Jonny Clayton praised Luke Littler for his composure in the face of a hostile audience as the young Welshman secured his second straight night‑win at the Premier League event in Rotterdam. Clayton’s own performance added a fourth victory to his tally this season, extending his lead at the summit of the league table to five points after he defeated world champion Littler for the third time in this year’s competition. The Welsh number one overcame home favourite Michael van Gerwen, fellow contender Josh Rock and finally Littler to claim the Rotterdam Ahoy title on Thursday, pushing his points total to 29 after just eleven weeks of play. The match began with Littler taking an early 2-0 lead, opening with an impressive 11‑dart finish and then following up with a break of throw.
Clayton, the 2021 Premier League champion, responded by winning three consecutive legs, taking the lead for the first time in the encounter. He later sealed a crucial 78‑out finish while Littler stood on a double, putting Clayton just one leg away from victory. Littler fought back, producing a 15‑dart hold that threatened a comeback, but Clayton capitalised on his opponent’s errant finishing, hitting the required doubles to lock in his fourth night‑win and virtually guarantee his place at the O2 Arena for the playoffs.
"I’m not going to say anything because Littler will come back and beat me up," Clayton joked at the post‑match press conference, a light‑hearted comment that underscored the mutual respect between the two competitors. In his own words, Clayton highlighted Littler’s all‑round qualities: "He’s got everything that every other player wishes for. He’s got that attitude, he’s got the throw, he’s got the mentality.
He’s got everything. What a player and to beat him, I’ve done my job." The win also marked a personal milestone for Clayton, who noted that it coincided with the 20th anniversary of his professional career: "I had to do something special because it’s my 20th anniversary today and I did forget!" He also reflected on the criticism he faced after a recent match against Michael van Gerwen, saying, "I watched last week’s game against Michael and it hurt a little bit when someone said I was favourite to finish bottom. That really hurt. It annoyed me a bit, to be honest.
It’s going good for me now and I’ve got a massive smile on my face." Littler, meanwhile, bolstered his own playoff hopes by reaching his fourth final in seven weeks, defeating Gerwyn Price and Josh Rock to climb to 24 points in the standings. After his quarter‑final victory over Price, Littler told Sky Sports, "It was exactly what I expected, the boos and whistles.
But I knew as soon as I got on stage I could do my job. I was practising very well before the game." Three‑time world champion Glen Durrant weighed in on the atmosphere, describing it as "frosty" and "hostile" – a hallmark of Premier League darts.
He praised Littler’s composure, noting that the youngster never let the crowd’s reactions affect his play: "He didn’t react each time he was winning legs; he wasn’t allowing the crowd to get involved. Price was nowhere near his best; he averaged under 90 which was a bit of a disappointment, but Littler dealt with the situation incredibly well.
There was an unbelievable atmosphere in here." The league moves next to the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, where the battle for the remaining playoff spots intensifies. Home hero Stephen Bunting will challenge Clayton in pursuit of his first night‑win since Night Four, while Luke Humphries is set to meet Littler again. Gian van Veen will face Gerwyn Price on his birthday in the opening quarter‑final, and Michael van Gerwen will look to secure his own 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 – to determine the league table. The top four after all fixtures will advance to the Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, 28 May. As the season draws to a close, fans can follow every Thursday night action on Sky Sports or stream the matches via NOW. The Premier League Darts 2026 schedule promises more high‑stakes encounters, with Luke Humphries defending his title and a host of other elite players vying for the coveted O2 final spots.
The drama, the crowds, and the relentless competition continue to make this league the pinnacle of professional darts.