Luke Littler broke down in tears and opened up on the toll the Premier League campaign has taken on him as he was crowned champion after an 11-10 victory over Luke Humphries at The O2 in London.
Littler finished top of the table in the Premier League regular phase after six nightly wins out of 16 and came into Finals Night looking to clinch a second Premier League win in three appearances.
He started his night by coming through an epic 10-9 deciding-leg thriller against Gerwyn Price, the Welshman rallying from 9-4 down, before averaging over 111 in a classic final against ‘Cool Hand’ that went all the way once again.
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Littler was left in tears during his post-match interview as he admitted during his Premier League campaign that he thought about quitting the sport
After sealing a tense victory, Littler recounted his journey in the Premier League and became visibly emotional talking about his tough opening few weeks.
“It was a rollercoaster first four weeks, bottom of the table, but then the fifth night I won my first night. I had to pick myself up – some tough times,” Littler told Sky Sports.
“I think I had a 79 average in Brighton or something like that and it was tough. But I am here with the trophy.”
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The winning moment at The O2 as Littler sealed his second Premier League title
Humphries then comforted his opponent and, after Littler took time to regather himself, the 19-year-old admitted the boos he has been receiving from the crowd have taken their toll.
The jeers for Littler worsened following an incident with Gian van Veen on Night Nine in Manchester.
Amid a tense deciding leg, Van Veen missed a match dart before turning to find Littler celebrating in front of the home crowd, with the world champion then gesturing angrily at his opponent as he turned back to the oche.
Littler then missed his chance to throw for the match and Van Veen did not allow him another visit as he wrapped up the quarter-final win – but not before Littler made a crying gesture to the crowd and then exchanged a brief handshake with his rival.
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Littler was greeted with boos and cheers as he walked to the stage to face Gerwyn Price on Premier League in his semi-final
The following week at Brighton, Littler was booed once again as he recorded his lowest PDC TV average in defeat to Stephen Bunting.
Littler revealed the reaction from the crowds during those weeks made him not want to play, before the emotional interview was cut short as he went to see his loved ones.
“After Brighton and the incident in Manchester, I was sat at home saying to Faith [his partner] ‘I don’t want to do it any more, just the crowd every week’. I said to her ‘I’m down bad’.”
Humphries: Littler reaction shows how much it means
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Wayne Mardle speaks about Littler’s ability and whether the teenage sensation has even hit his peak yet
Humphries was gracious as ever in defeat and, after comforting Littler, described why such big moments are full of emotion, especially given the number of weeks the players put in to a Premier League campaign.
“It is emotional, you have seen it from Luke there. You are playing in big finals and it shows how much it means to us as players,” he told Sky Sports.
“You are on the road for 16 or 17 weeks and I don’t get the chance to take my family with me. You want that trophy in your hands.
“It was a great final, one of the best the Premier League has seen. I am proud that I made it a tough game.”
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