Luke Littler produced a stunning comeback from 5-0 down to defeat Gerwyn Price 6-5 on night seven of the BetMGM Premier League in Dublin. The reigning world champion appeared to be heading for a heavy defeat against 'The Iceman', but turned the match on its head with a remarkable fightback.
In the deciding leg, Littler fired two 180s to leave 81, then hit treble 17 before missing double 15. He clinched the win with his next dart at the same double, completing an extraordinary turnaround. Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle said Price would be 'disgusted with himself' after failing to close out the match.
Speaking after the match, Littler admitted he was lost for words. 'I have no idea how I've done that,' he said. 'I got the first leg and had a bit of fun. I got my 180 and Gez set up double tops so I waved them goodbye and the rest is history. It was very strange. I was gone. Darts is a silly old game.'
The win is only Littler's second night victory of this season's Premier League campaign. He now sits three points behind leader Jonny Clayton, having closed the gap significantly. 'The table was really close before tonight. I am closing that gap on Jonny,' Littler added. 'With the start that Jonny had and the start I had, it's good to see that I'm now right behind him. We'll go chasing.'
For Price, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. The 41-year-old had the chance to close the gap on fellow Welshman Clayton, but missed five match darts. He had earlier impressed in a 6-1 semi-final win over Luke Humphries, averaging 109, and had cruised past Josh Rock in the quarter-finals.
