Luke Littler wins Premier League Darts title on debut as 17-year-old hits NINE-DARTER on course to win £275,000 prize with victory over Luke Humphries in a repeat of the final of the World Championship

Luke Littler won the 2024 Premier League title after beating rival Luke Humphries in the final on Thursday night.

The 17-year-old sensation triumphed 11-7 over rival Luke Humphries in the showpiece event to claim the £275,000 prize after a stunning performance at London’s O2 Arena.

It was a closely contested affair until Littler took control of the match by landing a superb nine-dart shot in the 11th game to take a 6-5 lead.

Littler hit back-to-back 180s before checking out 141 with a triple 20, triple 19 and double 12 to propel him to victory on the night.

After landing the leg, Littler took a 10-7 lead and knocked out Humphries after leaving himself on 40 and then hitting a double 20.

Luke Littler won his first major title after clinching the 2024 Premier League title on Thursday

Littler triumphed 11-7 over rival Luke Humphries in the showpiece event at the O2 Arena

The 17-year-old rushed to his girlfriend Eloise Milburn and her family to celebrate the occasion.

It proved to be an emotional moment for Littler who, after winning the final stage, went to be with his family and his girlfriend, Eloise Milburn.

Speaking to Sky Sports after his victory, Littler said: “For all the doubters, you don’t doubt me anymore! I just got this back.

“It feels so good to win but in front of my family and my girlfriend! I do not know what to do.

“I hit a nine-darter in the World Series, as did Phil (Taylor) – now I hit one in the final here, and so did he.”

Littler became the first player to throw nine darts in a Premier League final since Phil Taylor did it twice in 2010.

Littler booked his place in the final on Thursday after beating Michael Smith 10-5 earlier in the night to set up a repeat of the World Championship final.

That January evening it was Humphries who came out on top after a thrilling 7-4 clash but this time it was Littler who walked away with the trophy.

For his first participation in the competition, over 16 weeks of championship, Littler flourished and finished at the top of the standings with 40 points after winning four nights.

Littler roared with joy before claiming his critics ‘don’t doubt me anymore’

In his interview, Littler admitted “it feels so good to win in front of my family and my girlfriend.”

His phenomenal form earned him a place on finals night in London, where he was joined by Humphries, Smith and Michael van Gerwen.

These three men have five world titles between them but, as the last five months have proven, Littler has not been fazed by the competition at all.

Littler painted an emotional figure as he rushed to hug his girlfriend Milburn, who only started attending the 17-year-old’s games earlier this month.

They first made their relationship public at the World Championship after meeting on the darts circuit last year, and Milburn has remained by Littler’s side in 2024.

Humphries, meanwhile, also spoke to Sky Sports after his defeat and said: “I was trying to stay out there – there was a massive breeze blowing across the stage all night and it’s so difficult to manage.”

Littler had tears in his eyes after picking up the £275,000 prize for winning the competition.

“It’s all credit to Luke, he did so well all night. When I went to the break 5-5 I was stuck in there.

“But all of a sudden the breeze stopped and he played a lot better – he’s such a fantastic player, he really is.

“I think Luke and I are the two biggest players in the world right now and it was another great battle.

“I love playing him – I know I lose a lot (seven of the last nine games have gone to Littler) but I love playing him and we’re going to have a lot more battles in the future.”