Luke Littler breaks down in tears after Premier League win: ‘I picked myself up after some tough times’ | Arrow News
Luke Littler broke down in tears and opened up about the toll of the Premier League campaign as he was crowned after an 11-10 win over Luke Humphries at the O2 in London.
Littler finished top of the table in the regular season of the Premier League after six wins from 16 nights and went into Finals Night looking for a second Premier League win in three games.
He started his night with a 10-9 decider in the final against Gerwyn Price, the Welshman who came from 9-4 down, before scoring over 111 in the classic final against the resurgent ‘Cool Hand’.
After completing a strong win, Littler recounted his journey in the Premier League and appeared to be emotional about his difficult opening few weeks.
“It was a rollercoaster first four weeks, bottom of the table, but on the fifth night I won my first night. I had to pick myself up – sometimes hard,” said Littler. Sky Sports.
“I think I averaged 79 at Brighton or something like that and it was tough. But I’m here with the title.”
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A moment of triumph at the O2 as Littler sealed his second Premier League title
Humphries then consoled his opponent and, after Littler took time to regroup, the 19-year-old admitted the boos he was getting from the crowd had affected him.
Littler’s taunting took a turn for the worse following an incident with Gian van Veen on Night Nine in Manchester.
In the heat of the deciding leg, Van Veen missed an arrow of the match before turning around to find Littler celebrating in front of the home crowd, with the world champion then angrily gesturing at his opponent as he turned back to the oche.
Littler then missed his chance to throw in the match and Van Veen didn’t allow him another visit as he wrapped up the quarter-final win – but before Littler made a gesture to the crowd he briefly shook hands with his opponent.
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Littler was greeted with cheers and cheers as he took to the stage to face Gerwyn Price in the Premier League semi-final.
The following week in Brighton, Littler was again praised as he recorded his lowest PDC TV rating defeat to Stephen Bunting.
Littler revealed the reaction of the crowd during those weeks made him not want to play, before the emotional interview was cut short as he went to see his loved ones.
“After Brighton and the incident in Manchester, I was sitting at home saying to Faith [his partner] ‘I don’t want to do it anymore, just a crowd every week’. I said to him ‘I went down badly’.”
Humphries: Little reaction shows what it means
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Wayne Mardle talks about Littler’s ability and how the youth’s instincts have peaked
Humphries was as gracious as ever in defeat and, after consoling Littler, explained why such big moments are so emotional, especially given the amount of weeks the players have put into the Premier League campaign.
“It’s sad, you saw it in Luke there. He’s playing in a major final and it shows that it means a lot to us as players,” he said. Sky Sports.
“You are on the road for 16 or 17 weeks, I don’t get the chance to travel with my family, you want that trophy in your hands.
“It was a great final, one of the best the Premier League has ever seen. I’m proud to have made it a difficult game.”
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