Luke Littler sends telling message to darts rivals ahead of Premier League play-off showdown

Luke Littler sends telling message to darts rivals ahead of Premier League play-off showdown

Watch now: Luke Littler hits nine-darter

Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 23/05/2024

- 07:34

Luke Littler topped the group on his debut Premier League season to make it to the play-offs at the 02 Arena in London.

Luke Littler has admitted all his focus will be on lifting the Premier League trophy tonight in the play-offs.

The teenager was given a wildcard entry into the Premier League this season after his record-breaking run to the final of the World Championships over the festive period.


There were some questions on whether Littler would be able to handle the pressure of the big stage format.

But he didn't take long to prove any doubters wrong as he took the Premier League by storm.

Luke Littler finished top of the Premier League table

Luke Littler finished top of the Premier League table

PA

The 17-year-old won four nights and finished on top of the table ahead of reigning world champion Luke Humphries.

But Littler isn't content with simply qualifying top of the table as he sets his sights on the big prize.

“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."

Littler goes up against Michael Smith in his semi-final with Humphries and Michael van Gerwen face off in the other contest.

Both semi-finals will be played in a best-of-19 format with the final moving to a best-of-21.

Luke Littler faces Michael Smith in his semi-final

Luke Littler faces Michael Smith in his semi-final

PA

Littler added: “If I can get past Michael Smith it will be a big boost.

“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.”

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Luke Littler won four Premier League nights in his debut season

Luke Littler won four Premier League nights in his debut season

PA

But Smith is desperate to spoil Littler's party on the night as he looks to complete his own personal goal.

“This is what it all boils down to, this is the one night, so hopefully I will get my hands on the title,” he said.

“There are four specific trophies I want, there is the Worlds, the Matchplay, the Premier League and the Grand Slam and I have got my hands on two of them so to get my hands on this now would definitely mean a lot.”

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