Luke Littler moved to the top of the Premier League table after a dramatic 6-5 victory over Luke Humphries in Night 13 at Aberdeen's P&J Live. The world champion recovered from 5-3 down to win the last three legs, sealing the win on double ten in a deciding leg as Humphries' finishing faltered.
Humphries had taken out 130 on the bullseye to level at 2-2, and after Littler missed the bull for his own 130 checkout, Humphries broke to lead 5-3. But Littler broke back and held his nerve in the decider to secure his fifth nightly win of the season, moving two points clear of Jonny Clayton at the summit.
Earlier, Littler had cruised past Gerwyn Price 6-1 in the semi-finals with four maximums, while Humphries beat Gian van Veen 6-3 in the last four, aided by a superb 160 finish. Van Veen had earlier knocked out Clayton 6-2 in the quarter-finals with a 152 checkout.
In the opening quarter-final, Littler defeated Josh Rock 6-3, while Price edged Stephen Bunting in a last-leg decider after trailing 5-3. Humphries also overcame Michael van Gerwen 6-3, with Van Gerwen returning after being punched in the face earlier in the week in the Netherlands.
Littler's win confirms Clayton's place in the play-offs, while Humphries closes to within two points of the top four. Speaking to Sky Sports, Littler said: “I was comfortable tonight. Practice has been going well and I’m glad to bring it to the stage.” He added: “Luke played very well there, and if he continues to play like that, he will have a chance.”
