Luke Littler has released a statement after he received a negative reception at Premier League Darts night 14 on Thursday (May 8).
Littler, 18, lost 6-5 against Luke Humphries in the final at the First Direct Arena in Leeds. The teenager defeated Nathan Aspinall 6-4 and Gerwyn Price 6-3 earlier in the night.
Meanwhile, Humphries beat Michael van Gerwen 6-4 and Stephen Bunting by the same score to reach the evening’s final.
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Humphries had the crowd’s backing due to him being an avid Leeds United supporter, which meant Littler, as he has done quite often this season, was subject to a less-than-positive reaction.
During his quarter-final clash with Aspinall, 33, Littler appeared to make a cry-baby gesture to the crowd inside the arena, which was greeted with a chorus of boos.
And this was not the first time the Warrington native had been on the receiving end of boos this season, having previously suggested he will skip events in Germany after he encountered a negative reaction during the German Grand Prix in Munich in April.
After last night’s action, Littler posted several photographs on social media accompanied by the caption: “Wanna get the win when you make a final, especially when it comes to a last leg decider, but another 3 points towards my total for the prem season.”
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Although there was no mention of the crowd’s behaviour.
Despite his loss, Littler still tops the Premier League standings with 38 points. Humphries has 31 points and Price has 24, as all three have sealed play-off spots.
Luke Humphries on Leeds crowd
Humphries cut a delighted figure after his victory over Littler and explained how he used the crowd to his advantage.
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"When you know you're playing against Luke Littler, you know you're not going to get away with mid-game performances, you need to be at your best to beat him," he told Sky Sports.
"We weren't at our best but it was a decent final and I do seem to raise my performance against him.
"It is extra special to win in Leeds, I feel at home here. I know it isn't my hometown but it does feel extra special. I won here last year and it gave me extra confidence for the finals night and hopefully it does again - and I can get that elusive Premier League crown that I've always dreamed of."
Premier League Darts night 14 results
Final
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Luke Littler 5-6 Luke Humphries
Semi-finals
Gerwyn Price 3-6 Luke Littler
Luke Humphries 6-4 Stephen Bunting
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Quarter-finals
Rob Cross 5-6 Gerwyn Price
Nathan Aspinall 4-6 Luke Littler
Michael van Gerwen 4-6 Luke Humphries
Stephen Bunting 6-5 Chris Dobey
Topics: Luke Littler, Darts
Luke Davies