Luke Littler endured a heartbreaking defeat in the Premier League Darts final in Berlin, losing 6-5 to Michael van Gerwen. The 17-year-old had bounced back from a semi-final loss in Cardiff the previous week, defeating Rob Cross and world champion Luke Humphries en route to the final.
Littler took an early 2-0 lead before Van Gerwen fought back to go 3-2 ahead. The pair traded legs, with Littler narrowly missing a 145 checkout to level at 4-4. The match went to a deciding leg, where both players hit 180s. Van Gerwen missed the bull for victory, but Littler failed to capitalise, missing two darts at double 10. Van Gerwen sealed the win on double four.
Speaking after the match, Van Gerwen praised the contest, saying, 'A lot of times I don't miss treble 20s either but it happens in darts. I thought it was a fantastic night for darts.' He added that he is working on his energy levels with Vincent van der Voort and feels there is more to come.
On facing Littler in finals, Van Gerwen remarked, 'It's good. I hope we can keep it that way as well. In this format, in the Premier League, you have to be good week after week. It's non-stop.' He also noted that it is only week two, stating, 'Don't worry, it's not a sprint, it's a marathon.'
