Luke Littler secured his first night win of the season after beating home favourite Jonny Clayton 6-4 in an enthralling Night Five final in Cardiff.
The back-to-back world champion came into the week seventh in the eight-team standings after a slow start to the campaign, with Littler having to recover from early struggles against Josh Rock to win 6-4 and avoid another early exit.
Littler improved during a semi-final win over Gerwyn Price, where he fired three ton-plus and closed out a 6-3 victory with a ‘Big Fish’ 170 checkout, then impressed against Clayton in an absorbing final.
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Luke Littler misses double 15 to narrowly miss out on a nine-dart leg during his win over Jonny Clayton
The 19-year-old fired a 106.5 average in a final that produced 11 maximums, with Littler delivering the second Big Fish of the night and coming agonisingly close to a nine-darter on his way to a much-needed victory.
Littler becomes the fifth different nightly winner in the first five weeks in the Premier League season and jumps to third in the standings on nine points, as Clayton – who saw off Gian van Veen and Luke Humphries on his way to the final – extends his lead with a runner-up finish.
More to follow…
What’s happening in Night Six?
The Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham hosts next week’s action, where Rock will have another opportunity to claim a first victory of the season when he faces Bunting in the opening match.
Clayton takes on Van Gerwen and Humphries plays Van Veen, while Littler takes on Price in a repeat of their Cardiff semi-final.
Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts? Watch Night Six live on Thursday March 12 from 7pm on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports+. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
