Wales’s Gerwyn Price stuns World Champion Luke Littler in Nottingham

In a thrilling showdown at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, Wales’s own Gerwyn Price delivered a masterclass performance, stunning the darts world by defeating reigning PDC World Champion Luke Littler in the final of Night Six of the 2025 Premier League Darts. The match, which unfolded on March 13, 2025, saw the 40-year-old Welshman clinch a 6-3 victory, extending his remarkable winning streak against the teenage sensation to six consecutive matches. This electrifying triumph not only showcased Price’s enduring prowess but also cemented his status as a formidable force in the sport, captivating fans and shifting the dynamics of the Premier League standings.

The night began with an air of anticipation as the quarter-finals set the stage for an explosive evening. Price kicked off his campaign with a hard-fought 6-4 win over Stephen Bunting, a match that tested his mettle against a resilient opponent who averaged an impressive 102 and nailed a spectacular 170 checkout late in the game. Meanwhile, Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy who has taken the darts world by storm, showcased his brilliance by edging out world number one Luke Humphries 6-4 in a thrilling encounter. The youngster’s flair was on full display as he executed a jaw-dropping 167 finish to level the score before sealing the win, proving once again why he’s considered a generational talent.

As the night progressed, the semi-finals brought even more drama. Price turned up the heat, delivering a stunning 6-1 demolition of Michael van Gerwen, a performance that left the Dutch maestro reeling and fans in awe. With an average of over 107, Price raced to a 5-0 lead before Van Gerwen salvaged a single leg, but it was too little, too late against the Welshman’s relentless onslaught. On the other side of the bracket, Littler continued his dazzling run, dispatching Rob Cross 6-3 with a staggering 108 average. His precision was mesmerizing, as he landed four bullseye finishes—including 164, 127, and 167 checkouts—leaving the crowd roaring and his opponent grasping for answers.

The final pitted Price against Littler, a matchup that promised fireworks given their history. Price came out firing, seizing the first three legs with clinical precision, his doubles hitting the mark while Littler struggled to find his rhythm. “The first game is always tough, you’re scraping to get two points. After I get a few then I relax a bit,” Price later reflected, hinting at the mental shift that fueled his dominance. Despite Littler’s valiant effort to claw back, including a 12-dart leg to narrow the gap to 4-3, Price responded with a brilliant 123 finish on the bullseye, restoring his cushion. The Welshman’s composure shone through as he closed out the match with a stylish 100 checkout on tops, finishing with a 55% success rate on doubles compared to Littler’s missed opportunities, despite the teenager’s higher 103.39 average.

Price’s victory wasn’t just a personal triumph—it reshaped the Premier League landscape. With this win, he pocketed £10,000 and five crucial points, vaulting from fifth to third in the standings with 12 points. Littler, despite the loss, ascended to the top of the table with 16 points, overtaking Humphries, who exited early and remained on 15. “Luke is the best player in the world at the minute, and he’s going to be for many years,” Price said post-match, his admiration for his young rival evident. He credited his success to a newfound positivity, a mindset shift sparked by work with a sports psychologist before the World Championship, which has clearly paid dividends on the oche.

For Price, the win in Nottingham was a statement—a reminder of his ability to topple the sport’s brightest stars. As he looks ahead to the next stop in Cardiff, where he’ll enjoy home crowd support, the pressure will be on to maintain this form. “Wales is going to be a lot of pressure for me. The crowd were against me today, when they’re with me it’s easier,” he admitted, already anticipating the boost from his compatriots. For Littler, the defeat marked his third straight Premier League final loss, yet his resilience and flair ensure he remains the player to beat. As the 2025 season unfolds, this rivalry promises more epic battles, with Price proving he’s far from done and Littler poised to push the boundaries of what’s possible in darts.

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