Premier League Darts LIVE RESULTS: Luke Littler misses out on back-to-back nightly wins after losing to Humphries in thrilling final
Luke Humphries, the home favourite, won the Premier League's fourteenth night, adding to the positive vibes in Leeds.
He secured his spot in the play-offs later this month earlier in the night, and the city celebrated the football team's elevation from the Championship this week.
After his triumph in 2024, Humphries, the Berkshire native named after Leeds United, made it back-to-back victories in Yorkshire and guaranteed a spot alongside Littler in London's O2 Arena for the pivotal night in three weeks and cited his desire to triumph there.
- Luke Littler…38
- Luke Humphries…31
- Gerwyn Price…24
- Michael van Gerwen…20
- Nathan Aspinall…19
- Rob Cross…14
- Chris Dobey…12
- Stephen Bunting…10
As for the rest of the night, here's how the field got on:
Quarter-finals
- Rob Cross 5-6 Gerwyn Price
- Nathan Aspinall 4-6 Luke Littler
- Michael van Gerwen 4-6 Luke Humphries
- Stephen Bunting 6-5 Chris Dobey
Semi-finals
- Gerwyn Price 3-6 Luke Littler
- Luke Humphries 6-4 Stephen Bunting
Final
- Luke Littler 5-6 Luke Humphries
Luke Humphries picks up his first win on the Premier Legaue Tour for the first time since week four, here's how he did it:
- QF: 6-4 win vs Michael van Gerwen - 98.89 avg
- SF: 6-4 win vs Stephen Bunting - 91.94 avg
- F: 6-5 win vs Luke Littler - 100.96 avg
Luke Humphries speaking to Sky Sports: It's [winning] been a while. It was a great final, I thought Luke was great there and when he hit that tenth leg, I thinking I would love to have a shot at the 25 but I was pretty nervous because I really wanted to win tonight.
On the draft at Leeds: I one of those players that really struggle here but I have to get it out of my head because it's something we have to deal with and there's many venues on Premier League tour we struggle with.
"Really happy to win in Leeds because it's been a really good couple of weeks."
On winning in Leeds: "It's extra special [to win in Leeds]. I feel at home here and I know this isn't my home town but I feel special here.
Humphries ousts Littler.
Littler opened up with a 140.
Humphries responds with an underwhelming 81 and his given a way glimmer hope with a Littler 41.
Both down to the finish, both had the bull to win it - neither took it. A return would be needed, Humphries dosen't waste his chance as he nails a double 10 to claim another win in Leeds.
Humphries lands with 121 after two visits and on his return he missed the match dart which opened the path for Littler to provide a last leg decider.
Winner takes it all.
Littler cleans off the board expertly to take a leg back.
Littler falters on his second visit whilst Humphries clinical on his third return with the 180.
Bangs the double 20 to extend his lead.
Littler has been a 180 magnet in this final and Humphries has replicated on occasions.
Cool Hand had the chance to finish with tops, couldn't take it but responded with a double 10.
Littler hits an early 180 to set his firepower stall.
Cleans of a 54 on the board with a double 20.
11-darter of quality stuff from the Nuke.
Humphries attempts at a break are initially cut short at the doubles at the 10 and the 5 but returns with a double 1 to take three straight legs of darts.
Leaving with a maximum has been proficient in Littler's early legs with four straight but it's Humphries who pulls this back to a level contest.
Littler's 180 streak continues but this time is followed by Humphries who breaks straight back with a double 16.
They don't half-entertain these two.
A clinical presence has shown up early on for Littler.
He once again hits a 180 that sets up an eventual double 19 finish.
180 land for Littler on his second visit.
A dart bounces off the board on his return, a few for him in recent weeks which hands Humphries a look out a finish position.
He dose not take and Littler hits the double 6 to open this encounter.
Both have set the standard for darts this last 12-24 months and continue to do so.
Even in a relative off night, they are by far the best two in the elite field.
Implications on the standings are minimal as the two are certain of their O2 spot and a win for Littler would guarantee the already-known: top spot.
TV lot are backing Humphries and it's weird one because neither have played anywhere near their best stuff for any sustainable period of time tonight.
Yet, you would not be surprised if they pulled it all out for this encounter.
The latest instalment of dart's hottest ticket, Littler vs Humphries is upon us.
Bunting unable to convert a 180 attempt on his third visit, and would follow it up with a 77 and another double 16 miss which failed to clear the 32.
It was solid but not enough as Humphries finishes this contest with a double 20.
Luke vs Luke up next in Leeds.
Some lax play from Humphries would hand Bunting the momentarily initiative which he was unable to take at double 6.
He would be granted the chance again and took it.
He has made one comeback this evening...
The Humphries pressure proving evident with multiple 100s+ setting up a bullseye finish, which he takes.
The end is near... or is it?
What you can do, I can do from these two.
Humphries produces a 180, Bunting matches to go with his 140.
Humphries unable to convert his leg dart on the doubles, same for Bunting. The crowd favourite, who has yet to give them something to get up for, eventually pops the decisive won.
Back-to-back 140s from the two would be sandwiched by Bunting's first attempt at taking this.
His be allowed his second as Humphries showed uncharacteristically poor landing for Bunting to convert.
Humphries came slinging but missed multiple clear-cut chances as the doubles eluded him.
A double 4 would be eventually converted as Cool Hand regains lead.
Humphries, like Bunting, mutters to himself after a misplaced dart.
Bunting who has risen to the standard of this contest so far with a 100+ average levels.
Bunting lands a HUGE 180 but was unable to follow it up with a bullseye in his next return.
Humphries takes his chance to capitalise and lets off the confidence he has right now with a held pose.
thesun
