In an electrifying display of skill and precision, Luke Littler, the teenage darts prodigy, delivered a breathtaking nine-darter at Players Championship 5 in Leicester, a feat that sent shockwaves through the darts community. Remarkably, Littler wasn’t the only player to achieve perfection that day, as Gary Anderson and Alan Soutar also nailed nine-darters, marking a historic moment in the sport with three perfect legs in a single tournament. This extraordinary day underscored the rising intensity and talent in professional darts, with Littler at the forefront of the spectacle.
At just 18 years old, Littler continues to redefine what’s possible in darts. His nine-darter, a perfect leg achieved with the fewest darts possible, came during a thrilling match at Players Championship 5. The young star from Warrington showcased his trademark composure, hitting two 180s followed by a precise treble 20, treble 17, and double 15 to seal the perfect leg. The crowd erupted as Littler’s final dart landed, a testament to his growing reputation as a player who thrives under pressure. “I didn’t even realise the double 15 was in until Huw shouted it,” Littler later admitted, reflecting on the moment with a mix of humility and excitement. His performance was a highlight of an already stellar year, following his World Championship triumph and multiple Premier League victories.
What made the day truly unprecedented was the trio of nine-darters. Gary Anderson, the veteran known as the Flying Scotsman, opened the tournament with a nine-darter in his first-round match against Ryan Joyce. Anderson’s perfect leg was a reminder of his enduring class, though he fell in the last 16. Later, Alan Soutar stunned the crowd by hitting a nine-darter against Littler himself, taking a 5-4 lead in their first-round clash. Despite Soutar’s heroics, Littler battled back, averaging an astonishing 107 to clinch a 6-5 victory in a deciding leg. The convergence of three nine-darters in one day was a rare feat, with fans and players alike buzzing about the unprecedented display of skill. “Nine-darters have been coming thick and fast,” one observer noted, capturing the electric atmosphere in Leicester.
Littler’s journey in Players Championship 5 wasn’t without challenges. Despite his perfect leg, his 19-match winning streak came to an end in the semi-finals with a 7-6 loss to Gian van Veen. The defeat, however, did little to dim his shine. Littler’s ability to compete at such a high level, even on an off day, speaks to his remarkable talent. His recent successes, including the UK Open and Belgian Open titles, have solidified his position as a dominant force in the sport. Yet, Littler remains grounded, often joking about his achievements, like when he called his £30,000 golden darts prize “boring” because he couldn’t throw them.
The darts world is no stranger to Littler’s brilliance. Earlier in the 2025 Premier League, he hit two nine-darters, one against Michael van Gerwen in Cardiff and another in a clash with Luke Humphries. These performances, combined with his Players Championship heroics, have made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent. His rivalry with Humphries, in particular, has produced some of the year’s most memorable matches, with the two trading high averages and near-perfect legs. In Aberdeen, Littler averaged 115.96 in a 6-3 win over Humphries, a match that saw 14 180s and Littler narrowly missing another nine-darter.
The significance of three nine-darters in one day extends beyond the individual achievements. It highlights the increasing competitiveness of darts, where players are pushing the boundaries of precision and consistency. For Littler, Anderson, and Soutar, their perfect legs were moments of personal triumph, but they also elevated the sport’s profile, drawing attention to its intensity and drama. As Littler prepares for upcoming Premier League clashes, including a highly anticipated rematch with Humphries, the darts world eagerly awaits his next masterpiece. With his fearless approach and uncanny accuracy, Littler is not just playing darts—he’s rewriting its history.
# Luke Littler and Darts History: Three Nine-Darters in a Single Day
## A Day of Perfection in Leicester
The darts world was left in awe as Players Championship 5 in Leicester became the stage for an unprecedented spectacle: three nine-darters in a single day. Luke Littler, the 18-year-old sensation, led the charge with a perfect leg that electrified the crowd. His nine-darter, achieved with two 180s followed by a treble 20, treble 17, and double 15, showcased his extraordinary talent. “I didn’t even realise the double 15 was in until Huw shouted it,” Littler said, capturing the spontaneous magic of the moment.
## A Trio of Brilliance
Littler wasn’t alone in achieving perfection. Gary Anderson, the seasoned Flying Scotsman, started the day with a nine-darter in his first-round match against Ryan Joyce, reminding fans of his enduring prowess. Later, Alan Soutar stunned the audience by hitting a nine-darter against Littler in their first-round clash, briefly leading 5-4. Despite Soutar’s heroics, Littler’s 107 average secured a 6-5 win. The trio of nine-darters marked a historic day, with fans marveling at the sport’s rising intensity. “Nine-darters have been coming thick and fast,” one observer noted.
## Littler’s Meteoric Rise
Littler’s performance was a highlight of his already stellar 2025 season. Fresh off his World Championship victory, he has claimed titles at the UK Open and Belgian Open, while also dominating in the Premier League with two nine-darters earlier in the year. His Cardiff nine-darter against Michael van Gerwen was a career-defining moment, earning him a £30,000 golden darts prize he jokingly called “boring” for being unusable. Despite a semi-final loss to Gian van Veen at Players Championship 5, Littler’s consistency and flair continue to captivate.
## The Bigger Picture
The three nine-darters symbolize more than individual triumphs—they reflect darts’ growing competitiveness. Littler’s rivalry with Luke Humphries, marked by high-scoring battles like their 115.96 vs. 110.01 average clash in Aberdeen, has elevated the sport’s profile. As Littler gears up for future Premier League showdowns, his fearless style and pinpoint accuracy promise more unforgettable moments. With Anderson and Soutar adding to the day’s legacy, Players Championship 5 will be remembered as a turning point in darts history.
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