Luke Littler light‑heartedly suggested that the Premier League Darts circuit could benefit from the addition of another Scottish player to boost the atmosphere, after he faced a noticeably subdued crowd in Aberdeen following his Night 13 triumph. The 19‑year‑old world champion enjoyed a thrilling comeback victory, edging past Luke Humphries 6‑5 in a tightly contested final, yet he was met with the familiar chorus of boos and jeers that have peppered much of his campaign this season.
Despite the lukewarm reception, Littler appeared relaxed and upbeat during his post‑match press conference, smiling as he noted that the win propelled him back to the summit of the league table, overtaking Johnny Clayton with three rounds remaining before the season‑ending showdown on 28 May at the O2 Arena, broadcast live on Sky Sports. "I was definitely relaxed tonight," Littler said. "The crowd was a bit flat, I think everyone has mentioned that.
But another win is another win, and I’ll just take it as it comes." He reflected on his recent experiences in front of larger, louder audiences, recalling a previous event in Rotterdam that he described as "the loudest crowd I've ever played in front of". "I got past it, won a few games, lost in the final, and now we can just focus on the O2," he added, indicating that the upcoming playoffs are his primary concern.
In the immediate aftermath of his victory, Littler cracked a joke that captured the mood of the night: "The crowd were okay tonight, but definitely not the loudest. I think we need another Scottish player in the Premier League to lift the atmosphere a little bit!" His comment was taken in stride by fans and commentators alike, who noted his good‑natured approach to criticism.
Littler’s win on Night 13 adds to a remarkable run of form; he has now reached three finals in as many weeks, underscoring his status as one of the sport’s brightest young talents. The 19‑year‑old also paid tribute to his opponent, Luke Humphries, acknowledging the Englishman's resurgence after crucial victories over Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen earlier in the night.
"Luke needed that win tonight. Even the win against Michael was really crucial for him.
He’s slowed his throw down just a little, and it was flowing," Littler observed. "His worst leg was the final leg, and I just took full advantage.
I hope he can back it up in Leeds and win on his home ground." Littler’s composure under pressure was highlighted by Sky Sports analyst Wayne Mardle, who reflected on the Englishman's career trajectory and Littler’s recent performance. "Before the Premier League started, Littler had four wins in year one, six in year two, and it looked like he’d be on seven, eight, nine now, but then it stalled a bit. The way he’s dealt with it in the last two weeks – that final wasn’t a cruise, it was a hard‑fought game," Mardle said.
He continued, "He gets through all the pressurised moments better than anyone else. That’s the difference. No one handles stressful situations on a dartboard better than Luke Littler right now.
That’s why he wins. When you’re 5‑3 up in the final, that’s a missed opportunity for Humphries.
If you have the throw to win a tournament or a night, you feel like you’ve had the chance. Unfortunately, Luke decided ‘I’m not going to give you a chance to win.’" Mardle also noted the psychological edge Littler holds: "Humphries broke Littler in ten darts, but he didn’t capitalize afterwards because of Littler’s brilliance. He’s in a better spot now – three welcome points – and he has to believe he can still make the Play‑Offs, though tonight will be bitterly disappointing for him." Looking ahead, the Premier League Darts schedule continues each Thursday until the May finale, with live coverage on Sky Sports and streaming options via NOW. Fans can also catch the latest darts highlights, podcasts such as "Love the Darts", and a full table of standings to track the battle for the coveted trophy.
As the season draws to a close, the question remains: who will lift the Premier League Darts crown? Littler’s confident demeanor, his willingness to joke about the crowd, and his ability to thrive under pressure suggest he will be a strong contender. Whether another Scottish player emerges to energise the venues or the existing lineup steps up, the excitement is set to build toward the climactic night at the O2 Arena, where the best of the best will vie for the title.