Premier League darts: Jonny Clayton and Garwyn Price should be proud, says Luke Littler

It was a similar story for Price, who was in an almighty brawl with Littler in the opening contest of the night.

But after being level at 4-4, ‘The Nuke’ made a stunning run to go 9-4 in five straight legs.

On the brink of defeat, ‘The Iceman’ threatened a comeback for the ages as he himself won five consecutive legs to force a last-leg decider – which Littler won comfortably.

Seven weeks into Dublin, Price led 5-0 before beating Littler 6-5 in the final, and the world number one admitted the pair had brought up that previous meeting when speaking after his London victory.

“He (Price) obviously said well done and then he said ‘I was thinking about Dublin’ when I came back against him,” revealed Littler.

“That’s when I told Gage it was ticking in my brain as well as his.

“Every leg the gauge kept winning, I was just like ‘don’t let this happen’.”

Both Clayton and Price earned £110,000 in prize money for reaching the semi-finals of the showpiece event.

Shortly after the loss to Littler, Price wrote on Instagram: “Oh well, here we go.

“Not sharp enough when it mattered, tough long campaign this year but enjoyed every minute.

“Thanks again everyone for showing me all the respect and support. Week off then back on the wagon.”

Littler beat Humphries in a thrilling final to claim his second Premier League title and the £350,000 top prize.

His 11-10 win meant that the allotted 59 legs were played on finals night for the first time in Premier League history.