Jonny Clayton praised Luke Littler’s composure as the young Welshman brushed aside a hostile audience to secure a place in the Rotterdam final, clinching his second straight nightly victory in the Premier League. Clayton’s triumph marked his fourth win of the season in just eleven weeks, widening his lead at the summit of the league table to five points after besting the reigning world champion Littler for a third time this campaign.
The Welsh No.1 navigated past home favourite Michael van Gerwen, the formidable Josh Rock, and finally Littler to claim the evening’s title at Rotterdam Ahoy on Thursday. The win lifted his points total to 29 after only eleven weeks of competition. The match began with Littler taking an early 2‑0 lead, opening with an impressive 11‑dart finish and following it up with a break of throw. Clayton, the 2021 Premier League champion, responded emphatically, stringing together three consecutive legs to seize the first lead of the encounter.
He later sealed a crucial 78‑out finish while Littler stood on a double, one leg away from victory. Littler managed a 15‑dart hold that threatened a comeback, but Clayton capitalised on his opponent’s errant finishing, hitting the tops to lock in his fourth nightly win and virtually guarantee his place at the O₂ arena for the playoffs. When asked about the result, Clayton joked, “I’m not going to say anything because Littler will come back and beat me up,” during his post‑match press conference.
The evening also featured a range of promotional content, including reminders to use Chrome for an optimal video‑player experience, and advertisements for NOW streaming services and upcoming darts events in 2026. Reflecting on Littler’s qualities, Clayton said, “He’s got everything every other player wishes for – the attitude, the throw, the mentality. He’s a complete player, and beating him means I’ve done my job.” He also noted the personal significance of the night, adding, “I had to do something special because today marks my 20th anniversary, and I almost forgot!” Clayton currently enjoys a 16‑point cushion over the fifth‑placed competitor in the playoff race. Recalling a recent match against Michael van Gerwen, Clayton admitted, “I watched last week’s game and it hurt a little when someone said I was favourite to finish bottom.
That really stung and annoyed me, but now things are looking up and I’m smiling.” Littler, meanwhile, bolstered his own playoff aspirations by reaching his fourth final in seven weeks, overcoming Gerwyn Price and Josh Rock to climb to 24 points in the standings. After his quarter‑final victory over Price, Littler told Sky Sports, “The boos and whistles were exactly what I expected. As soon as I stepped on stage I knew I could do my job. I’d been practising well beforehand.” Three‑time world champion Glen Durrant weighed in on the atmosphere, stating, “You called it frosty, I called it hostile.
That’s the Premier League for you. Littler didn’t react to each leg he won; he refused to let the crowd affect him. Price was far from his best, averaging under 90, which was disappointing, but Littler handled the situation brilliantly.
The atmosphere was unbelievable.” The Premier League now moves to the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool for another decisive night as the battle for the playoff spots intensifies. Local favourite Stephen Bunting will face Clayton in a bid to claim his first nightly win since Night Four, while Luke Humphries is set to meet his old adversary Littler. Gian van Veen will clash with Gerwyn Price on Price’s birthday in the opening quarter‑final, and Michael van Gerwen will look to solidify his playoff position against Josh Rock.
Points are awarded each night – five for the winner, three for the runner‑up, and two for each semi‑finalist – contributing to the league table that determines the top four players who will advance to the Finals Night at the O₂ in London on Thursday, May 28. As the season draws to a close, fans are left to wonder who will ultimately claim this year’s Premier League Darts title. Defending champion Luke Humphries will be looking to retain his crown, and viewers can catch every Thursday match through May on Sky Sports or stream the action via NOW, alongside other premier sporting events.