In a night charged with drama at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, Gerwyn Price emerged victorious on the 12th night of the Premier League Darts, while teenage sensation Luke Littler endured a rollercoaster of emotions, from a commanding lead to a heart-wrenching defeat amidst a barrage of boos from the Merseyside crowd. The event, unfolding just days before a pivotal football clash that could see Liverpool clinch the Premier League title, was steeped in local rivalries and high-stakes darts action.
Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy and ardent Manchester United supporter, walked onto the stage to a chorus of jeers, his allegiance to United stoking the ire of the 8,500-strong Liverpool crowd. Undeterred, the young star, who had anticipated the hostile reception, took to social media before the event, boldly declaring, “Bring on the boos Liverpool.” His confidence seemed well-founded as he stormed to a 4-0 lead against seven-time Premier League champion Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals, averaging over 20 points higher per visit than the Dutchman. Littler’s precision was on full display, notably with a stunning 160 checkout that brought him within a leg of victory. Gesturing to the crowd to quiet down, he appeared poised to silence his detractors with his darts.
However, the match took a dramatic turn. Littler missed a dart at bullseye for a 5-0 lead, allowing Van Gerwen to claw back to 4-3. Despite Littler’s nod to the crowd after his 160 finish, he faltered, missing two match darts at tops and double 10. Van Gerwen, sensing opportunity, rallied to win 6-5 in a stunning comeback, leaving Littler visibly emotional as he exited the stage. “What. A. Fightback!” exclaimed a social media post capturing the moment, underscoring Van Gerwen’s resilience in his push for playoff qualification.
Meanwhile, Gerwyn Price, the Welsh powerhouse, seized the night with a commanding performance. After dispatching Chris Dobey and Rob Cross, Price faced world number one Luke Humphries in the final. Humphries, who had earlier delivered a masterclass against Nathan Aspinall with a 113.5 average, couldn’t match Price’s ferocity. Price, averaging 104.43 and landing three 180s, clinched a 6-4 victory with a decisive 151 checkout. Reflecting on his triumph, Price said, “I was under pressure to win the first game and get some points on the board. It was a cracking match. I am happy with this one. I am playing really well.” His third nightly win of the season solidified his top-four position, making him a strong contender for the playoffs in London on May 29.
The night wasn’t without its disappointments for the home crowd. Local hero Stephen Bunting, a Liverpool native, suffered a 6-1 thrashing by Rob Cross in the quarter-finals, dashing hopes of a fairy-tale run. Humphries, despite his final loss, narrowed the gap on league leader Littler, who remains atop the eight-player table despite the setback.
Littler’s defeat marked a missed opportunity to tighten his grip on the Premier League, especially poignant in a city where football’s Premier League title could be decided if Liverpool secure a point against Tottenham. Yet, his resilience shone through last year at the same venue, where he turned boos into cheers by winning the night. “I knew what was coming this week, and I was building up to it,” Littler had said after that 2024 triumph, a sentiment that underscores his knack for thriving under pressure.
As the Premier League Darts season progresses, Littler’s ability to channel adversity into motivation will be tested. With playoff spots still up for grabs, the race intensifies, and Price’s Liverpool victory signals his intent to challenge for the title. For now, the M&S Bank Arena echoes with the night’s highs and lows, a testament to darts’ unique blend of skill, showmanship, and raw emotion.