Jonny Clayton praised Luke Littler for staying composed in a hostile Rotterdam crowd as he claimed back-to-back nightly Premier League titles.
Clayton recorded his fourth nightly win of the campaign in 11 weeks, beating Michael van Gerwen, Josh Rock and Littler to take the night’s crown at Rotterdam Ahoy and move to 29 points at the top of the table.
In the final Littler flew out to a 2-0 lead, opening with an 11-darter and breaking throw. Clayton then responded, winning three consecutive legs to take the lead and later landing a vital 78 checkout with Littler waiting on a double. Littler forced a fightback with a 15-dart hold, but missed doubles proved costly and Clayton finished on tops to secure the victory and all but guarantee his place at The O2.
Clayton quipped that he wouldn’t say anything about the crowd for fear Littler would ‘come back and beat me up,’ and he heaped praise on the 18-year-old: ‘He’s got everything that every other player wishes for. He’s got that attitude, he’s got the throw, he’s got the mentality.’ He added: ‘What a player and to beat him, I’ve done my job.’
The win also coincided with a personal milestone for Clayton — his 20th anniversary — which he admitted he only remembered after the event. He said last week’s suggestion that he might finish bottom had stung, but with his current form he feels comfortable, holding a 16-point cushion over fifth in the Play-Off race.
Littler’s run to the final was his fourth in seven weeks, and the world champion moved to 24 points after earlier wins over Gerwyn Price and Josh Rock. After seeing boos and whistles during his quarter-final with Price, Littler said he expected the reaction and had focused on his preparation: ‘I knew as soon as I got on stage I could do my job. I was practising very well before the game.’
Three-time world champion Glen Durrant described the atmosphere as ‘hostile’ and commended Littler for not being affected, noting that Price was below his best with an average under 90.
The Premier League now heads to the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool for Night 12 on Thursday April 23, another crucial night as the race for the Play-Offs tightens. Quarter-finals scheduled are:
– Gian van Veen vs Gerwyn Price
– Stephen Bunting vs Jonny Clayton
– Josh Rock vs Michael van Gerwen
– Luke Humphries vs Luke Littler
Ranking points are awarded each night — five for the winner, three for the runner-up and two to each semi-finalist — to build the league table. The top four will progress to Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday May 28, with Luke Humphries defending his title.