message from Luke Littler to anyone that doubted him 💪 pic.twitter.com/1jnVU38Jj2— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) May 23, 2024
22:19 , Chris Wilson
Here’s a highlight of that amazing Littler nine-darter.
LUKE LITTLER HITS A NINE-DARTER IN THE FINAL!!! 🚨🤯 pic.twitter.com/BY1mUr2mMA
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) May 23, 2024
And this is the moment he became Premier League champion!
LUKE LITTLER IS THE PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPION!!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/8IloukTvQ8
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) May 23, 2024
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:46 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 11-7 Luke Humphries
Humphries looks like he’ll survive at least one more leg, despite Littler’s 180.
He needs 81 to Littler’s 40, but he only gets 41!
Littler needs double 20 to win...
And he lands it! Luke Littler is the 2024 Premier League champion!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:44 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 11-7 Luke Humphries
171 from Littler needs him leaving 98., but he only manages 58.
Humphries has the chance to win the leg with tops, but he only lands the 20!
Littler is within one leg of winning as he lands it!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:43 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 9-7 Luke Humphries
Humphries is a little ahead in leg 16, needing 134 to Littler’s 210.
And Humphries checks out on 134, with two tops!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:41 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 9-6 Luke Humphries
Littler opens the next leg with a 180! He leaves himself needing 94 to Humphries’ 81, and he checks out, finishing on double 10!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:40 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 8-6 Luke Humphries
Littler doesn’t look like winning this leg, needing 358 to Humphries 222.
The world champion lands 65 to take himself within 76 of the leg, and he checks out after just two darts!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:39 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 8-5 Luke Humphries
Littler bags 180 on his second AND third round of throws to need 42!
He cleans that up too for three legs in a row!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:38 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 7-5 Luke Humphries
Could that be the defining moment of the tie?
Humphries is ahead in the next leg, before Littler lands the 142 to need 25!
Humphries misses his checkout and Littler gets it, landing the double 10!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:36 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 6-5 Luke Humphries
Back underway and both players start with the 180!
Unbelievable! Littler gets his second 180 in a row, before completing the nine-darter!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:34 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 5-5 Luke Humphries
Just as close as many thought it would be there! Impressive play all-round, and moments of world class play from both.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:31 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 5-5 Luke Humphries
Humphries storms into a lead in this leg, needing just 25 (to Littler’s 194) after landing 171, 132 and 107.
He lands the final shot easily, and we’re level at the break!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:29 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 5-4 Luke Humphries
A great reply from Littler, who fires in 180 and then 129 to leave himself needing 58. He cleans it up easily and is 5-4 ahead.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:28 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 4-4 Luke Humphries
Humphries ahead in leg eight, needing 176 to Littler’s 138. He only lands 60 though!
Littler lands 118 to look like the favourite in this leg, but Humphries comes back with a world class round! He checks out on 116, landing the double 18 to take the leg.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:26 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 4-3 Luke Humphries
Easy checkout on 20 from Littler, who lands an easy double 10.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:26 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 3-3 Luke Humphries
180 from Littler again to begin the seventh leg. He’s well ahead in this one, needing just 105 to Humphries’ 326.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:25 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 3-3 Luke Humphries
140 from each player to open the sixth leg. Humphries ahead needing 108 to Littler’s 178, but he only lands 56.
Littler replies with a 138 to leave himself needing 40, but Humphries wins the leg after a 52 checkout, landing the 20 and double 16.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:23 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 3-2 Luke Humphries
Instant reply from Littler, with 180 to open the fifth leg, and 140 in the second round of throws.
He’s well ahead, needing 84 for the leg, and he lands double 6 for a 3-2 lead.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:22 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 2-2 Luke Humphries
Littler needing 80 here with Humphries needing 126, but he goes bust with the double 15 when needing the double 10!
He wires it on second attempt, and Humphries levels it!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:20 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 2-1 Luke Humphries
Humphries hits back straight away with an impressive leg! He takes a 180 and then a 123, before checking out on 58.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:19 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 2-0 Luke Humphries
A 180 from Humphries followed by a 100 to take him down to 76, but he only lands 36!
Littler can only get 86 of the 124, but Humphries misses the checkout of 40, going bust on a double 15 when needing double 10!
Littler replies by taking the second leg too, breaking the throw with a double 5.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:17 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 1-0 Luke Humphries
Underway in the 115th and final game of this Premier League! Littler throws first.
Close in the opening throws, with Littler needing 205 and Humphries 181.
Littler down to 125 and Humphries 58.
Humphries misses for the 58 checkout and Littler takes the first leg, landing the double 10!
21:13 , Chris Wilson
Humphries is next out, with both Lukes looking focused and determined, as you’d expect. Humphries certainly looks the more relaxed of the two though!
The world number one is encouraging the crowd in their rendition of “I Predict a Riot”.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
21:11 , Chris Wilson
This final is a particularly tough one to call, with both players showing a steely determination in their semi-finals.
Humphries had a slightly more impressive semi-final performance, and of course won their match in the final of the world championship.
Both players are making their way out to the stage now – Littler first up.
Luke Humphries makes the final against Luke Littler!
20:55 , Chris Wilson
Some highlights from the semi-final between Littler and Smith too.
"Luke the Nuke explodes early!!!" 💥 pic.twitter.com/V5XudVpINj
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) May 23, 2024
Littler was on fire from the off!
"What are you doing to me Luke. It's only leg 4!"
Luke Littler fails short of a nine darter 😫 pic.twitter.com/shRSrfqAVY— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) May 23, 2024
And he kept his cool to stroll to the final!
Luke Littler beats Michael Smith to reach the final! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/WRBlqiWdlJ
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) May 23, 2024
Luke Humphries 10-5 Michael van Gerwen - Luke Humphries makes the final!
20:50 , Chris Wilson
Some highlights of that impressive Humphries display.
Luke Humphries hit this 132 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/xZSBcamqxZ
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) May 23, 2024
He’s set up a final that will be played by two debutants!
"The World Champ dethrones the Premier League Champ" 👑
Luke Humphries is through to the final! pic.twitter.com/Nt5Idy9lXb— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) May 23, 2024
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:45 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 10-5 Michael van Gerwen - Luke Humphries makes the final!
A similarly impressive performance to the one we saw from Littler earlier. Van Gerwen showed his class at times but he was just overrun by the quality and composure of the world number one.
And Humphries’ reward is a rematch of the world championship final!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:43 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 10-5 Michael van Gerwen - Luke Humphries makes the final!
Humphries needs just 72 to put himself in the final, but he won’t do it in this round. 32 needed now.
Van Gerwen misses the double 16 to give Humphries the chance to get into the final with a double 16, and the world number one needs no invitation! He sinks it, and he’s into the final against Luke Littler!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:41 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 9-5 Michael van Gerwen
Both players are briefly missing the doubles and trebles. Humphries needs 183, with MvG needing 156!
Humphries manages just 58, with van Gerwen replying with 125.
He looks to have the advantage but Humphries replies with a checkout of 125, finishing by nailing tops. The world number one is on the brink of the final!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:39 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 8-5 Michael van Gerwen
A little more hope for van Gerwen as he lands the 180 followed by 154. He needs 81, with Humphries needing 152.
And he lands it! He pins the double 12 and its 8-5 now!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:38 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 8-4 Michael van Gerwen
Not a lot changing from the first period, as Humphries lands a 180. But van Gerwen replies with a composed checkout of 105!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:37 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 8-3 Michael van Gerwen
Close in the opening stages of the 11th leg, with Humphries needing 167 (of which he gets 47).
Van Gerwen replies with just 88 to leave himself on 188.
Humphries has a clear advantage now, with just 60 needed – but he only lands 20!
Van Gerwen to check out on 128 but he misses the double 10 at the last!
Humphries replies by finishing the leg!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:31 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 7-3 Michael van Gerwen
Van Gerwne has the chance to check out on 155, but can only make 95.
Humphries only gets 100 of his 156, and van Gerwen makes it 7-3 before the break by landing double top. It’s one-sided at the break!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:29 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 7-2 Michael van Gerwen
An inspired performance from the debutant so far. He pulls ahead in the ninth leg, needing just 56, with van Gerwen needing 189.
And the Englishman makes it 7-2! He misses the double 20 but makes no mistake on the double 10. That’s six legs in a row now.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:27 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 6-2 Michael van Gerwen
Van Gerwen shaking his head after two single 19s. Humphries knows he can rest on this one and leaves himself needing 40.
He lands the double 20 easily, and it’s 6-2!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:26 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 5-2 Michael van Gerwen
Humphries is averaging 106 here at the moment. Van Gerwen lands a 180 to leave himself needing 233, with Humphries needing 189.
The Dutchman then gets 85, with Humphries responding with 100.
Van Gerwen misses the double 14 and Humphries takes the leg! He’s halfway to the final.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:23 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 4-2 Michael van Gerwen
A 180 from Humphries leaves him needing 138 to go 4-2 up.
He narrowly misses the doubles first time, but makes the 56 checkout as he lands a double 20.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:22 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 3-2 Michael van Gerwen
So close to another amazing finish from Humphries, who needed 170 but just missed the bull at the last.
No matter, as he makes it 3-2 after landing the double 8.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:20 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 2-2 Michael van Gerwen
Van Gerwen misses the doubles and hands Humphries the advantage, with the Englishman needing 132.
An amazing response from Humphries! He checks out, getting two bulls before a double 16!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:19 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 1-2 Michael van Gerwen
This is already looking like it’ll be a lot closer than the other tie.
Van Gerwen goes ahead with a double 18, having needed 103 to get ahead.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:17 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 1-1 Michael van Gerwen
The world number one is one-up but van Gerwen pulls ahead in the second leg, with a 130 leaving him needing 132.
Humphries hits the 180 and needs 81 to break, but he lands 12 rather than the double 12 he needed!
Van Gerwen levels it, checking out on 782 with a double 12.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:16 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 0-0 Michael van Gerwen
Humphries is the favourite here, and he’ll be first to throw.
Close in the opening stages, but Humphries pulls away a little, needing 206 now. He lands a 180, and manages to checkout on 26 with a double 13! 1-0.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:13 , Chris Wilson
Van Gerwen and Humphries are getting ready to come out now.
A huge cheer greets the Dutchman, with plenty of hugs and cheers for the world number one too.
Both look relaxed, with Humphries playing up to the crowd as he reaches the stage.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
20:05 , Chris Wilson
So we’re not far from a rematch of the world championship final. All that stands in the way is the small matter of seven-time tournament champion Michael van Gerwen. That tie is scheduled to start in around 10 minutes.
Reacting to Littler’s win, former world champion Glenn Durrant praises “the maturity of him and the way he came on the stage. The way he handled this incredible crowd”.
“He looked the real deal and put a tremendous performance in. It’s hard to believe. He just has that real X-factor about him.
“It’s going to take something special to beat Littler tonight.”
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:59 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler through to the Premier League Darts final!
“Michael Smith had no answer, he was taken apart”, says the commentator.
An impressive display from Littler, whose average was just over 100.
Speaking to Sky, he says that “all of my game was very good”.
“I knew I had the darts straightaway and wanted a decent lead at the break and then to come back and get it done.
“That’s what I did. I took my chances.
“The build-up has been amazing but I have been practising and that had paid off.”
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:55 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 10-5 Michael Smith
170 needed for Littler to make it 10-5, but he misses the second double 20.
Smith answers with 57, and Littler knows he’s on the brink.
And Littler wins it with a 25, a 7 and a finish on double 4!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:54 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 9-5 Michael Smith
Much better from Smith, who lands a 180 before holding his throw.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:53 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 9-4 Michael Smith
Littler needs 222 now, and he lands a 180! His fourth today. He needs 42 for 9-4, and he gets the double 20!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:51 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 8-4 Michael Smith
Smith needs 120 to take another leg, but only manages 80. And Littler checkout on 107, finishing on double 20!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:50 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 7-4 Michael Smith
Back underway here! Another 180 from Littler leaves him needing 170, and he takes 93.
He tries to checkout on 97 but wires the two attempts at double 10!
Smith takes the leg!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:46 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 7-3 Michael Smith
We’re into a brief break after a 100-miles-an-hour opening at the O2 Arena.
Littler has dominated so far and may even be a little annoyed at himself that he isn’t 8-2 ahead. The teenager is doing all he can to dismiss the talk around his ‘nemesis’.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:44 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 7-3 Michael Smith
140 from Littler and then 105, to leave him 25 off 8-2.
Smith misses the treble 18, but Littler misses the double 10 to leave himself needing double 5. The youngster wires his first two before landing a 5!
Smith then brings it back, nailing a double 15.
19:42 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 7-2 Michael Smith
Poor from Smith as he wires the double 20 and gives Littler the opportunity to finish, which he takes easily.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:40 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 6-2 Michael Smith
A brief spell of poor darts from these two after an exhilarating opening, but Littler makes it 6-2 (finally) with a double 2.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:39 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 5-2 Michael Smith
Littler has two chances to get the double 14 and go to 6-2, but he misses both! He then misses the chance to finish on 28!
Unbelievably, Smith misses the double , before Littler misses the double 1!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:37 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 5-2 Michael Smith
Smith misses the checkout on 108 and Littler punishes him, getting the 58 he needed to make it 5-2.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:36 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 4-2 Michael Smith
Smith just landing short of the doubles in this seventh leg so far. Littler pulls ahead, needing just 104.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:35 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 4-2 Michael Smith
Smith grabs a leg back as he checks out on a double four.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:34 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 3-1 Michael Smith
Littler is enjoying the opening stages, averaging over 118! He goes 4-1 up with a 92 finish on double 15.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:33 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 3-1 Michael Smith
3-1 to Littler now as he breaks throw!
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:32 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 2-1 Michael Smith
Lovely from Littler as he scores two 180s before hitting treble 20, but then he wires a double 19.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:31 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 2-1 Michael Smith
First 180 of the night to Smith, leaving him on the edge, but littler checks out on a 144! 2-1.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:30 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler 1-0 Michael Smith
A much closer second leg goes to Smith, who checks out on 67. An even match early on.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:28 , Chris Wilson
We’re underway here!
Littler to throw first, and he gets the first leg advantage, checking out with 68 and finishing on a double 10.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:25 , Chris Wilson
Smith is next out, with both players getting an expectedly warm reception.
Both look very focused, with Smith showing a little more emotion as the two embrace.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:23 , Chris Wilson
It’s time for the first semi-final, with both players making their walk-outs shortly.
Littler is first, walking out having topped the league in his first tournament appearance. We’re minutes away from the first darts.
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:18 , Chris Wilson
Wayne Mardle and Mark Webster are up on stage speaking to host Emma Paton.
Webster says that he “expects Luke Littler to win his semi-final”, using “the swagger of finishing top of the league”.
“This is a separate event but he’ll want to win and cap off the rollercoaster of the six months he’s had.”
Speaking to Sky earlier, Michael Smith said that his underdog tag “doesn’t bother me whatsoever”.
““If all the pressure is on them three then I can just relax and chill out.”
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:13 , Chris Wilson
We’re almost set for the first semi-final night, with both players getting some late practice in before coming out.
Ahead of the tie, Luke Littler told Sky Sports that he loves “playing in front of crowds”, and would “rather be playing on a stage than behind closed doors”.
“I’ve said I might win when it matters. I would be happy to win it, I’m young, living my dream, if I get my hands on the trophy I’ll be happy.”
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:11 , Chris Wilson
The first tie of the night pits teenage sensation Luke Littler against 2023’s world champion Michael Smith.
Littler may have finished 11 points ahead of his compatriot in the Premier League table, but he was second best in the pair’s head-to-head during the tournament. Smith won five of the matches they played against each other, with Littler winning the other two.
Can Littler overcome his recent ‘nemesis’?
Premier League Darts Finals Night LIVE
19:06 , Chris Wilson
A reminder of the ties and timings for tonight.
Luke Littler will face last year’s world champion Michael Smith in one semi-final, with world number one Luke Humphries taking on reigning tournament champion – and seven-time winner – michael van Gerwen.
The semi-finals will begin with Littler’s tie around 7.15pm BST, with the second tie taking place around an hour later, and the final scheduled for around 9.15pm BST.
Is Premier League Darts final on TV? Channel, start time and how to watch online tonight
19:00 , Chris Wilson
With just 15 minutes to go until the semi-finals get started, here’s a reminder of how you can follow tonight’s action.
The action from the 02 Arena is set to get going at around 7.30pm BST. It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action, with coverage beginning at 7pm BST. Sky Sports customers can stream the live action online using the Sky Go app and website.
Below is everything you need to know.
How to watch the Premier League Darts final on TV and online tonight
Michael Smith: Players should be grateful Luke Littler is filling our pockets
18:45 , Chris Wilson
Michael Smith has told fellow darts players to stop moaning about Luke Littler and think about the extra money the 17-year-old is making them.
Littler has been handed a seat at the top table of darts after his stunning breakthrough at the World Championship over Christmas saw him transcend the sport.
He has been given opportunities a player of his ranking would not normally get, such as a place in the Premier League, where he subsequently topped the table in the league phase, and invitations to World Series events.
That has irked some of the lower-ranked players, but Smith has told them to shut up and be grateful Littler is on the scene.
“He’s amazing pushing the PDC boys even further,” said the 2023 world champion.
“There’s a few getting upset with it but listen my pockets get full every time he gets mentioned.
“I think they are getting annoyed. I had it last year, Littler is getting it all now. I don’t think they are happy that he’s getting everything. I’m not bothered,” he added.
Michael Smith: Players should be grateful Luke Littler is filling our pockets
Luke Littler knows Premier League play-off night is the ‘one that matters’
18:30 , Chris Wilson
And ahead of finals night, Littler knows the hard work is still ahead as he eyes winning the Premier League crown on debut.
The 17-year-old was handed a wildcard into the weekly roadshow tournament on the back of his mesmerising run to the World Championship final over Christmas.
And he has looked the part, topping the league phase with a record amount of points in the current format while also winning four nightly events on the way to the play-offs at the O2 Arena in London.
“I can’t wait to play in front of another big crowd,” he said. “I just can’t wait to get going.
“I am just glad I got the call-up, I am just glad I topped the group, never mind qualify. This is the one that matters, the trophy is on the line.
“I have just been thinking to myself try and win when it matters, tomorrow it matters a lot.
“It would mean a lot to win on debut and win a first major. I have to get past Smithy first.”
Luke Littler knows Premier League play-off night is the ‘one that matters’
Luke Littler’s new nemesis stands in his way on Premier League Darts finals night
18:15 , Chris Wilson
Such is the energy coursing through darts right now that 18,000 people will fill a sold-out O2 Arena tonight for the final of the Premier League. Five months on from the World Championship, the Luke Littler effect remains a powerful force.
There were naturally some questions about whether the 17-year-old could handle the Premier League’s intensity, but over the 16 weekly nights Littler not only matched the sport’s established kings but rose above them, finishing on top of the standings with 40 points.
Four players qualified for finals: Littler takes on Michael Smith in the first best-of-19 semi-final of the evening, before world No 1 Luke Humphries faces the great Michael van Gerwen in the other.
Littler already has a number of titles on his CV, but his semi-final opponent has become something of a nemesis. Smith won the first night and the last too, and he arrives in London with form and confidence. His record against Littler in this Premier League season reads won 5, lost 2 – Smith will hold no fear going into their match.
Luke Littler’s new nemesis stands in his way on Premier League Darts finals night
Premier League Darts Finals Odds
18:00 , Chris Wilson
Luke Humphries 6/4
Luke Littler 7/4
Michael van Gerwen 4/1
Michael Smith 5/1
Tonight’s winner will take home £275,000. with the runner-up banking £125,000 and the losing semi-finalists getting £85,000 each.
The four players who didn’t make the play-offs in London will receive £60,000.
Premier League Darts Finals Prediction
17:50 , Chris Wilson
It is perfectly poised and all four players have a good chance of taking home the title.
Littler topped the table, Humphries registered best scoring average, Van Gerwen recorded the highest checkout percentage and Smith has such a strong record over his semi-final opponent, Littler, that he will fancy of his chances of making the final.
It’s hard to call, but we’re opting for Luke Humphries to back up his world title and get the job done.
Premier League Darts table
17:35 , Chris Wilson
A reminder of the league standings ahead of the semi-finals. Luke Littler topped the table after 16 nights of intense competition around Europe, with new world number one Luke Humphries coming in second.
Is Premier League Darts final on TV? Channel, start time and how to watch online tonight
17:20 , Chris Wilson
Luke Littler will compete for the biggest win of his young career so far when he takes on the top three ranked players in the world in the Premier League Darts finals at the O2 Arena in London tonight.
Tonight Littler will take on Michael Smith in a best-of-19-leg shootout, while Michael van Gerwen meets Luke Humphries in the other semi-final. The two winners will collide in a best-of-21 final to crown the champion.
The finals take place tonight, Thursday 23 May, with the action from the 02 Arena set to get going at around 7.30pm BST.
Finals night will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action, with coverage beginning at 7pm BST.
Sky Sports customers can stream the live action online using the Sky Go app and website.
Below is everything you need to know.
How to watch the Premier League Darts final on TV and online tonight
Premier League Darts
17:08 , Luke Baker
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Premier League Darts Finals Night from the O2 Arena.
It promises to be a dramatic night of darts in London with Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith all vying for the title. Stick with us for full live coverae