In a night charged with drama and local pride at Leeds’ First Direct Arena, world number one Luke Humphries clinched a hard-fought 6-5 victory over teenage darts sensation Luke Littler to claim his third nightly win of the 2025 Premier League Darts season. The win, which marked Humphries’ second consecutive triumph in Leeds, was not without its challenges, as the 30-year-old was forced to adapt his playing style mid-match due to an unexpected breeze affecting his throws. Despite the conditions and a raucous crowd, Humphries’ resilience and strategic adjustment secured his place in the Premier League play-offs, setting the stage for a potential shot at the elusive title he’s long coveted.
The atmosphere in Leeds was electric, fueled by the city’s recent celebration of Leeds United’s promotion from the Championship. Humphries, a Berkshire native but an adopted Leeds hero due to his vocal support for the football club, donned a yellow and blue Leeds-inspired shirt, drawing roars from the partisan crowd. However, the First Direct Arena presented an unforeseen challenge: a subtle draft that disrupted the players’ precision. “There’s been a bit of a breeze up here tonight, I tried my best,” Humphries revealed post-match, explaining how the conditions forced him to make a bold adjustment. “In the final, I actually moved over to the left,” he said, a tactical shift that proved crucial in a game where millimeters can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
The final against Littler, the fourth time the two met in a 2025 Premier League final, was a classic showdown between the sport’s top-ranked players. Littler, the 18-year-old defending champion and Manchester United fan, faced a hostile reception from the Leeds crowd, who booed him relentlessly during his walk-on and throughout his matches. Unfazed, Littler taunted the fans with a mock yawn and a crybaby gesture after a nervy double 10 finish in his 6-4 quarter-final win over Nathan Aspinall. He then dispatched Gerwyn Price 6-3 in the semi-finals, averaging an impressive 104. But in the final, Humphries’ experience and adaptability shone through.
The match was a rollercoaster, with Littler surging to a 2-0 lead thanks to his explosive scoring. Humphries, however, battled back, winning three consecutive legs to take a 5-3 advantage. “It was a great final. I thought Luke was good there,” Humphries acknowledged, crediting his rival’s tenacity. Both players traded errors and brilliance, with Littler leveling the score at 5-5 after Humphries missed a match dart at bullseye. In the decisive leg, Humphries’ move to the left side of the oche paid off, as he nailed double 10 to seal the victory with a 100.96 average, edging out Littler’s 99.89. “I’m one of those players who really struggles with it [the breeze],” Humphries admitted. “I’m trying my best, moved over to the left and it seemed to work.”
The win was particularly sweet for Humphries, who hadn’t claimed a nightly victory since Exeter on night four, ending a 10-week drought. “It is extra special to win in Leeds. I feel at home here, I know it isn’t my hometown but it does feel extra special,” he said, reflecting on the emotional boost from the crowd. His path to the final included a 6-4 quarter-final win over Michael van Gerwen, securing his play-off spot, and a 6-4 semi-final victory over Stephen Bunting. Littler’s earlier matches showcased his resilience, particularly his semi-final dominance over Price, but the Leeds crowd’s hostility and Humphries’ tactical nous proved too much in the final.
Humphries’ victory wasn’t just about overcoming Littler; it was a statement of intent ahead of the O2 Arena play-offs on May 29. “I won here last year and it gave me extra confidence for the finals night and hopefully it does again,” he said, eyeing the Premier League crown that has eluded him despite his World Championship and World Matchplay titles. The rivalry with Littler, now at 23 meetings with Littler leading 13-10, continues to captivate fans, but Humphries’ ability to adapt under pressure—both from the crowd and the elements—underscored his championship pedigree.
As the Premier League season hurtles toward its climax, Humphries’ Leeds triumph has reignited his momentum. The breeze may have tested his resolve, but his strategic shift and mental fortitude ensured he walked away with the £10,000 nightly prize and a renewed belief in his title aspirations. For Littler, the loss was a rare setback in a season where he’s set records with six nightly wins and 45 points. As the two prepare to team up for England at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, their rivalry promises more fireworks, with Humphries proving he can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
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