Luke Littler joked Premier League Darts could do with another Scottish player “to bring up the atmosphere” after criticizing a “flat” Aberdeen crowd following his Night 13 victory.
The world champion came from behind to beat Luke Humphries 6-5 in the final, moving back to the top of the table and leapfrogging Johnny Clayton with three Premier League nights remaining before the May 28 final at the O2. Littler, who has often faced boos and jeers this season, was relaxed and smiling after the win.
“I was definitely relaxed tonight,” he said. “Obviously the crowd was a bit flat tonight. I think all the players said that. But, another win, and I’ll take it as it comes. I think I said maybe last week or the week before Rotterdam was the loudest crowd I’ve ever played in front of and I got past it. Won a few games, lost in the final. Now we can just focus on the O2.”
In his immediate post-match interview he added with a laugh: “The crowd were okay tonight, but definitely not the loudest. I think we need another Scottish player in the Premier League to bring the atmosphere up a little bit!”
Littler’s victory was his third final in as many weeks and another sign of strong form. He praised Humphries, who had bounced back with big wins over Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen to reach the final. “[Luke Humphries] needed that one tonight. Even the win against Michael was really crucial for him. He’s slowed his throw down just that little bit, and yeah, it was flowing. His worst leg was the last leg. I just took full advantage. Hopefully he can back it up in Leeds and hopefully he can win in his home ground.”
Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle singled out Littler’s ability to handle pressure. He noted Littler’s upward trajectory — four wins in year one, six in year two — and said expectations were higher this season even after a brief stall. “But the way he’s dealt with it the last two weeks — that final was not a coast, it was a hard game. He gets through all the pressurised moments better than anyone else. That’s the difference. No one handles stressful situations on a dartboard better than Luke Littler right now. That’s why he wins.”
Mardle also pointed to a missed opportunity for Humphries. “When you are 5-3 up in the final, that’s a missed opportunity for Humphries.” Although Humphries had broken Littler in 10 darts, he couldn’t capitalise, leaving him with three valuable points but a disappointing night for his Play-Off hopes.
Catch the Premier League Darts action every Thursday on Sky Sports as the season heads toward its climax.