Luke Littler reveals major change he's made after first Premier League Darts triumph

Littler had only reached the final once in the previous eight nights, losing to Van Gerwen in week two in Berlin. But he got the better of Aspinall in the final in the Northern Irish capital on Thursday evening.

The Warrington youngster beat Humphries in a deciding leg in the opening match of the night. The world champion had won nine successive matches, claiming three nights in a row in Brighton, Nottingham and Dublin before Littler ended his run.

After his 6-5 win over his fellow Englishman, the 17-year-old swept aside the reigning Premier League title-holder Van Gerwen in a 6-3 semi-final triumph.

Littler then found himself 3-1 down in the final to good friend Aspinall. But he rallied back and secured a superb 6-4 victory to claim the £10,000 prize money on offer.

The highlight of his night was an obscene 125 checkout against The Asp that consisted of a bullseye, a 25 and another bullseye.

World Championship runner-up Littler told Sky Sports afterwards: “I’m just happy to win. It’s my first one. As people may have seen, I’ve changed my throw, just taking that little bit of extra time then releasing the next two.

Asked if he changed his throw because he felt he was rushing his release, Littler said: “Sometimes I was rushing. Then I’ve put more practice in tonight and it’s paid off. I just take that little bit more time before I release my next dart.

“I had a good practice game with Rob Cross before we came out tonight. We both had over 100 averages. I said to Rob, ‘Cheers for the game.’ It got me up for it. I practiced well.”

Reflecting on his wasted chance to win in week two, Littler continued: “Obviously in Berlin I missed the two [match darts] at double 10. I tried to compose myself but it didn’t work.

“I had a watch back before, [Sky Sports commentator] Wayne [Mardle] said ‘he did this in Berlin, the 48, 20, it didn’t work out.’ But it worked out against Luke. I’m glad to win it and obviously against a good friend in Nath.”

Night 10 sees the Premier League return to England, with Manchester’s AO Arena the venue next week. Littler is now up from fifth to second in the table on 18 points. Humphries is top on 22.

The Nuke added: “As soon as I got the call-up, I knew what every arena had. Five thousand or 10 thousand plus. I can’t wait for next week in Manchester.

“I know I’ve got Van Gerwen in the first round. Nath will enjoy it in his hometown, and it’s close to mine too. I can’t wait.”