he world’s top two players went head-to-head in an all-time classic at Arena MK, as Littler fought back from 5-4 down in sets to add another Premier televised title to his extensive collection. Humphries appeared poised to retain the coveted crown after recovering from 3-1 down to lead, only for Littler to defy a 105.51 average from the world number two in scooping the £100,000 top prize.
The defending champion landed the first blow in a closely-fought opening stanza, but an effortless 153 checkout from Littler in set two shifted the pendulum and saw him establish a 2-1 buffer. Humphries responded with a 13-dart break as he sought to draw level, but a relentless Littler maintained his charge, converting back-to-back 121 outshots to stretch his lead to 3-1.
His astonishing run of combination finishing continued as he pinned the bull for an 87 kill to open set five, before Humphries hit back with a blistering four-leg burst to level at 3-3. Humphries averaged 123 in a staggering fifth set display, but he was unable to hit the front in set seven, squandering three set darts as Littler regained control once more.
However, the reigning champion conjured up a crucial 12-dart break to wrap up set eight, which he followed up with a 108 checkout and a 13-darter in the ninth to close in on a famous victory at 5-4. Littler wasn’t to be denied, however, registering legs of 13 and 12 darts to force a deciding set, which he subsequently claimed in consecutive legs to end Humphries’ reign in Milton Keynes.
Sunday February 1st
QUARTER FINALS
Gerwyn Price 4-2 Chris Dobey
Luke Littler 4-0 Josh Rock
Gian van Veen 4-2 James Wade
Luke Humphries 4-0 Danny Noppert
SEMI FINALS
Luke Littler 5-4 Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries 5-0 Gian van Veen
FINAL
Luke Littler 6-5 Luke Humphries
Format
Prelims & Round One - Best of five sets, best of three legs per set
Round Two - Best of seven sets, best of three legs per set
Quarter-Finals - Best of seven sets, best of three legs per set
Semi-Finals - Best of nine sets, best of three legs per set
Final - Best of 11 sets, best of three legs per set
There are no tie-breaks in any set
Prize Fund
Winner - £100,000
Runner-Up - £50,000
Semi-Finalists - £30,000
Quarter-Finalists - £17,500
Round Two Losers - £10,000
Round One Losers - £5,000
Preliminary Round L16 - £2,500
Preliminary Round L32 - £1,000
Preliminary Round L64 - £750
Total £500,000