**Luke Humphries’ Classy 130 Checkout Stuns Luke Littler in 2025 Premier League Darts Final**
Luke Humphries delivered a moment of brilliance with a stunning 130 checkout against Luke Littler during the 2025 Premier League Darts final at London’s O2 Arena on May 29, 2025, prompting Sky Sports commentators to exclaim, “That will settle him!” The clinical finish, a pivotal moment in Humphries’ 11-8 victory, helped secure his first Premier League title and the £275,000 prize, leaving the 18-year-old Littler emotional in defeat.
**The 130 Checkout: A Turning Point**
In a tense best-of-21-leg final, tied at 5-5 at the mid-match break, Humphries found himself under pressure as Littler, fresh off a 10-6 semi-final win over Gerwyn Price, unleashed his 103.00-average form. With the score at 6-6, Humphries seized control in the 13th leg, nailing a 130 checkout (T20, T20, D5) to break Littler’s throw. “Humphries with a classy 130! That will settle him!” Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge declared, noting how the finish steadied Humphries’ nerves against the crowd-favored Littler. The checkout, executed with Littler on 40, shifted momentum, giving Humphries a 7-6 lead he never relinquished.
Humphries followed with a 156 checkout to extend his advantage to 8-6, as @OfficialPDC posted, “Humphries finds a crucial last dart D18 to draw level!” Littler battled back to 8-8 with a D16 finish, but Humphries’ composure, capped by an 11-darter in the 19th leg, sealed the win. His 103.50 average edged Littler’s, with the 130 checkout standing out as a highlight, per @SkySportsDarts.
**Context of the Final**
Humphries, the world No. 1, entered the final after a 10-7 semi-final win over Nathan Aspinall, while Littler, the top seed with a record 45 points and six nightly wins, had overcome Price’s 7-2 seasonal edge. The O2’s 20,000-strong crowd, roaring for Littler after booing Price, created an electric atmosphere. Littler’s semi-final 104.00 average and back-to-back 180s against Price set high expectations, but Humphries’ clutch finishes, including the 130, proved decisive. “Humphries’ finishing was the difference,” said Sky Sports’ Mark Webster, noting Littler’s missed doubles, like a D15 in the 15th leg.
**Littler’s Emotional Response**
Littler, visibly tearful post-match, told Sky Sports, “I’m gutted, but Luke played brilliantly.” His season, with a Cardiff nine-darter and Sheffield’s 155 checkout, was historic, but Humphries’ 2025 consistency—wins in Leeds (6-5) and Exeter (6-4) over Littler—prevailed. Humphries praised his rival, saying, “He’s the best player in the world right now,” echoing their 1-1 major final record after Littler’s 2024 Premier League triumph (11-7, with a nine-darter).
**Humphries’ Road to Glory**
The 130 checkout echoed Humphries’ 2024 Grand Slam and Players Championship Finals wins, showcasing his big-stage prowess. His semi-final 101.20 average against Aspinall and final’s 75% checkout rate on big finishes outshone Littler’s 70%. “Incredible from Humphries over 17 weeks,” @OfficialPDC posted, celebrating his maiden Premier League title.
**Parallels in Sports**
Humphries’ clutch 130 mirrors Fallon Sherrock’s resolve amid health struggles, Alex de Minaur’s ATP reform push, and Alexander Zverev’s bold watch wager. Like Gerwyn Price’s crowd defiance or Emma Raducanu’s reinvention, Humphries’ poise under pressure, against Littler’s emotional rise, captivates, akin to Littler’s 2024 tears for a friend’s late father.
**Conclusion**
Luke Humphries’ classy 130 checkout (T20, T20, D5) against Luke Littler in the 2025 Premier League Darts final on May 29, 2025, sparked a “That will settle him!” cry from Sky Sports. The finish propelled Humphries to an 11-8 win, clinching his first £275,000 title. Littler’s tears reflected his stellar season, like Sherrock, de Minaur, Zverev, Price, and Raducanu’s battles. Humphries’ triumph cements his reign. Watch highlights on Sky Sports
