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Luke Littler broke down in tears and opened up about the toll of the Premier League campaign as he was crowned champion after an 11-10 win over Luke Humphries at The O2 in London.
Littler topped the table after six of 16 Premier League night wins in the regular season and came into final night aiming for a second Premier League win in three appearances.
He started his night with a 10-9 deciding-leg thriller against Garwyn Price, before the Welshman came from 9-4 down to average over 111 in a classic final against ‘Cool Hand’, who once again went all the way.
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Littler broke down in tears during his post-match interview as he admitted during his Premier League campaign that he had considered quitting the game.
After sealing a thrilling victory, Littler recounted his journey to the Premier League and became visibly emotional as he spoke about his difficult opening few weeks.
“The first four weeks it was a rollercoaster, bottom of the table, but then on the fifth night I won my first night. I had to pick myself up – some tough times,” Littler said. Sky Sports.
“I think I averaged 79 at Brighton and it was tough. But I brought the trophy here.”
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Littler’s triumphant moment at the O2 sealed his second Premier League title
Humphries then consoled his opponent and after Littler took time to re-collect himself, the 19-year-old admitted that the adulation he received from the crowd had taken a toll on them.
The sarcasm worsened for Littler after an incident with Gian van Veen on Night Nine in Manchester.
In the legs of a tense decider, Van Veen missed a match dart before watching Littler celebrate in front of the home crowd, with the world champion gesturing angrily at his opponent as he turned back to the ouch.
Littler then missed the throw for the match and Van Veen did not allow him another visit as he won the quarter-finals – but not before Littler made a tearful gesture to the crowd and then exchanged a brief handshake with his opponent.
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Littler was greeted with boos and cheers as he walked onto the stage to face Garwin Price in the Premier League in his semi-final.
The following week at Brighton, Littler was again humiliated as he recorded his lowest PDC TV average, losing to Stephen Bunting.
Littler revealed the crowd’s reaction to weeks of not wanting him to play, before cutting the emotional interview short while visiting his loved ones.
“After what happened in Brighton and Manchester, I sat at home and said to Biswas (his partner) ‘I don’t want to do this anymore, just crowds every week’. I told him ‘I’m bad’.”
Humphreys: Little reaction shows how much it means
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Wayne Mardell talks about Littler’s powers and whether the teenage sensation has yet to reach his peak
Humphries was as gracious as ever in defeat and, after consoling Littler, explained why such a big moment is filled with emotion, especially considering the weeks the players have put into the Premier League campaign.
“It’s emotional, you see it from Luke there. You’re playing in a big final and it shows how important it is to us as players,” he said. Sky Sports.
“You’re on the road for 16 or 17 weeks and I don’t get to take my family with me. You want that trophy in your hands.
“It was a great final, one of the best in the Premier League. I’m proud that I made it a tough game.”
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