Luke Littler has revealed that persistent booing from crowds almost drove him to quit darts, despite winning the Premier League title in a dramatic final against Luke Humphries at the O2 Arena. The 19-year-old world number one fought back from 6-3 down to win 11-10, reclaiming the crown he lost to Humphries last year and securing a £350,000 prize.
Littler, who also earned a record-equalling six nightly wins over the 17-week season, admitted the jeers had taken a toll. After a controversial incident with Gian van Veen in Manchester, he told his girlfriend Faith: 'I don't want to do it any more. Just the crowd every week. I'm down bad.' He became tearful on stage, prompting Humphries to note the emotional strain of the long season.
Earlier, Littler survived a tense semi-final against Gerwyn Price, squandering six match darts before winning 10-9. The match featured a flashpoint when Price, not on a finish, scored 170 and mimed reeling in a fish, earning a warning from referee Huw Ware. Price later apologised but repeated the gesture after hitting 180.
Humphries reached the final by defeating Jonny Clayton 10-9 in a seesaw match. Clayton led 9-7 before Humphries levelled with a 121 checkout. Clayton missed a match dart at double 16, apparently put off by a whistle from the crowd, allowing Humphries to finish the job. Clayton gestured angrily at the crowd as he left the stage.
