Key Highlights
- Luke Littler beats Premier League leader Jonny Clayton 6-4 in Cardiff final.
- Littler hits ‘Big Fish’ checkout of 170 to spoil Welsh party.
- The Welsh crowd had hoped for an all-Welsh final, but it didn’t happen.
- Clayton remains top of the Premier League table after beating Gian van Veen in semi-final.
The Match That Spoiled The Party
Littler, a 51-year-old veteran darts player nicknamed ‘The Nuke,’ has once again shown why he’s still in the game. Despite his age and the fact that he had to settle into this tournament like he did last year, Littler delivered a performance that left no doubt about his championship status.
But it wasn’t just Littler who made an impact; Jonny Clayton, the Premier League leader, put up quite a fight. Clayton hit 68 with three darts in hand but missed the bullseye finish, giving Littler a chance to take control. Clayton’s efforts were not in vain as he managed to level proceedings and even came close to sending the home crowd wild with his nine-dart finish.
Clayton’s Struggle
The 19-year-old Littler showed why he is the back-to-back world champion. He nailed a ‘Big Fish’ checkout of 170, which is no small feat in darts. This was his second time hitting that checkout during the night, showcasing both consistency and skill.
Clayton’s attempts at a double-double finish were thwarted, allowing Littler to close out the leg with a perfect score.
While Clayton remains top of the Premier League table after beating Gian van Veen 6-4 in the semi-final, his performance against Littler was not his best. The partisan Welsh crowd’s hopes of an all-Welsh final were dashed as Littler took charge and secured his first night win of the season.
The Semi-Finals and Beyond
Clayton’s semi-final victory over Gian van Veen was another testament to his form. Clayton, who is a World Championship runner-up, fought back from 4-1 down with two missed doubles before clinching the game. This performance keeps him in contention for the play-off night at London’s O2 Arena on May 23.
Littler’s semi-final against Gerwyn Price was another display of his prowess.
Littler started strong, hitting five consecutive treble 20s to take an early lead. However, ‘The Iceman’ showed resilience and managed to win the match despite falling behind. This result sees Littler climb into the top four.
The final showdown between Clayton and Littler was a tense affair, with both players showcasing their skills.
Littler’s average of 96.2 was impressive but not as high as Josh Rock’s 103.72. Despite his struggles on doubles, Clayton managed to overcome Michael van Gerwen in the final leg.
In summary, it was a night filled with drama and skill, with Littler emerging victorious in Cardiff. The Premier League Darts season is heating up, and all eyes are on the upcoming play-off night.
