Luke Littler moved to the top of the Premier League table after a thrilling 6-5 victory over Luke Humphries in the final of Night 13 in Aberdeen. The world champion capitalised on a quarter-final defeat for previous leader Jonny Clayton, recovering from 5-3 down to force a decider and seal the win as Humphries faltered.
Final showdown
The final was closely contested, with Humphries taking out a 130 checkout on the bullseye to level at 2-2. Littler missed the bull for a 130 checkout of his own, allowing Humphries to break and lead 5-3. However, Littler fought back with a break to force a deciding leg, which he took on double 10 as Humphries' consistency waned.
Littler's dominance
This fifth nightly win moves Littler two points clear of Clayton, whose place in the play-offs is now confirmed. Humphries closes to within two points of the top four. Littler, who had been heckled in Liverpool the previous week, told Sky Sports: "I was comfortable tonight. Practice has been going well and I'm glad to bring it to the stage. The crowd were OK tonight, they definitely aren't the loudest. I think we need another Scottish player in the Premier League to bring up the atmosphere a bit… I can't wait for next week (in Leeds)."
Semi-finals action
In the semi-finals, Littler cruised to a 6-1 win over Gerwyn Price, hitting four maximums. Price is set to participate in the UK Open Pool Championship next month, which could clash with the play-offs at the O2 in London. Gian van Veen brushed aside Clayton 6-2 in their quarter-final, sealing victory with a 152 checkout, but then lost 6-3 to Humphries, who produced a superb 160 finish to break the Dutchman in leg eight.
Quarter-final results
- Littler defeated Josh Rock 6-3, with Rock remaining bottom of the table.
- Price fought back from 5-3 down to edge Stephen Bunting in a last-leg decider.
- Humphries beat Michael van Gerwen 6-3, with van Gerwen returning after being punched in the face during a night out in the Netherlands celebrating King's Day.
