Luke Littler capitulates and misses opportunity to break Premier League Darts record against Michael van Gerwen
On Night 12 of the 2025 Premier League Darts in Liverpool, April 24, 2025, Luke Littler faced a golden opportunity to etch his name into the history books by breaking the record for the most nightly wins in a single Premier League season. The 17-year-old prodigy, already a standout with four nightly victories, was gunning for a record-breaking fifth against the formidable Michael van Gerwen in their quarter-final clash. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Littler capitulated under pressure, allowing van Gerwen to snatch a 6-5 victory and deny the teenager a historic milestone.
Littler started the match with blistering form, racing to a commanding 4-0 lead. His precision and confidence were on full display, averaging over 100 and capitalizing on van Gerwen’s early struggles, which included a modest 88 average in the opening legs. A pivotal moment came when Littler had a shot at the bullseye to go 5-0 up, a lead that might have buried the Dutchman. He missed, and van Gerwen clawed back to 4-1, igniting a spark of hope. Littler still held firm, reaching 5-3 and standing just one leg from victory with two match darts in hand. Yet, in a display of nerves or inexperience, he faltered, missing both chances.
Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion renowned for his resilience, sensed the shift. He pounced, leveling the score at 5-5 before delivering a clinical 68 checkout in the deciding leg to complete the comeback. The defeat was a gut punch for Littler, who had been tantalizingly close to surpassing the record of four nightly wins in a season, a mark previously set by darts’ elite. Van Gerwen’s victory showcased his experience, as he weathered Littler’s early storm and capitalized on critical errors.
For Littler, the loss was a harsh lesson in the fine margins of top-level darts. Despite his remarkable season—topping the Premier League table and thrilling fans with his fearless play—the missed opportunity stung. Posts on X reflected the drama, with fans marveling at Littler’s early dominance and van Gerwen’s tenacity. While Littler’s chance to break the record slipped away, his performance underscored his potential to dominate darts for years to come, even as veterans like van Gerwen reminded him of the sport’s unrelenting demands.
