Western Daily Press (Saturday)
United pain inspired me, says Littler
LUKE Littler said he was inspired to win his Premier League homecoming by Manchester United’s late collapse at Chelsea on Thursday.
Littler, a staunch United fan, came on to stage in Manchester moments after watching his side concede two goals in injury-time to lose 4-3 at Stamford Bridge, but claimed a second weekly Premier League win in a row, beating Gerwyn Price 6-3 in the final.
The 17-year-old, who enjoyed a maiden victory in Belfast last week, was happy to give the United fans in attendance something to cheer about.
“I was watching backstage, we were winning 3-2 and we conceded a penalty and Cole Palmer scored and then he scored again,” Littler said.
“I was in a bad mood, I was like, ‘I’m winning this now’. It gave me motivation. There were a few United fans on the walkout so I was glad to win.”
Price, right, had thrown an epic nine-dart finish against Michael Smith in the semi-final, but was not good enough to get past the teenager, who was imperious in the final.
Victory sends him to the top of the Premier League table as his star continues to burn bright following his breakthrough run at the World Championship over Christmas.
Having already won titles at the Bahrain Masters, Players Championship and Belgian Open, he is now all-but certain to qualify for the Premier League play-offs at the O2 in London.
“I just try to live my life as I have done so far,” he said. “As a 17-year-old boy, I just know every week playing these guys I have looked up to, I just thrive off it. All I do is stay in my zone. I just do what I do.”
Littler’s night started well as he beat Michael van Gerwen 6-3, before then defeating Nathan Aspinall in the semis.
Price was superb in beating Peter Wright in a high-quality clash before a superb performance, capped by the nine-dart finish, sent him to the final.
Premier League Darts standings: L Littler 23 points, L Humphries 22, N Aspinall 18, M van Gerwen 17, M Smith 15, R Cross 11, G Price 10, P Wright 4.