Luke Littler’s dreams of silencing the hostile Liverpool crowd were dashed as Gerwyn Price triumphed on Night 12 of the Premier League. The 18-year-old, who had enjoyed success at the same venue a year ago, faced a tough challenge as he fell to Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals, despite holding a commanding 4-0 lead.
The night was charged with emotion as Littler, a Manchester United fan, faced the jeers of the Liverpool crowd. The hometown support was clearly against him, with Littler feeling the weight of the rivalry in the air. His early performance had given him hope for a positive outcome, but a dramatic collapse saw van Gerwen come back to secure a 6-5 win, knocking Littler out of the competition.
The defeat proved costly for Littler in his pursuit of the Premier League crown. With the Premier League title potentially in reach, his chance to secure valuable points slipped away. On the other hand, his opponent for the night, Gerwyn Price, capitalized on his opportunities to tighten the gap between himself and the top contenders.
Meanwhile, the world No. 1, Luke Humphries, had his own struggles to contend with. Despite Humphries’ top ranking, he couldn’t hold off Price in the final, losing 6-4 to the Welshman. However, the result was a crucial one for Price, who had already beaten Chris Dobey and Rob Cross to reach the final. His victory marked his third win of the season, positioning him well for the upcoming playoffs in London at the end of May.
Price was in fine form throughout the evening, particularly in the final, where he averaged an impressive 104.43, hit three 180s, and delivered a stunning 151 checkout that clinched the victory. His consistent performance was a testament to his resilience and determination, particularly when facing a high-pressure match.
After the final, Price reflected on his performance, acknowledging the importance of winning the first match and earning crucial points. “It was a cracking match, and I’m happy with this one,” he said. “I am playing really well, and every week is vital for points. It was vital I got some points today, and I wanted to get five and ease the pressure on me.”
With his sights set on further success, Price expressed confidence in his ability to continue improving. “When there’s no pressure on me, I play some good darts,” he added. “I’m in some good form, and if I keep playing like this, I don’t see why I can’t win it. I’m playing reasonably well, and I’m more consistent than most. If I keep playing like this, the results will follow.”
For Stephen Bunting, the night was a far cry from what he had hoped for in his home city. The Liverpudlian had been hoping to put on a strong showing in front of his home crowd but was handed a tough defeat by Rob Cross. Bunting was hammered 6-1 in the opening match, and the disappointment was clear as he made his way home early. The loss added to the sting of a homecoming that didn’t go as planned, leaving Bunting with plenty of work to do as the Premier League season progresses.
As the tournament moves forward, Price’s victory serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the competition, where any match can turn the tide and shake up the standings. With just a few weeks remaining before the playoffs, every player will be looking to solidify their position and secure a spot in London, where the top players will battle for the ultimate prize.
