Luke Littler Ousts van Gerwen in Berlin, Tops Premier League Darts Rankings
Luke Littler moved to the top of the Premier League table after beating Michael van Gerwen 6-4 in Berlin.
The 19-year-old finished the match at the Uber Arena with two 170 checkouts. He claimed the £10,000 nightly prize and five league points.
Luke Littler Ousts van Gerwen in Berlin, Tops Premier League Darts Rankings.
Path to the title
Littler beat Stephen Bunting 6-3 in the quarter-finals. He then defeated Gerwyn Price 6-4 to reach the final.
In the final, Littler produced three ton-plus finishes to subdue Van Gerwen. The Dutchman averaged 106.36 and hit four maximums.
Key performances and statistics
Littler averaged 108.58 in his semi-final against Price. He also produced consecutive 170 finishes to close the night.
Stephen Bunting averaged 107.47 but still lost in the quarters. Josh Rock picked up his first Premier League win, beating Jonny Clayton 6-3.
Other results and standings
Van Gerwen reached the final after wins over Luke Humphries and Josh Rock. His run moved him inside the top four.
Gian van Veen returned after missing the previous week with kidney stones. He managed a 113 checkout but remains sixth on nine points.
Jonny Clayton sits two points behind Littler in the standings. Luke Humphries dropped outside the play-off positions at the halfway stage.
Match list for Night Nine
- Michael van Gerwen vs Stephen Bunting
- Gerwyn Price vs Luke Humphries
- Gian van Veen vs Luke Littler
- Jonny Clayton vs Josh Rock
The Premier League moves to the AO Arena in Manchester for Night Nine. Matches start at 7pm on Thursday, April 2.
Littler acknowledged he changed his darts after an early win. He said adjustments from his equipment maker helped his finishing.
The Berlin crowd booed Littler before matches, but he remained composed. His run now spans three nightly wins in four weeks.
