Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has vowed to keep his darts tucked away until the Premier League resumes in Newcastle later this week, a decision that comes on the heels of his jaw-dropping nine-dart performance in Cardiff. The 18-year-old prodigy, already a reigning world champion, stunned fans and opponents alike during Night Seven of the Premier League Darts, delivering a perfect leg en route to a thrilling 6-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen. Now, with his latest triumph still echoing through the darts world, Littler is embracing an unconventional strategy: stepping away from the oche entirely until his next challenge.
Littler’s Cardiff heroics unfolded in front of a roaring crowd, where he unleashed a barrage of precision that left even the seasoned Van Gerwen scrambling to keep pace. The nine-darter came in the fourth leg of the final, a moment of brilliance that saw Littler nail two consecutive 180s before coolly finishing with a treble 20, treble 17, and double 15. The crowd erupted as referee Huw Ware confirmed the feat, though Littler himself admitted to a fleeting moment of uncertainty. “I didn’t even realize the double 15 was in until Huw shouted it,” he said with a grin, reflecting on the electrifying sequence that cemented his third nightly win of the season. His match average of 112.50 and a staggering 10 maximum 180s underscored his dominance, pushing his lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points.
What makes this victory even more remarkable is Littler’s laid-back preparation—or lack thereof. The young star revealed he hadn’t touched his darts for a full week before stepping onto the Cardiff stage. “I’ve not picked my darts up since last Thursday; I’ve had a week off to chill,” he said after the match, a statement that’s as baffling as it is bold. For a player whose meteoric rise has been defined by relentless skill and focus, this admission paints a picture of a natural talent thriving on instinct rather than grind. And it worked. Against a revitalized Van Gerwen, who averaged over 101 and landed four 180s of his own, Littler’s blend of raw power and poise proved unstoppable.
Now, with Night Eight looming at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on March 27, Littler is doubling down on his unorthodox approach. He’s promised not to practice in the days leading up to the event, banking on the same rest-and-return formula that fueled his Cardiff triumph. “I’m really happy with myself, especially with the doubles,” he said, hinting at a confidence that belies his age. For Littler, the downtime isn’t just a quirk—it’s a philosophy. “All us players have got to have rest,” he explained, suggesting that stepping away keeps him fresh for the high-stakes battles ahead.
The Newcastle showdown will pit Littler against Stephen Bunting, a fan favorite still searching for his first win of the 2025 Premier League campaign. Bunting, who returned to the format after a decade away, has struggled to find his footing, making this a classic top-versus-bottom clash. Meanwhile, Littler’s decision to skip practice has sparked curiosity and debate among fans. Can “The Nuke,” as he’s affectionately known, maintain his explosive form without so much as a warm-up throw? His track record this year—three nightly Premier League wins, a World Championship title, and a string of other accolades—suggests he just might.
Littler’s journey through the 2025 season has been nothing short of a spectacle. From his nine-darter in last year’s Premier League final to his latest Cardiff masterpiece, the teenager continues to rewrite the script of what’s possible in darts. His Cardiff win wasn’t just a victory over Van Gerwen; it was a statement to rivals like Luke Humphries and Rob Cross, both of whom notched nine-darters earlier this season. With the play-offs in May drawing closer, Littler’s six-point cushion atop the standings looks increasingly secure—especially if he can keep conjuring magic after a week on the couch.
As Newcastle approaches, the darts world waits with bated breath. Will Littler’s no-practice gamble pay off again, or will Bunting seize the moment to upset the frontrunner? One thing’s certain: when Luke Littler steps into the spotlight, whether he’s been throwing darts or not, all eyes will be on him.
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