Luke Littler quieted the vocal Liverpool supporters and tightened the race at the summit of the Premier League standings with a commanding 6-1 triumph over Jonny Clayton on Night 12. The win narrowed the gap between the two contenders, leaving Clayton perched atop the table with 32 points after four regular weeks remain, while Littler closed in to just three points behind, sitting on 29. Gerwyn Price occupies third place with 19 points, followed by Michael van Gerwen in fourth with 18.
Gian van Veen trails on 14 points, and defending champion Luke Humphries sits sixth with 13, as the battle for the coveted Finals Night intensifies. This victory marks Littler’s fourth nightly win of the campaign. The Manchester‑born youngster endured a chorus of jeers from the partisan Liverpool crowd, who largely backed his opponent throughout the evening.
Despite the hostile atmosphere, Littler remained composed, particularly on the doubles, and secured a vital win that bolsters his ambition to enter the Finals Night in the top slot. "It was a good night. I’m very happy with myself," Littler told Sky Sports after the match. He added, "Usually the doubling is not there, but I’m very thankful it was tonight.
A lot of crucial doubles at crucial times. I’m very close to Jonny now, three points off. I’m going to go chasing – I want to finish top once again – and if it’s not to be, it’s not to be. But there are still four weeks left." In the semi‑final against Clayton, Littler surged to a 5‑0 lead, denying the Welshman any chance to get back into the contest.
Clayton’s only checkout opportunities in the opening three legs were on the bullseye. Although Clayton managed to stop the rout and avoid a whitewash, he could only delay Littler’s victory by a single leg. Earlier in the night, Littler had also outlasted a formidable Michael van Gerwen in a 6‑5 semi‑final.
Van Gerwen displayed his classic brilliance, hitting nine maximums, converting 71% of his doubles, and posting a 107.54 average. Yet Littler altered his strategy, weathered a 3‑1 deficit, and showcased superior finishing to clinch the deciding leg. At one point, Van Gerwen appeared to have the match in his grasp after an 11‑dart finish put him ahead 5‑4 and gave him a chance to throw for the win. Littler responded by breaking back immediately, celebrating the breakthrough and ultimately sealing the leg.
The world No 1 then delivered a decisive 180 at the most critical moment of the final leg, setting himself up on 46, which he cleared with a tops finish, handing the crowd a thrilling conclusion. Luke Humphries suffered a severe setback to his Premier League finals aspirations after a 6‑2 quarter‑final loss to Littler, departing Liverpool without any additional points.
Although Humphries was scoring heavily, his double conversion rate lagged at just 18%, allowing Littler to race to a 4‑0 lead by hitting four consecutive legs. Humphries managed to hold his throw twice, but it was insufficient, marking his seventh defeat to the world No 1 in their last eight meetings. Clayton, meanwhile, secured his place in a sixth nightly final with a dramatic 6‑5 victory over Gian van Veen.
Van Veen started strongly, taking a 2‑0 lead, but Clayton demonstrated his battle‑hardened nature, weathering a series of break‑of‑throw exchanges before holding to level the match at 3‑3 with a massive 121 checkout. After another hold, Clayton—known as "The Ferret"—produced a sensational 156 checkout to move within one leg of victory.
Van Veen fought back, breaking to tie the scores at 5‑5, but missed a match dart at the bull. Clayton responded with a maximum, then finished on double 16 under pressure to claim the win. Clayton also endured a nail‑biting 6‑5 quarter‑final against hometown hero Stephen Bunting. The match swung entirely on the throw, and, as he has consistently done throughout the Premier League, Clayton stayed calm, grew into the contest, and sealed the decider on double 8, much to the disappointment of the partisan Liverpudlian audience.
This consistency has seen Clayton record his ninth quarter‑final victory in the twelve‑week season. Elsewhere on the night, Gian van Veen opened his campaign with a tight 6‑4 win over Gerwyn Price, debuting new darts in the process.
Michael van Gerwen began his evening with a comfortable 6‑3 triumph over Josh Rock. As the league approaches its climax, the question of who will ultimately lift the Premier League Darts trophy looms large. Defending champion Luke Humphries will be looking to retain his title, while the likes of Littler, Clayton, and van Gerwen continue to press their claims.
Fans can follow the action every Thursday until May on Sky Sports, or stream the matches and other top‑level sport via NOW.