Luke Littler leaves rival laughing at the oche as he achieves stunning career first with latest victory

Luke Littler was involved in another instant classic as he claimed a third nightly win of the 2026 Premier League.

The world No.1 beat Michael van Gerwen 6-4 to win night eight in Germany on Thursday night.

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Littler had earlier picked up victories over Stephen Bunting and Gerwyn Price to set up the showpiece clash.

It came after he had won in Dublin last week despite falling 5-0 down against Price in the final.

On this occasion, Littler did not need to produce a stunning comeback, but still provided a pair of magic moments on stage.

The Nuke left Van Gerwen laughing after hitting two 170 checkouts in the final, including one to win the match.

His first came in the eighth leg to move to the brink of victory.

Having set up the Big Fish with a 52 on his penultimate visit, Littler reeled it in to move 5-3 ahead.

Reacting on commentary, Wayne Mardle exclaimed: “Michael did it against Littler last week and Littler did it against Gerwyn Price.

“Now, he’s reeled it in again. A Big Fish magnet, that’s what he is. That’s ridiculous.”

However, Van Gerwen had a response as he immediately broke back to extend the match into a tenth leg.

There were more heroics to come from Littler, though, as he won the match with his second 170 checkout of the final.

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This time it was Dan Dawson’s turn to be stunned by the teenager’s antics.

The commentator said: “He has done it again! What a way to win the night. What a night for Littler.

“Brilliant against Bunting, nerveless against Price and spectacular against Van Gerwen to take the title in Berlin.”

Career first for Littler

Littler’s night eight triumph secured his first PDC event win in Germany after overcoming his previous woes in the country.

The 19-year-old has snubbed events held in Germany in the past after being subjected to jeers and whistles from the hostile home crowds.

Following last year’s German Darts Grand Prix in April, Littler vowed not to return until the European Championship.

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He subsequently pulled out of a string of EuroTour events as he stuck to his word.

Meanwhile, his struggles continued at the World Cup of Darts as he and Luke Humphries were dumped out in their opening match in Frankfurt.

Having finally ended his German hoodoo, Littler admitted: “Germany wasn’t too bad tonight…

“I played very well and they were one my side at times. I reeled the 170s back in.”

Having claimed a third nightly win of the year, Littler has also leapfrogged Jonny Clayton into top spot in the standings.

He added: “I knew if I won the night I’d go top but you just have to take it game by game.

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“Tonight has gone really well so I will have a few days off and be back for Manchester next week.”

Littler will face Gian van Veen in the quarter-finals in Manchester next Thursday.