Luke Littler stunned by Jonny Clayton in Premier League Darts hammering after picking up bye against Van Gerwen

Luke Littler’s wait for a first nightly victory in this season’s Premier League continues after he was thrashed 6-1 by Jonny Clayton in Glasgow.

The two-time world champion looked unusually flat at the OVO Hydro, a far cry from his typically explosive best, as Clayton dominated their semi-final clash.

At just 19, Littler struggled to find any rhythm, while “The Ferret” produced a ruthless display to book his place in the final with a statement win. Clayton’s victory set up a showdown with world No.3 Gian van Veen later in the evening.

Bye Fails to Spark Littler

Littler had progressed straight to the semi-finals after Michael van Gerwen withdrew from the event due to illness.

Despite being handed a bye and two points, the teenager has managed just one match win across the opening three weeks and remains in the bottom half of the table.

Speaking about Van Gerwen’s withdrawal, Littler admitted he had expected the Dutchman to play.

“There were obviously rumours that he wasn’t going to play,” he said.

“I was thinking, ‘It’s Michael, he’ll get over it, he’ll come and play because Michael is in very good form’.

“Coming here, I knew I was up for a battle, I was up for the challenge against Michael. But I’ll take the two points.

“I think you’ve always got to start from the beginning, start from the first-round game because no matter who I play, they’re going to have confidence — they’ve already played on the stage.”

Instead of a blockbuster clash with Van Gerwen, Littler ran into a red-hot Clayton who capitalised fully.

Mixed Fortunes for Premier League Stars

Elsewhere in Glasgow, Josh Rock endured a hostile reception from sections of the Hydro crowd after making a “3-1” gesture during his walk-on — a nod to Rangers’ January 3 Old Firm victory at Celtic Park.

The Antrim ace was met with loud boos but responded brilliantly with a stunning 140 checkout to take the early lead.

However, Luke Humphries proved too strong and powered to a 6-2 victory, leaving Rock pointless after three weeks of action.

Stephen Bunting’s struggles also continued as he fell 6-3 to Van Veen, meaning he too remains without a win.

For Clayton, the night carried extra significance. His 6-3 quarter-final triumph over Gerwyn Price ended a three-year losing streak against his fellow Welshman, snapping a run of 10 consecutive defeats to his World Cup partner.

With three weeks played, the Premier League table is already beginning to take shape — and Littler, for all his pedigree, still has work to do to ignite his campaign.