On a thrilling night in Cardiff, 18-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler once again proved why he’s considered one of the brightest stars in the sport, clinching a dramatic victory in the Premier League Darts and leaving fans buzzing with excitement. The young world champion didn’t just secure his third nightly win of the 2025 season—he also delivered a jaw-dropping nine-darter in the final against Michael van Gerwen, a feat that had the crowd roaring and the darts world talking. But what makes this triumph even more remarkable is the eerie prediction Littler made just hours before stepping onto the oche, a bold statement that showcased his confidence and uncanny foresight.
The night unfolded with Littler facing off against the formidable Van Gerwen, a seven-time Premier League champion, in a high-stakes final that lived up to its billing. The match was a rollercoaster of skill and tension, with the two players trading blows in a contest that featured seven breaks of throw. Littler, however, stole the show in the fourth leg. After firing two consecutive 180s to leave himself on 141, he stepped up to the board with the poise of a seasoned veteran. The crowd held its breath as he nailed a treble 20, followed by a treble 17, and then sealed the perfect leg with a double 15. The arena erupted as Littler’s nine-darter lit up the night, a moment of brilliance that underscored his extraordinary talent.
What added an extra layer of intrigue to this performance was a conversation that emerged earlier in the day. Hours before the match, Littler had been chatting with a darts referee about his approach to nine-darters. A spotter had asked the teenager if he’d opt for the treble 17 and double 15 route again, a variation he’d been favoring recently after struggling with the double 12 finish in past attempts. Littler’s response? A confident nod to that exact combination. Fast forward to the final, and there it was—treble 20, treble 17, double 15—executed with surgical precision, just as he’d hinted. It was almost as if he’d scripted the moment himself.
Reflecting on the nine-darter after the match, Littler admitted he didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of what he’d done until it was over. “I didn’t even realize the double 15 was in until Huw shouted it,” he said, referring to referee Huw Ware’s call that confirmed the perfect leg. His reaction—calm yet visibly delighted—spoke volumes about his composure under pressure. “You could see my face there,” he added with a grin, hinting at the mix of surprise and satisfaction that flashed across his expression as the crowd went wild.
The victory wasn’t just about the nine-darter, though—it was a testament to Littler’s dominance throughout the night. He averaged an astonishing 112.50 in the final, hammering home 10 maximum 180s while fending off a resurgent Van Gerwen, who averaged 101.41 and landed four 180s of his own. The win propelled Littler further ahead at the top of the Premier League table, now sitting on 21 points, six clear of second-placed Luke Humphries. “It’s good to pick up another nightly win, more crucial points,” Littler said afterward. “To have a six-point lead over Luke is a good boost for myself.”
This latest triumph adds to an already stellar 2025 for the teenager, who has been on a tear since claiming the World Championship title earlier this year. His Cardiff performance marked the third nine-darter of the Premier League season, following efforts from Humphries and Rob Cross two weeks prior in Brighton. For his efforts, Littler will receive a set of 18-carat gold darts valued at £30,000 from sponsors BetMGM, a fitting reward for a night of perfection.
Beyond the stats and accolades, Littler’s prediction and subsequent execution have sparked chatter about his almost supernatural knack for the game. Fans and pundits alike are marveling at how an 18-year-old can combine raw talent with such foresight and flair. As the Premier League heads to Newcastle next week, where Littler will face Stephen Bunting, the darts world is left wondering: what will this prodigy do next? One thing’s for sure—whether he’s predicting nine-darters or rewriting the record books, Luke Littler is a name that’s here to stay.
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