bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 28, 2024 23:58:10 GMT
Premier League Darts Comes to Belfast on Night 9...Tonight sees us move into the second half of the Premier League Darts group stage.
All quarter-finals and semi-finals, plus the final, are the best of 11 legs.
Quarter-finals Luke Humphries v Luke Littler Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwen Nathan Aspinall v Gerwyn Price Rob Cross v Peter Wright Quarter-final 1 - Luke Humphries v Luke Littler ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/facdf82e-bc87-4147-8fa5-160b09d1f6fe.png ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/4cb11b6d-898a-41f5-a84b-c1fd31d7a10a.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/448a3897-a253-48c9-9b1c-767aaf326549.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/0c028c01-3f87-4017-8790-d1da8494bae2.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/84ead4d5-4772-4ac8-89a4-99919810377b.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/bf89ef39-e9a1-4670-96c2-622fb6e819ce.jpg Littler wins to progress - Luke Humphries 5-6 Luke Littler
Quarter-final 2 - Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwenichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/501966f4-8205-44ba-86de-be275decf84e.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/e0064e58-77dd-429c-bb5d-e36f93e010d2.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/330342a4-7b63-4aef-b428-d08940e0a938.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/5d27a4df-de11-49f2-9d9e-0781121e2640.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/7da7a0b1-5c73-4f77-ac58-ba24ef4ea0ca.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/4017e232-3040-4264-95ba-b353a57b8b13.jpgVan Gerwen wins to set up Littler semi-final - Result: Michael Smith 4-6 Michael van GerwenQuarter-final 3 - Nathan Aspinall v Gerwyn Price ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/9a7fc4a1-8324-46ef-b5db-3ec8208ce680.png ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/20100ecb-5ea2-42c2-af7b-b8dd8dbe4ed6.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/b7962d1a-a117-407c-9509-fa9b86096251.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/8e95a8e2-0504-4354-823a-eedfebd70a1f.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/a3de736d-dfe8-42b0-86a3-72b48c4a4ebf.jpg Aspinall wins decider to progress - Nathan Aspinall 6-5 Gerwyn Price
Quarter-final 4 - Rob Cross v Peter Wrightichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/d273eb44-ef59-4a69-8d7a-b40ee31c81be.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/1595e203-b8cc-4b60-8b55-e4c92e683e33.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/4961c8f7-4c94-4646-bb15-bbab9311cdcd.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/0cbe6be5-4bec-447c-852d-061e5c45814e.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/60426682-fc83-4ef7-8adb-898d74d32503.jpgWright wins - Result: Rob Cross 3-6 Peter Wright
The two semi-finals - and the final that follows - are the best of 11 legs:Luke Littler v Michael van Gerwen Nathan Aspinall v Peter Wright Semi-final 1 - Luke Littler v Michael van Gerwen ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/2bef3717-10f9-4d60-9152-5db1d6ca19ee.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/47cf30a5-b3e1-4db2-b4d9-b88504c757d9.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/78f0a0d7-4061-4c92-9aaa-7a708ed1a7b9.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/5b32673f-b4a7-46ca-a279-7eac11a89aa3.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/7911a0e1-7df5-4708-a330-213abbd3b86e.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/b1697b74-b8d9-49f6-a7bd-eded9c19d6ae.jpg Littler into the final - Result: Luke Littler 6-3 Michael van Gerwen
Semi-Final 2 - Nathan Aspinall v Peter Wrightichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/a8713f7e-969a-4c57-9872-514f1e3853c9.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/b3d1699a-97df-49d4-a130-a67db836c0db.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/6c94e28e-68bd-42c9-9b48-9ff86fbf3129.jpgAspinall sets up final against Littler - Result: Nathan Aspinall 6-2 Peter Wright
Premier League - The Final - Luke Littler v Nathan Aspinallichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/b537ba85-8aed-4dde-ad4a-99e28ab0cd3a.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/b57d47f1-f57e-4eef-83d7-2e3969aacd50.jpgLuke Littler 1-0 Nathan Aspinall Luke Littler 1-1 Nathan Aspinall Luke Littler 1-2 Nathan Aspinall Luke Littler 1-3 Nathan Aspinall Luke Littler 2-3 Nathan Aspinall Luke Littler 3-3 Nathan Aspinall Luke Littler 4-3 Nathan Aspinall Luke Littler 5-3 Nathan Aspinall Luke Littler 5-4 Nathan Aspinall Luke Littler 6-4 Nathan Aspinall Littler wins in Belfast - Result: Luke Littler 6-4 Nathan Aspinall ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/f11d2e7a-413b-4b87-a2b3-ef1ba5c5ed24.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/6c18069e-9017-4bff-8d9b-ca371ba7ff0d.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/d3b71216-8d43-43af-8517-e17cb2f3e602.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/4c6e17af-17d2-4353-88f2-a35288dea72d.jpg Luke Littler, speaking to Sky Sports: "I'm happy to win, it's my first one. As people may have seen, I've changed my throw, just to take that little bit of extra time and then release the next two. I've put more practice in and it has paid off." On facing Nathan Aspinall in the final: "Me and Nathan get on very well and as soon as he won his semi-final, I went 'let's go'. I'm just happy to win my first night." Is the new throw due to rushing or being more comfortable? "It is either of the two, sometimes I'm rushing and then obviously I put more practice in tonight and it has paid off, it takes that little bit of time off before I release my next dart." What made him decide to do more practice? "I had a good practice game with Rob Cross before I came out tonight, we both had over 100 average and I said to Rob 'cheers for the game' but it got me up for it, I practised well and I'm glad I bought it on here." Winning in his second Premier League final: "In Berlin I missed the two at double 10, I tried to compose myself but it didn't work. I had a watch back before. I'm glad to win and that it was against a good friend in Nath." Managing schedule outside of Premier League: "That's all I've got to do. If you don't enjoy it, you won't perform or play well." Atmospheres of Premier League: "As soon as I got the call-up, I knew every arena had 5,000 or 10,000 plus. I can't wait for next week in Manchester. I can't wait, I know I've got Michael van Gerwen in the first round. Obviously, Nath will enjoy it in his hometown, it's close to my home and I can't wait." ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/3/28/56264bcf-db4e-4127-8c1a-a3ed526d9adb.png
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 5, 2024 8:15:52 GMT
Premier League Darts : Night 10 of the 2024 Premier League Darts campaign takes us to the AO Arena in Manchester.
Quarter-finals Nathan Aspinall v Rob Cross Luke Littler v Michael van Gerwen Michael Smith v Luke Humphries Gerwyn Price v Peter Wright Quarter-final 1 - Nathan Aspinall v Rob Crossichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/5117d363-8f4f-4fb2-8a09-1bd95620ae04.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/3626fe22-67c8-45ab-816b-921db2b92e31.jpgAspinall 0-1 Cross Aspinall 1-1 Cross Aspinall 1-2 Cross ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/a39b52ee-d655-45ef-926e-ee32e3e787ad.jpgAspinall 2-2 Cross Aspinall 3-2 Cross ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/ac54a4f6-f1bf-482b-8761-2a846fe47f91.jpgAspinall 4-2 Cross - Aspinall checks out 108 Aspinall 4-3 Cross ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/07b427bf-fa00-420c-9880-0f66f1c0fff0.jpgAspinall 5-3 Cross Result: Aspinall 6-3 Cross Quarter-final 2 - Luke Littler v Michael van Gerwenichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/ad758fb9-a2a6-447b-920c-e686729bfb9a.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/a542c750-53f7-4665-aaa3-fd342fc8b70a.jpgLittler 1-0 Van Gerwen Littler 2-0 Van Gerwen Littler 3-0 Van Gerwen ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/75ea6408-4d68-47d8-b801-663630c3f2ae.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/4acd1cc9-876a-4618-a817-c9222ba9e694.jpgLittler 3-1 Van Gerwen Littler 3-2 Van Gerwen Littler 3-3 Van Gerwen Littler 4-3 Van Gerwen Littler 5-3 Van Gerwen Result: Littler 6-3 Van Gerwen Quarter-final 3 - Michael Smith v Luke Humphriesichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/d94f8265-fde2-41c6-955e-334fa4fe1489.pngSmith 1-0 Humphries Smith 2-0 Humphries Smith 3-0 Humphries ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/2c908ce6-6f26-483c-98e9-c2c3498400f6.jpgSmith 3-1 Humphries - Humphries takes out 167 Smith 4-1 Humphries ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/df074dc0-5f2b-4154-987f-909a0ff3f5d7.jpgSmith 5-1 Humphries Smith 5-2 Humphries Smith 5-3 Humphries Result: Smith 6-3 Humphries - Smith checks out 117 to win ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/7a318433-4782-4d2f-a7e6-01245682b0d9.jpgQuarter-final 4 - Gerwyn Price v Peter Wrightichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/730004c7-048e-40e6-ac68-227e7a89b5fe.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/b8659a1a-01c9-4b9c-ad07-5d581a89a5ed.jpgPrice 1-0 Wright - Price checks out 115 Price 1-1 Wright Price 2-1 Wright - Price wins with a 13-dart leg Price 2-2 Wright Price 3-2 Wright Price 4-2 Wright ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/027ae7df-65b5-45dd-9f96-4174ea5576d2.jpgPrice 4-3 Wright - Wright hits 111 to break throw Price 4-4 Wright - Wright fires in an 11-dart leg Price 5-4 Wright Result: Price 6-4 Wright Semi-Final 1 - Luke Littler v Nathan Aspinallichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/0d7c2a8d-98d1-462a-b706-89e4111b9383.jpgAspinall 1-0 Littler Aspinall 1-1 Littler Aspinall 1-2 Littler - Littler takes out 131 to break throw Aspinall 1-3 Littler Aspinall 2-3 Littler Aspinall 2-4 Littler Aspinall 2-5 Littler - Littler checks out 136 ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/a0ba5f4c-3064-411e-88e9-8b1000f8f116.jpgAspinall 3-5 Littler Aspinall 4-5 Littler Result: Aspinall 4-6 Littler Semi-Final 2 - Michael Smith v Gerwyn PriceMichael Smith 0-1 Gerwyn Price Michael Smith 0-2 Gerwyn Price Michael Smith 0-3 Gerwyn Price - 9 DARTER FROM GERWYN PRICE - 180, 180, T19, T20, D12 - WOW Michael Smith 1-3 Gerwyn Price Michael Smith 1-4 Gerwyn Price Michael Smith 2-4 Gerwyn Price Michael Smith 2-5 Gerwyn Price Michael Smith 3-5 Gerwyn Price Result: Michael Smith 3-6 Gerwyn Price Premier League - Manchester Night 10 - The Final - Luke Littler v Gerwyn PriceLuke Littler 1-0 Gerwyn Price Luke Littler 2-0 Gerwyn Price Luke Littler 3-0 Gerwyn Price Luke Littler 3-1 Gerwyn Price Luke Littler 4-1 Gerwyn Price Luke Littler 4-2 Gerwyn Price Luke Littler 5-2 Gerwyn Price Luke Littler 5-3 Gerwyn Price Luke Littler 6-3 Gerwyn Price - Luke Littler wins night 10 in Manchester Luke Littler to Sky Sports: "I'm glad I won, I've just found out [Manchester] United conceded two in two minutes, but I'm glad to win. On the Premier League: "I think I've definitely settled into it. The first five or six weeks, I won then lost and lost. I've grown in confidence and [I'm] so glad I won tonight. What did you make of Gerwyn Price's semi-final display?: "When Price was 4-0 up averaging 123, I thought 'stop it Gez', but I just focussed and practiced. On dropping a 19 with a Daryl Gurney technique: "I just did it. I just go whatever I feel, if I feel comfortable I will just try it." More from Luke Littler to Sky Sports on his pre-match preparations: "Tonight I didn't practice with Rob (Cross), we just did our own thing tonight. Last week I practiced more than I did, this week I practiced more. Have you already done enough for the top four?: "There's still six/seven weeks to go, I'm sure if I keep getting two/three points a week I will get into the play-offs." What were the Manchester crowd like compared to your hopes?: "They were amazing." ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/4/8b7e0048-451d-40a2-afcd-e1d6f41fd99f.pngNight 11 fixtures - 11th April in Birmingham
Quarter-finals
Peter Wright v Luke Humphries Rob Cross v Luke Littler Gerwyn Price v Michael Smith Michael van Gerwen v Nathan Aspinall
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 11, 2024 20:20:55 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 11, 2024 21:17:27 GMT
Premier League Darts: Night 11 - at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.
SF1 - Luke Humphries v Luke Littler Humphries 1-0 Littler Humphries 2-0 Littler - Humphries with a 12-dart break Humphries 2-1 Littler - Littler with a 12-dart break too Humphries 2-2 Littler Humphries 2-3 Littler - Littler is untouchable Humphries 2-4 Littler Humphries 2-5 Littler Humphries 3-5 Littler Humphries 4-5 Littler Humphries 5-5 Littler - We're going to a decider Result: Humphries 5-6 Littler - Littler breaks to win thriller 6-5
SF2 - Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwen Smith 0-1 Van Gerwen - Van Gerwen takes out 108 finish Smith 1-1 Van Gerwen Smith 1-2 Van Gerwen - Van Gerwen wraps up 100 checkout Smith 2-2 Van Gerwen Smith 2-3 Van Gerwen Smith 3-3 Van Gerwen Smith 3-4 Van Gerwen Smith 3-5 Van Gerwen Smith 4-5 Van Gerwen - Smith takes out 107 Smith 4-6 Van Gerwen - Littler v Van Gerwen in final
Coming up: Luke Littler v Michael van Gerwen in final
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 11, 2024 21:56:58 GMT
Premier League Darts: Night 11 - at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.
Luke Littler v Michael van Gerwen in finalLittler 0-1 Van Gerwen Littler 1-1 Van Gerwen Littler 2-1 Van Gerwen Littler 2-2 Van Gerwen - Van Gerwen takes out 125 ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/11/92936a8d-4de5-42bc-af94-59a410a0e804.jpgLittler 3-2 Van Gerwen Littler 3-3 Van Gerwen Littler 3-4 Van Gerwen Littler 3-5 Van Gerwen Result: Littler 3-6 Van Gerwen - Van Gerwen wins 6-3 ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/11/87e5802c-cf56-40a5-be18-2125c7f51ebb.jpgMichael van Gerwen speaking to Sky Sports:
"About time. I've made it a bit hard, to be fair. It is what it is. How do you bounce back? The last few weeks has not been great for me, but a win for me is great for me." On winning his fourth night of the season: "I'm going to win more than four." On winning in tough circumstances: "I had to go really deep tonight. I don't know why. Like Michael Smith I didn't play my A-game, to win nights like this, you don't have to play well. I've struggled for a few weeks but to win tonight gives me confidence." "I know how it works, people write you off when you lose but that's how it goes. If you look at the last few weeks, I've had some good weeks and maybe someone like Luke Littler has just been the way. It's an important win for me." How important was the win over Nathan Aspinall: "The game against Nathan is the most important for me tonight and the best. You need to make sure you keep focussing week after week." On winning the final after recent struggles: "When you have to grind and dig deep, it is always nice. Nights like this give you confidence, it does something for you. The fighting spirit in my body is still there, I'm feeling good and confident." ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/11/c5d42fbb-498a-415c-90f0-2db51e496150.jpg Next week sees the Premier League roadshow rock up in Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
Here are the quarter-finals:Michael Smith v Luke Littler Rob Cross v Gerwyn Price Peter Wright v Nathan Aspinall Michael van Gerwen v Luke Humphries ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/11/0168712d-9b86-41da-9cbf-0bc40776b98d.png
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 18, 2024 19:18:29 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 26, 2024 5:46:29 GMT
Premier League Darts night 13 results - Liverpooli.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/25/20/84098881-0-image-a-30_1714072290405.jpgQuarter-finalsLuke Littler 6-3 Gerwyn Price Luke Humphries 2-6 Nathan Aspinall Peter Wright 3-6 Michael van Gerwen Michael Smith 4-6 Rob Cross Semi-finalsLittler 6-5 Aspinall Van Gerwen 2-6 Cross FinalLittler 6-2 Cross The Nuke secured a 6-3 victory over Price in his opening match, before having to come from 5-2 to beat Nathan Aspinall 6-5 in the semi-finals. The teenager completed a perfect night in enemy territory by storming to a 6-2 win over Rob Cross in the final for a third win of the season. 'I'm just happy with the way I played - and obviously this lovely bunch of people,' Littler told Sky Sports. 'But I just wanted to come here, pick up some more points, and hopefully I'm through. 'It's been looking tight for the past two-three weeks but I'm glad I've won tonight and I'm out the way a bit. 'I'm happy to just kind of push myself away from the other people. But I know it's still going to be tight for the other bunch. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/25/23/84109999-13351215-image-a-35_1714085622150.jpgwww.sportinglife.com/images/news/1800x1013/0105a4d1-b104-45dd-9fec-ba89efa4bc36.jpgPremier League Darts night 14 order of play - 2nd May in Aberdeen
Peter Wright v Michael Smith Luke Littler v Nathan Aspinall Michael van Gerwen v Rob Cross Gerwyn Price v Luke Humphries
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 1, 2024 23:46:10 GMT
Luke Littler was hailed as a "generational talent" after the teenager won the Austrian Open in Graz...i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/29/00/84200351-0-image-a-53_1714347388134.jpgThe 17-year-old beat fellow Englishman Joe Cullen 8-4 in Sunday's final to claim his second European Tour title. "I'm just happy to get over the line again," said Littler, who was presented with the winner's green jacket on stage after his victory. "This weekend has been good, my darts have been good and the crowd really helped me." Cullen, 34, was disappointed with his performance against World Championship runner-up Littler. "To be honest I was rubbish. He just played better than me," Cullen said. "I'm disappointed with the way I played but congratulations to Luke. "He's a generational talent, he's great for the game." Littler, whose previous European Tour win came in the Belgium Open in March, cruised through the tournament including a 7-2 victory over Ross Smith in the semi-finals. He has now only lost one of his 14 matches on the tour - against world champion Luke Humphries last weekend in the quarter-finals of the European Darts Grand Prix in Germany. i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article32691309.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200e/0_luke-littlerPNG.png
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 1, 2024 23:58:07 GMT
'Littler can be best ever if he doesn't get bored'..by Tyrone Smith, BBC Sport Scotland journalist.i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/21/00/79197049-0-image-a-25_1703120188062.jpgLuke Littler is a "different animal" and has the potential to become the best player in darts history "if he doesn’t get too bored", says rival Peter Wright. The 17-year-old was the World Championship runner-up at the start of the year and won the Austrian Open - his second European Tour title - at the weekend. Littler has now lost only one of his 14 matches on the tour. Two-time world champion Wright regularly faced Phil Taylor, who is widely regarded as greatest player of all time, but believes Littler could eclipse him. “If he wants to do it, he could," the Scot said. "But we don’t know what his plan is. He could play for another five years and say ‘that’s it, I have earned enough’. "He has shaken up the sport. You see him in the back room and his routine is about five minutes practice. Maybe that's what we are all doing wrong - practising too much and wearing ourselves out.” Littler’s dominance has been reflected in this season’s Premier League. After 13 weeks of competition, the English teenager tops the standings going into Thursday's event in Aberdeen. Wright, who is bottom of the table, says Littler’s emergence has forced everyone else to up their game. "In the first or second week, I said to him ‘if you start losing, you can come to me for advice - because you will start losing’. But he hasn’t yet,” he added. "It's what we needed. Michael van Gerwen came on to the scene just after Phil Taylor and raised the bar, and Littler he is doing the same. "It is good for everyone else, to make us get our fingers out and practice harder."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 3, 2024 1:12:30 GMT
Littler in Premier League play-offs after Aberdeen win v Rob Cross..by Callum Matthews, BBC Sport Senior Journalist.i2-prod.dailyrecord.co.uk/incoming/article32256353.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_2024-BetMGM-Premier-League-Darts-Exeter.jpgTeenager Luke Littler secured his place in the Premier League play-offs by beating Rob Cross 6-4 in the final on night 14 in Aberdeen. The 17-year-old's victory was his fourth of the season and he has beaten 2020 world champion Cross in successive weekly finals. Littler is joined in the four-man play-offs at London's O2 Arena on 23 May by world number one Luke Humphries, who has secured his place because of the remaining fixtures. Warrington-born Littler is eight points clear of world champion Humphries and is well placed to seal top spot with just two weeks left of the regular season. "I can just play with a free throw now that I'm through. I'll play to win but if it's not to be, it's all about getting ready for London," Littler told Sky Sports. Asked if he is the best player in the world at the moment, Littler replied: "No. I don't know who is." Despite not believing he is, Littler is in phenomenal form. i2-prod.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/article32439728.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_gettyimages-2048920958.jpgHe has won 12 games in a row across two Premier League weeks with a European Tour success in Austria in between. Littler was scratchy in his quarter-final against Nathan Aspinall, surviving match dart and a checkout percentage of just 24% to claim a final-leg win. He was annoyed by persistent whistling by the crowd and rushed to the side of the stage and shushed them after sealing victory. His semi-final performance was scintillating though as he brushed aside 2023 world champion Michael Smith to win 6-1. Littler averaged 110.1 and hit six of seven doubles to reach his fifth nightly final in six weeks. He exchanged breaks with Cross twice in the opening six legs, before claiming the ninth leg against the throw to move to within one. Cross, who keeps his slim play-off hopes alive, missed double six to force a decider before Littler hit his favoured double 10 to secure the win. Elsewhere Smith gained two points on Aspinall and Michael van Gerwen as the race for the final two play-off spots intensifies. Gerwyn Price is out of contention though after pulling out of night 14 because of a trapped nerve in his back. The final weekly round in Sheffield on 16th May sees fourth play fifth and that may well decide the last spot. Premier League Darts night 14 results
Quarter-finalsPeter Wright 4-6 Michael Smith Luke Littler 6-5 Nathan Aspinall Michael van Gerwen 5-6 Rob Cross Luke Humphries bye (Gerwyn Price withdrew due to injury) Semi-finalsSmith 1-6 Littler Cross 6-5 Humphries FinalLittler 6-4 Cross www.live-darts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pl-table-14.jpgPremier League Darts night 15 order of play - 9th May in LeedsMichael van Gerwen v Gerwyn Price Luke Littler v Peter Wright Luke Humphries v Rob Cross Nathan Aspinall v Michael Smith
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Post by bluetornados on May 10, 2024 2:10:42 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on May 16, 2024 21:56:56 GMT
Four good quarter-final ties coming up in Sheffield but it's the second one that is all important...
Luke Littler v Peter Wright Nathan Aspinall v Michael Smith Luke Humphries v Gerwyn Price Michael van Gerwen v Rob Cross
Quarter-final #1 - Luke Littler v Peter Wright ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/7c60dc6f-0bd3-4768-ab0e-648e4dc18cd1.png Luke Littler 0-1 Peter Wright Luke Littler 1-1 Peter Wright Luke Littler 1-2 Peter Wright Luke Littler 2-2 Peter Wright Luke Littler 3-2 Peter Wright ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/57d44dfe-1764-46bf-869a-6ab53ac4c255.jpg Luke Littler 4-2 Peter Wright Luke Littler 4-3 Peter Wright Luke Littler 5-3 Peter Wright Luke Littler 5-4 Peter Wright Luke Littler 6-4 Peter Wright
Quarter-final #2 - Nathan Aspinall v Michael Smith - This is the big one ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/73d9d215-a08d-4d59-983f-92d22361b7c7.png Nathan Aspinall 0-1 Michael Smith Nathan Aspinall 1-1 Michael Smith Nathan Aspinall 1-2 Michael Smith Nathan Aspinall 2-2 Michael Smith Nathan Aspinall 2-3 Michael Smith Nathan Aspinall 3-3 Michael Smith Nathan Aspinall 3-4 Michael Smith ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/b1910b8b-b2f6-476b-9568-e90db9705be8.jpg Nathan Aspinall 3-5 Michael Smith Nathan Aspinall 3-6 Michael Smith Smith wins to reach the play-offs ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/32983f4f-178b-4591-bd2d-e16d996eb3ff.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/c392e260-00e7-4d12-95e1-406a86c134fa.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/32c224ca-2e2a-4406-9c2d-feb41f71eb40.jpg
Quarter-final #3 - Luke Humphries v Gerwyn Price ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/622fbfe6-176b-4dee-858c-379b98c77753.png ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/86f440ac-1bd8-4c27-9114-27598489460d.jpg Luke Humphries 0-1 Gerwyn Price Luke Humphries 0-2 Gerwyn Price Luke Humphries 1-2 Gerwyn Price ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/c8e4b1ae-d424-4b32-882f-ea7f9f1e01f8.jpg Luke Humphries 1-3 Gerwyn Price Luke Humphries 2-3 Gerwyn Price Luke Humphries 3-3 Gerwyn Price Luke Humphries 4-3 Gerwyn Price Luke Humphries 4-4 Gerwyn Price Luke Humphries 5-4 Gerwyn Price Luke Humphries 6-4 Gerwyn Price ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/6ad36cf5-dcca-4b45-a3c6-53440416fe03.jpg
Quarter-final #4 - Michael van Gerwen v Rob Cross ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/321c0798-47ac-4794-813e-88118e23e3c5.png ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/27033138-bde8-46f9-a155-d8537ee89639.jpg Michael van Gerwen 0-1 Rob Cross Michael van Gerwen 1-1 Rob Cross ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/ae40a8a6-aa17-4061-a8ea-3c406b528256.jpg Michael van Gerwen 1-2 Rob Cross ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/dda57fad-ef1d-46a3-a8b1-807a72ac0d91.jpg Michael van Gerwen 1-3 Rob Cross ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/a5f1f437-fc17-41fa-8bd1-d8bad80f025d.jpg Michael van Gerwen 1-4 Rob Cross Michael van Gerwen 2-4 Rob Cross Michael van Gerwen 3-4 Rob Cross ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/f7f2ce91-97f9-4928-b83b-d448bb8b092c.jpg Michael van Gerwen 4-4 Rob Cross Michael van Gerwen 5-4 Rob Cross Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Rob Cross ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/84b412e2-26cb-43dc-b694-8f1a24c024cf.jpg
Semi-final line-up - Remarkably, that means we now have a dry run ahead of the play-off semi-finals next week.
Luke Littler v Michael Smith Luke Humphries v Michael van Gerwen
Semi-Final 1 - Luke Littler v Michael Smith ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/fe5184ca-337d-45f4-9bc1-e51c16e0813d.jpg Luke Littler 1-0 Michael Smith Luke Littler 2-0 Michael Smith Luke Littler 3-0 Michael Smith ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/991b899b-edc3-4813-940c-a50069ed52d8.jpg Luke Littler 3-1 Michael Smith Luke Littler 4-1 Michael Smith ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/0c752d91-4ccc-4c4e-9de1-8ce8e326d129.jpg Luke Littler 4-2 Michael Smith Luke Littler 4-3 Michael Smith Luke Littler 4-4 Michael Smith Luke Littler 4-5 Michael Smith Luke Littler 5-5 Michael Smith Luke Littler 5-6 Michael Smith Smith through to the final ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/d4ce9ed8-2a83-4274-aae9-60bb99536b5e.jpg
Semi-Final 2 - Luke Humphries v Michael van Gerwen ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/c026764a-5b6b-4ee1-8bbd-e2aa481e8251.jpg Luke Humphries 1-0 Michael van Gerwen Luke Humphries 2-0 Michael van Gerwen Luke Humphries 3-0 Michael van Gerwen Luke Humphries 3-1 Michael van Gerwen Luke Humphries 4-1 Michael van Gerwen Luke Humphries 5-2 Michael van Gerwen Luke Humphries 5-3 Michael van Gerwen Luke Humphries 6-3 Michael van Gerwen Humphries into the final
The Final - Michael Smith v Luke Humphries Michael Smith 1-0 Luke Humphries Michael Smith 1-1 Luke Humphries Michael Smith 1-2 Luke Humphries Michael Smith 1-3 Luke Humphries Michael Smith 2-3 Luke Humphries Michael Smith 3-3 Luke Humphries Michael Smith 4-3 Luke Humphries Michael Smith 5-3 Luke Humphries Michael Smith 6-3 Luke Humphries Michael Smith wins in Sheffield
Report by Callum Matthews, BBC Sport Senior Journalist.Michael Smith sealed the final spot in the Premier League Darts play-offs with a 6-3 win over Nathan Aspinall on the final league stage night in Sheffield. Smith and Aspinall, who are close friends and recently went to Las Vegas together, went into the night in fifth and fourth respectively with the winner knowing they would progress to London's O2 Arena on 23 May. The tie was nip and tuck initially but ignited in the seventh leg when Smith checked out a superb 136 to edge ahead on throw. The key leg followed as a brilliant 132 checkout helped Smith to break and then he closed out for the win. Smith, who was world champion in 2023, was in tears as he embraced Aspinall. "I'm crying more than I did when I won the Worlds," Smith told Sky Sports. "When that 136 went in, and then the 132, I knew that would have hurt him. "I wanted to do cartwheels, backflips and everything, but with it being Nathan I had to keep calm and just apologise to him. I do feel sorry for him - I want him there as well as me. It was hard." Smith will face 17-year-old Luke Littler in the play-off semi-finals after the Premier League debutant confirmed top spot with a 6-4 win over Peter Wright in Thursday's first quarter-final. An opening-round win for seven-time winner Michael van Gerwen sealed third, and he will face world champion Luke Humphries in the last four next week. The final, which is played over 21 legs, is on the same evening with the winner taking home £275,000 in prize money. ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/16/73bb070c-28a4-41dc-8439-4c40a8079b6e.pngNight 16 winner Michael Smith, speaking to Sky Sports: "It does feel good. Coming into the semi-finals I thought I had nothing left. I thought I'd lose 6-0. "But Luke Littler tried a clever finish on the bull in the semi and that annoyed me and I went from there." On qualifying for the play-offs: "I knew what I was doing! I think I was on 10 points after three weeks and if I got another 10 points in the next three or four, I'd be OK but it didn't work out that way. "I sat back on my laurels but the last two weeks I've really pushed through. I cried more after the quarter-final then I did when I won the Worlds." On beating good friend Nathan Aspinall: "I wanted to celebrate and run around after winning but because it was Nathan I just couldn't. "I did a little bit after the 132 but that deserved it! I'm glad it was me if anyone was going to knock him out because I want him with me in the last four." On focusing again after reaching top four: "I think the fixtures were the wrong way round. I thought Luke Littler should have gone on third because he could win the league, then me on fourth. "After those games it felt like the night was over." On the play-offs: "Next week is what matters. Luke [Humphries] and [Luke] Littler won't think about tonight. "We're just hanging onto their coattails and hoping we can get the odd win. "Tuesday is when the focus starts. I need to go back to 2020, that when I was enjoying my darts the most."
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Post by bluetornados on May 16, 2024 22:13:40 GMT
Premier League Darts play-off schedule - 23rd May 2024 at London's O2 Arena.
Semi-finals - From 7.15pm
Best of 19 legs
Luke Littler v Michael Smith
Luke Humphries v Michael van Gerwen
Final
Best of 21 legs
TBC v TBC
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Post by bluetornados on May 23, 2024 20:55:02 GMT
Premier League Darts play-off schedule - 23rd May 2024 at London's O2 Arena.
Semi-finals - From 7.15pm
Best of 19 legsLuke Littler v Michael Smith Luke Humphries v Michael van Gerwen What's the prize money at stake?The total prize money for Premier League Darts this year is £1m. All four of the players in the play-offs are guaranteed £85,000, with the winner earning £275,000 and the runner-up £125,000. The four players who failed to reach the play-offs - Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright - earn £75,000, £70,000, £65,000 and £60,000 respectively based on their final position. Each of the 16 nightly winners in the league stage earned a £10,000 bonus too. ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/0b15d134-74e7-4d39-b901-b94af92d0f88.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/news/600/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/78e56553-2cae-44c5-a186-1e2bedf11112.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/3013c703-84c9-451e-a71f-e4650c5eea7b.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/b9023e34-e462-4d38-abf1-6b88c4efc3b7.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/33af3efc-6493-49eb-b117-d4f504eb4899.jpgLittler v Smith ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/63f06dc1-6df3-4e31-bb52-5510c92adea7.jpgLittler 1-0 Smith Littler 1-1 Smith Littler 2-1 Smith Littler 3-1 Smith - Littler close to 9-darterichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/5b5461f2-f33a-4a18-98d0-48c4aa07ce86.jpgLittler 4-1 Smith Littler 4-2 Smith Littler 5-2 Smith Littler 6-2 Smith Littler 7-2 Smith Littler 7-3 Smith Littler 7-4 Smith ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/a3c3dea7-23e6-4bdc-945c-ae5ce0d7e76b.jpgLittler 8-4 Smith Littler 9-4 Smith Littler 9-5 Smith Littler 10-5 Smith Littler into Premier League finalichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/bd33d781-6c4f-4913-bbd7-d01d51766c85.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/b11d590b-7f2d-4750-81da-d58f74ff3d1b.jpgA PDC UK record crowd of more than 14,000 are estimated to be in attendance at London's O2 tonight - and they are buzzing to be here. ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/98bc3b2d-92d8-4347-a9f7-b2d37103acf3.jpgLuke Littler talking to Sky Sports after victory over Michael Smith: "All of it was very good. I only had five treble-less visits. I knew coming into tonight I had the darts, I had to come back and win after the break which was what I done." Taking out 144 early in the match: "They are the big sharks you have to take out when you are against a big player like Smith who can punish you." How have you felt coming into tonight?: "Just enjoy it. The build-up has been amazing. Came here a few hours ago, I've been practicing at much as possible. Just see how the next game goes." What do you make of the other semi-final?: "Just see how it goes, it will be tough to call. Practice or a game of FIFA now?: "Practice." ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/7dd46a49-a9fe-43ac-a9a8-001b2756bb1f.pngichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/21143b8a-e907-44ea-bdc7-7017f17d0317.pngHumphries v Van Gerwen ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/466e3dac-6af8-46b4-a22c-2320bc0031de.jpgHumphries 1-0 Van Gerwen Humphries 1-1 Van Gerwen Humphries 1-2 Van Gerwen Humphries 2-2 Van Gerwen Humphries 3-2 Van Gerwen Humphries 4-2 Van Gerwen Humphries 5-2 Van Gerwen ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/bdf35bf4-8edd-4f58-8762-af6c95e36d30.jpgHumphries 6-2 Van Gerwen Humphries 7-2 Van Gerwen Humphries 7-3 Van Gerwen ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/8f23e71e-b171-4dc6-8232-62bf8d9a245c.jpgHumphries 8-3 Van Gerwen Humphries 8-4 Van Gerwen Humphries 8-5 Van Gerwen Humphries 9-5 Van Gerwen Humphries 10-5 Van Gerwen Luke Humphries books Luke Littler showdown ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/f8d402b6-e4cc-42e1-98a3-ec538393200e.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/6384ea35-f645-41ef-a025-c422d4a79fa4.jpg
THE GRAND FINAL TO COME...
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Post by bluetornados on May 23, 2024 21:07:27 GMT
THE PREMIER LEAGUE OF DARTS GRAND FINAL..02 ARENA - 23.05.2024.ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/0b42125e-cc17-43a6-b097-47271fbf3015.jpgLittler 1-0 Humphries Littler 2-0 Humphries Littler 2-1 Humphries Littler 2-2 Humphries Littler 3-2 Humphries Littler 3-3 Humphries Littler 4-3 Humphries Littler 4-4 Humphries Littler 5-4 Humphries ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/a8bb2502-da57-4c20-a4fa-cebc40875507.jpgLittler 5-5 Humphries Littler 6-5 Humphries - NINE-DARTERichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/2308e44a-bc1b-48e7-9c22-d841d90befd5.jpgLittler 7-5 Humphries Littler 8-5 Humphries Littler 8-6 Humphries Littler 9-6 Humphries Littler 9-7 Humphries Littler 10-7 Humphries Littler 11-7 Humphries - Luke Littler wins Premier League titleichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/4edbba38-0ef2-4b25-bd2e-9dc251cc209b.jpgPremier League champion Luke Littler to Sky Sports:"One thing I just want to say - to all the doubters, hello! I've just picked up this! You're not doubting me any more. "It's so good to win in front of my family, my girlfriend and my manager. I don't know what to do! "I've hit a nine-darter on the World Series and so did Phil [Taylor] - now I've hit one in the final here and so did he." More from Premier League champion Luke Littler to Sky Sports:"I'm just enjoying it. I've been practicing really hard and you can probably see it on the oche. I was dead focused, I didn't want to blink. "I'm a major winner, I can put myself in that hat now - I can't wait to go to New York next week and after that I'll have to have a week off in Orlando. "I can't wait to play in all the events. I've done so well on the Euro Tour and Pro Tour that I'm guaranteed to be in the Matchplay and Grand Prix. On runner-up Luke Humphries: "We'll meet in many finals - and now it's 1-1 in finals!" Runner-up Luke Humphries to Sky Sports:"I was trying to stick in there - there was a massive breeze coming across the stage all night and it's so hard to deal with. "It's credit to Luke, he managed it all night so well. When I went to the break 5-5 I had stuck in there. "But then all of a sudden the breeze stopped and he's played much better - he's such a fantastic player, he really is. "I think me and Luke are the two greatest players in the world at the moment and this was another great battle. "I just love playing him - I know I lose a lot [seven of the past nine meetings have gone in Littler's favour] but I just love playing him and we are going to have many more battles in the future." More from runner-up Luke Humphries to Sky Sports:"Tonight he was much stronger than I was and he deserved to win. "And if you look at the season as a whole, he deserved to be Premier League champion. "It's been a learning curve for me and for Luke as well. We both played our part in this tournament and I'm really proud to make the final. "Of course I'm gutted not to win but you can't win everything. Six out of seven major finals for me now, I can only build on it. "I'm proud of Luke, everyone knows what I think of him, I love him to bits, he's a great lad. I hope he enjoys himself and he deserves this moment." ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/23/1c1e788e-114c-4ad4-94f6-6c8db3df721a.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on May 29, 2024 11:05:32 GMT
World Championship could move from Alexandra Palace after ‘Luke Littler effect’..by Jonathan Veal.
Barry Hearn says the World Championship’s future at Alexandra Palace is “under discussion” because of the Luke Littler effect on the sport. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/10/19/21/63649021-0-image-a-31_1666211393546.jpgHearn has likened the 17-year-old to Tiger Woods and says he is “the gift that keeps on giving” after bursting onto the scene and taking darts into the mainstream. After announcing his arrival with a record-breaking run to the World Championship final at Christmas, Littler followed it up by winning the Premier League last week and is now one of the most famous sports stars in the country. Ally Pally has hosted the premier tournament since 2008 and is considered the home of the sport, but the 3,200-capacity venue is limited and tickets sell out in July before even hitting general sale. Matchroom president Hearn, who is facing a similar dilemma in snooker with the Crucible, is considering extending the size of the tournament, but insists the Professional Darts Corporation is keeping its options open. “Do we need to move to a bigger venue? The bigger hall at Ally Pally needs a lot of work done to it but it could handle 6,000 people per session,” Hearn told the PA news agency. “So there is the potential. But the other side of it is the game of darts around the world is getting so huge I actually need to make the World Championship longer. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/24/10/85289197-13455513-image-a-24_1716542957829.jpg“If I have got eight extra sessions I have got 25,000 more tickets to sell. But inevitably in the end we are going to be looking at what we are going to do. “It is one step at a time, I am not a gambler, but sometimes you get a curveball like Luke Littler and you have to rethink your strategy. “We reckon we could sell 250,000 tickets for the World Championship and they wouldn’t fit in the Ally Pally. “It’s one step at a time, we are looking at the big hall but it needs a lot of work done. We are keeping our options open because we have learned with Luke Littler that you sometimes can’t see what is coming. “It’s under discussion with everybody.” Littler has already transcended the sport, appearing on Saturday night chat shows and high-profile podcasts while also presenting a Brit Award. Rather than it peter out, it is gaining momentum. I call it now the Luke Littler effect, the gift that keeps on giving. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/25/20/79996875-13459857-United_welcomed_Littler_to_Old_Trafford_ahead_of_their_match_aga-a-220_1716663735986.jpgHearn is confident Littler can take darts to “another level in the stratosphere”. “This is going to a level we have not come across before,” he added. “Darts is a massive business, but we have gone to another level in the stratosphere. It’s not a massive surprise but it’s the best 2024 present I could have asked for. “I have had broadcasters around the world queuing up, sponsors wanting to see what’s available, reports from future events selling out. “I just think that darts hasn’t even started in where it is going to go globally. “I have been in this business for 50 years and I have never seen anything like this in any sport, it’s as simple as that.”
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 12, 2024 11:16:16 GMT
Phil Taylor says ‘of course I would’ over making Luke Littler’s dream come true..By Aaron Morris & Jake Bayliss.i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article33010970.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200d/1_2018-William-Hill-PDC-World-Darts-Championships-Day-Fifteen.jpgDarts icon Phil Taylor is buzzing at the prospect of a dream exhibition match with young darting sensation Luke Littler, despite calling it a day with professional darts nearly six years ago. 'The Power' has hinted at a thrilling generational showdown, and even though he retired back in 2018, Littler, who idolises the 16-time world champion, is still keen on facing him. After recently calling Taylor his darting hero, Littler expressed his enthusiasm for a potential exhibition match, saying: "I'd love to play him." Despite their paths not crossing since Littler's meteoric rise, Taylor showed his willingness for the match during an interview with Spin Bet, explaining: "I can't do it at the minute [following an injury], but will I do it? Of course I would." At just 17, Littler clinched the Premier League Darts title in May, continuing his rapid ascent in the sport. His unexpected journey to the World Championship final has made him a well-known figure, earning praise from many sports legends, including Taylor, which has left the young star feeling overwhelmed. i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/article33010895.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200e/0_luke-littler-with-the-premier-league-darts-trophy.jpgReflecting on his brief encounter with Taylor, Littler shared with the MMA Hour: "I met him once. Our sponsor, Target, who make our darts and stuff. That's when I met him. I've not seen him after the World Championships or anything," reports the Express. He added: "I've seen his interviews when he's speaking about me and other things. He's just a legend of the sport. For him to be talking about me, it's just crazy to think." A potential clash between young darting sensation Littler and the legendary Taylor is stirring up excitement among fans. Taylor has been impressed by how the young star has managed the spotlight, explaining: "He's brilliant. So far, he's handling the pressure brilliantly, the lad is. He's kept his feet on the ground, he's got good parents, a good manager around him and he's doing brilliant. I love him." Taylor also offered some sage advice for the budding star, adding: "Listen, if you're old enough, you're good enough. It all depends on Luke (on how good he can become), if he remains dedicated and keeps practising and doing what he is doing, then he will be alright." However, the veteran warned of potential distractions that could derail Littler's promising career. "It's just if he gets distracted by things, thinking about different things and doing different things and spreading himself a bit too thin. Everyone will want a piece of him, you see. He needs to listen to his manager and keep grounded."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 16, 2024 2:59:13 GMT
Luke Littler wins maiden World Series of Darts Finals..i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/03/17/85659811-0-image-a-1_1717431582623.jpgLuke Littler comfortably beat Michael Smith 11-4 to claim his maiden World Series of Darts Finals title in Amsterdam. The teenager recovered from losing the opening two legs to race into a 7-3 lead by the interval. Littler, 17, picked up where he left off after returning to the oche and averaged 102.21 on his way to victory and an £80,000 prize fund. The Englishman also disposed of home favourite Michael van Gerwen 11-4 in the semi-final. Littler, who began the day with a quarter-final victory over Chris Dobey, secures his third World Series title after previously winning in Bahrain and Poland this year. He also won the Premier League Darts title in May after beating Luke Humphries to avenge his defeat in the final of the World Championship. "I'm very happy to win. To come here and win on my debut is a good feeling. "I'm playing well so I will go back home and practice even more. There is no time to sit about, it's a busy winter coming up. "Everyone wants to win everything but I've learned you can't do that. I would like to win another major [title]. I want the Worlds as anyone else does but another major would mean the world." Asked if he is currently the best player in the world, Littler said: "Probably over this weekend. "To average 103 over four or five matches, it has been really good and I'm proud of myself."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 16, 2024 3:13:49 GMT
Luke Littler, 17, 'Splits with his girlfriend Eloise Milburn, 21,' - with darts sensation 'very upset'..by Ryan Walkeri.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/18/17/87502639-0-image-a-26_1721319609421.jpgLuke Littler and his girlfriend Eloise Milburn have broken up, with the darts sensation left 'very upset' by the situation, according to reports. Littler has been the star of darts ever since breaking onto the scene with his run to the PDC World Championship final at the start of the year and going on to win the Premier League during his first season. His now ex-girlfriend, Milburn, was a constant presence at his big matches, but the pair have now decided to end their relationship, as reported by The Sun. Littler, 17, and Milburn, 21, saw their romance previously blossom over a 10-month period with the Warrington-born icon's rise to stardom thrusting both into the public eye. The pair began dating just weeks before the start of the World Championship last December and only recently shared a holiday to New York together alongside other darts stars and Littler's parents, Lisa and Anthony. Explaining the emotions after the breakup, a source told The Sun: 'Luke and Eloise have broken up and it is still very raw. He is naturally very upset but they have agreed to stay friends.' Littler and Milburn previously displayed their public affection for each other both at matches the teenager was competing in and on social media. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/18/18/87505907-13648495-image-m-42_1721324271291.jpgMilburn - who plays darts at an amateur level herself - was a keen follower of her partner's career and Littler would frequently approach her to give her a kiss following his wins at the oche. However, the pair also faced criticism over the age gap between them with Littler later revealing he had hired someone to run his Instagram account who deletes such comments before he can see them. Milburn previously explained she had found it difficult coping with the abuse surrounding the issue over their ages, by telling the Guardian: 'It was tough to start with. 'The first day I let it get to me a lot. But you learn that as long as the pair of you are happy, that's all that matters. The people that matter most are supportive of us.' The pair are believed to have ended their relationship on good terms and will remain friends despite no longer being romantically involved. Stress was put on the relationship due to Littler's hectic schedule since his meteoric rise in darts that has also led to him becoming a social media and online star. The pair have previously streamed themselves playing games online together, while Littler has also featured in several videos alongside the likes of Youtube star KSI. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/19/18/87548853-0-image-a-28_1721411781675.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 9, 2024 7:47:27 GMT
Luke Littler crashes out of World Grand Prix Darts debut in first round to Rob Cross 2-1..by Luke Poweri.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/10/08/00/90572643-13935009-image-a-1_1728343704932.jpgLuke Littler suffered a shock exit from the first round of the World Grand Prix Darts on Thursday night as he lost 2-1 to Rob Cross. The 17-year-old had been the favourite for the tournament in Leicester but was beaten on his debut to mark another disappointing episode. He has now been knocked out at the first hurdle for two major tournaments in a row, having been dumped out of Matchplay by Michael van Gerwen 10-6 in July. Littler could barely watch in the climactic moments against Cross, who thudded a bullseye against the board to put the nail in the coffin. 'The Nuke' was on the back foot from the first set, in which he hit four 180s but was punished for a poor series of doubles. While he clawed himself level in the second set, he could not stifle Cross, who finished from 88 to seal the deal. 'Debut didn't go to plan as I would have liked but overall I enjoyed my performance,' wrote Littler on X. 'Fair play to Rob, week off now and back to it in Wigan for PC 27/28.' i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/10/08/00/90572645-13935009-image-a-2_1728343829295.jpgCross, 34, who won the 2018 World Championship as a debutant, will face Martin Schindler of Germany in the second round on Wednesday. He said: 'He's on the crest of a wave still and playing brilliantly all year. He's picked up trophies regularly. He's a phenomenon. 'The boy is absolutely mustard which makes it a big result for me. I've been shocking in this tournament in the past but my double-starts were brilliant tonight. 'Luke has been different class all year and has beaten me more and he'll be back, that's for sure. 'This is a great win and well overdue in the Grand Prix. But it's up to me to keep it going. This win means nothing unless I get on a decent run and go all the way.'
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