Luke Littler hits nine-darter to secure 2024 Premier League

A new chapter has been written in the 17-year-old sensation's fairytale journey as he hit a nine-darter to secure the title in his debut season.

In a rematch of the World Championship final, Littler got his revenge, beating Luke Humphries 11-7.

Speaking after lifting the trophy, Littler said: "To all the doubters, you're not doubting me any more!

"It's just so good to win in front of my family, my girlfriend, and my manager.

"I don't know what to do!"

The Warringtonian's nine-darter makes him only the second player to do so in a Premier League final, after Phil Taylor.

"That's another record," Littler added.

"I hit one on the World Series and so did Phil and I've hit one here and so did he.

"I came on (after the break) and I just thought this is it we're on until the end. Let's do it!"

Littler clearly had gold in his sights as he dispatched of Smith comfortably in the semi-final (Image: PA)

Littler beats Bully Boy to book place in the final

If there was anyone Littler would have wanted to avoid playing, it would have been Michael Smith.

Bully Boy came out on top in five of the seven meetings between the two in this year’s Premier League, including a 6-5 win last week in Sheffield.

But with the crowd clearly on his side, Littler got finals night underway with a trademark double ten to claim the opening leg.

Smith landed the first 180 of the night in the third leg - Littler responding with a 144 checkout.

Boosted by this, the Nuke took control of the match, winning three of the next four legs to make it 5-2.

A nervy period saw both players miss chances at doubles as Littler headed into the break comfortably ahead, 7-3.

Littler wasted little time in disposing of his opponent after the interval, booking his place in the final with a 10-5 victory.

Littler's place in the final never looked in doubt as he beat Michael Smith 10-5 (Image: PA)

Humphries sets up World Championship rematch

In the other semi-final, Mighty Michael Van Gerwen came up against World Champion Luke Humphries.

It seemed like it would be a more tightly contested affair as the two titans went blow for blow in the opening four legs.

Cool Hand then decided to turn up the heat, racing to a 7-2 lead.

There was a hint of a comeback from MVG but ultimately the damage had been done and Humphries secured his own 10-5 win to set up a rematch of the World Championship final.

Littler celebrates nailing a nine-darter in the Premier League final (Image: PA)

Littler beats Humphries to win maiden Premier League title 

A lot has changed since these two met in the World Darts Championship final in January.

They have faced off seven times since then, with Littler coming out on top on all but one occasion.

There was little to separate the two Lukes in the early stages of their latest encounter, Littler taking the lead on four occasions but always being quickly caught by Humphries.

Tied at five legs a piece going into the break, a 116 checkout from Humphries stood out as the highlight.

But that was quickly put to the shame as Littler came out in the second half with a bang, hitting a nine-darter!

And there was no slowing down from there, Littler winning three of the following four legs with relative ease.

Humphries wasn't to go down without a fight though, nailing two tops for a 134 checkout.

Ultimately, there was nothing he could do to prevent a relentless Littler who powered through to a 11-7 victory.

"He's a fantastic player he really is," said Humphries.

"I think me and Luke are the two greatest players in the world at the moment.

"It was another great battle, I just love playing him. I know I lose a lot but I just love playing him!"