Luke Littler thinks Gerwyn Price made a big mistake: 'If he won that game he would have been third'

Luke Littler has once again shown his dominant side in Premier League Darts and is ready to advance to the final at the O2 Arena. With a sixth evening victory and a record total of 45 points, 'The Nuke' convincingly finished the regular competition as number one. But despite his form, he has a clear message for his opponent in the semifinals: Gerwyn Price made a crucial mistake.

Price could have secured a 5-1 lead against Chris Dobey, but squandered that margin and missed two matchdarts. He lost 6-5, allowing Nathan Aspinall to pass him in the standings and Price will now face Littler in the semifinals.

“Gezzy was 5-1 up, if he won that game he would have been third. Is that a mistake? Certainly, I am ready for next week. He has the record against me, but it is the O2," said Littler.

Although the world number two lost six of the last eight duels between himself and Price, the young Englishman is determined to turn the tables this time. "It’s a long 16 weeks, but when you’re in the position I’ve been in, number one for pretty much throughout the whole Premier League you have just got to stay there," he said.

For Littler, the semifinals are the key to the title. “That first semi-final is so crucial to get over the line and get to the final. Hopefully I can pick up the big one next week."

His recent victory in Sheffield already gave him a big mental boost. “I am very happy to break the records I have broken this year. But for myself, winning in Sheffield is a massive boost and a massive bonus and it gives me a lot of confidence going forward next week.”

It was also notable that Michael van Gerwen failed to qualify for the playoffs this year - only the second time in 13 seasons. The Dutchman had a difficult season with the second-lowest average score of the field (96.09) and his weakest average ever in the Premier League.

Still, Littler believes the hunger in the seven-time Premier League winner has not gone away.

“I remember we did some interviews for the Premier League leading up to it, and me and Michael both said once the hunger goes out of us, then we’ll stop playing. But the hunger it’s definitely not out of him. We know Michael, he’ll bounce back.”

Littler visibly enjoyed his recent successes on stage, but there was also a moment of frustration. The young darter from Warrington saw his beloved soccer club Manchester United lose the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

“Shambles. Even losing that game everyone knows what it means financially for the club," he responded before showing sportsmanship towards Spurs. “But fair play to Spurs.”