Luke Littler overcame a chorus of boos in Liverpool to strengthen his grip on a Premier League play-off place with an impressive 6-1 win over Jonny Clayton.
Littler capitalised on Clayton’s missed doubles to build early advantage
Manchester United fan Littler, 19, was booed throughout the night on Merseyside but kept his cool to claim his fourth nightly win in week 12. He quickly raced into a 4-0 lead over Clayton in the final after capitalising on missed doubles from the 2021 Premier League champion. Although Clayton was only able to land one out of his six double attempts, Littler averaged more than 104 and had a 60% checkout rate to secure victory.
The win narrowed the gap between Littler and Clayton in the standings
The world champion saw off Luke Humphries 6-2 in the quarter-finals but was pushed to the limit by Michael van Gerwen in the last four. With the top four in the Premier League table going through to the finals night, Clayton leads the way three points clear of second-placed Littler, who is 15 ahead of Gian van Veen in fifth. Clayton and Littler are clear of the rest with four league-phase nights to go before finals night at London’s O2 Arena on 28 May.
Littler compared the reception in Liverpool to the hostility faced in Rotterdam
When comparing his reception in Rotterdam last Thursday to the one he got in Liverpool, Littler said: “Rotterdam was way louder than this tonight. There was a little bit [of booing] but this week was nothing compared to last week. I’ve just got to forget about it. I was definitely focused and wanted to win tonight, and that’s what I’ve done.” Littler has finished top of the table in the previous two years and is determined to do so again, saying: “I’m very close to Jonny now and I’m going to go chasing. I want to finish top once again and if it’s not to be then it’s not to be, but there are still four weeks left to play for.”
What does Littler’s win mean for the Premier League Darts play-off race?
Littler’s victory moves him within three points of Jonny Clayton at the top of the standings, keeping him in contention for a play-off spot with four league-phase nights remaining before the finals night on 28 May.
How did Littler respond to the crowd reaction in Liverpool compared to Rotterdam?
Littler said the booing in Liverpool was “nothing compared” to the hostility he faced in Rotterdam the previous week, adding that he had to forget about the noise and stay focused on winning.