Luke Littler leaves two rivals behind with welcome boost despite not playing at German Darts Grand Prix
WATCH NOW: Luke Littler confronted by opponent at Belgian Darts Open
Luke Littler was not in action at the German Darts Grand Prix at the weekend but still received a welcome boost ahead of the continuation of the Premier League this week.
The 17-year-old didn't qualify for the tournament in Munich but still moved up two places in the PDC rankings.
Littler broke into the top 32 in the world rankings for the first time following his record-breaking performance at the World Darts Championship.
He lost to Luke Humphries in the final in early January but had already earned enough to overtake a host of senior stars.
Luke Littler has received a welcome boost despite not playing at the German Darts Grand Prix
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Littler has won three professional tournaments since his run at Alexandra Palace, triumphing at the Bahrain Masters, Players Championship 1 and the Belgian Darts Open.
His low ranking means he still currently has to qualify for European Tour events and did so to win the tournament in Belgium.
But he failed to qualify for the German Grand Prix, which was won by Luke Humphries on Monday.
However, despite not playing, Littler has now moved up from 28th in the rankings to 26th.
Littler has overtaken Northern Irish star Brendan Dolan, whom he beat at the World Championship.
He has also displaced Portuguese player Jose de Sousa, who he also overcame at the Belgian Open in February.
Littler overtook the duo because he did not have to defend any prize money having not played in any PDC tournaments two years ago.
The further he rises up the rankings, the more tournaments Littler will automatically qualify for.
Littler sits second in the Premier League table ahead of night 10 in Manchester on Thursday.
World No 1 Humphries is top of the table and has also extended his lead in the world rankings after beating Van Gerwen 8-1 in Monday's final in Munich.
Van Gerwen remains second and Humphries believes the rankings fairly reflect the two best players on current form.
He said: "I was just unbeatable there to be honest and I'm really, really proud of the way I've played this weekend.
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Luke Littler has moved up two places in the PDC rankings
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"That's the level you have to be at to win nowadays. I felt a little bit tired against Gezzy [Gerwyn Price] but I kept going and that final against Michael felt effortless, it felt good.
"To put in performances like that in finals is obviously really pleasing, but for me to pick up another European Tour title two years on since my first is really special.
"The crowd have been absolutely amazing for me, it's something that I'm not used to but I really appreciate it - it meant a lot.
"I think the two best players in the world were fighting it out. I know 8-1 is a bit of a flattering score but me and Michael will have many finals in the future.
Luke Humphries has extended his lead at the top of the world rankings
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"The way I've played this weekend is the levels you have to be to win - that's how crazy the game's got and that's how good you have to be to beat the likes of Michael.
"He's been here for ten years consistently one of the best players in the world and I look up to him a lot, so to beat him in another final is fantastic.
"I just love playing him to be honest, he shows a lot of respect and it was a great final. That's elite sport - sometimes it's your day and today was my day."