Luke Littler finally seals record fifth Premier League Darts nightly win as Michael van Gerwen back in play-off contention

Luke Littler is the champion for the fifth time this season on a Premier League Darts night and becomes the first player in history to claim five nightly wins in a single season.

Littler saw off Michael van Gerwen in a war of attrition as he surged ahead after snaring off an early break and sealed it 6-4 to win in Birmingham. He beats his own personal best tally of four from last season.

But despite defeat MVG will know he is back in play-off contention sinking rival Gerwyn Price en route to the final and after it looked perhaps dismal, he did his hopes the world of good despite falling to 'The Nuke'.

Van Gerwen opened superbly with a break of throw pinning 74 for 1-0. He then pinned 72 with Littler sat waiting on double 16 for 1-1.

Littler had missed 132 on double 16 hitting the two bulls so did the hard bit but couldn't complete the checkout. Littler finally got on the board with MVG way back.

But Van Gerwen's clinical doubling saw him pin 76 for 3-1. Littler hit 120 for 3-2 down but still needed that break.

Littler had that chance but couldn't pin 105. But he returned with MVG offering a gift missing a chance off 69 and Littler was 3-3 and throwing for a 4-3 lead.

A high quality leg saw Littler snare it with a 12-darter to go 4-3 up. Van Gerwen hit two 140's and a ton to leave 121 after nine-darts. He hit a timely treble 20 to leave double 16 but Littler got a shot at 164. He couldn't pin it though and Van Gerwen hit double eight for 4-4.

But he needed a break this time. Averaging around 105, Littler was ramping it up and went one away at 5-4. Littler missed a match dart in an imperious leg otherwise but Van Gerwen faltered too handing Littler three clear at double 20 and he made no mistake sealing the win.