In a notoriously chaotic PB & J Live Arena in Aberdeen, Luke Littler proved once again why he's the hottest prospect in darts, after beating Rob Cross in the final for the second week running. Luke Humphries also cemented his place at the O2 Arena later this month, despite not even winning a match last night.
As expected when he plays in Scotland, Peter Wright was dressed patriotically for his opening match against Michael Smith. The Scot has found it tough to compete so far in this year's Premier League but was able to stay toe-to-toe with Smith for most of the match. At 5-4 to Smith, Wright was waiting on a two dart checkout to send the match to a decider, however from nowhere 'Bully Boy' closed out the match with a sensational 146 finish. (6-4)
In the second quarter final, Luke Littler appeared to be getting some stick from a minority of the Aberdeen crowd but he didn't let that effect him against Nathan Aspinall. The two Mancunians are great friends away from the oche and always seem to conjure up a great contest when they face one another. This match was no different as it went the distance, but it was 'The Nuke' who eventually held his nerve to win, 'shushing' the hecklers after his winning dart. (6-5)
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Last week's runner-up Rob Cross began his night against defending Premier League Champion, Michael van Gerwen. Cross started the match with an early break but MVG bounced back and found himself 5-4 up in the latter stages of the match. However, an in-form 'voltage' was able to break back and managed to sneak through. (6-5)
Luke Humphries might want to buy himself a lottery ticket this weekend, as he got a bye against Gerwyn Price because of a back injury the Welshman picked up through the week. Not only did this advance 'Cool Hand Luke' straight through to the semis, but also gave him the two points he needed to guarantee himself a play off place.
The first semi final in Aberdeen was also a north-west derby between Littler and Smith. However, there was only one winner in this one, as Littler battered Smith from pillar to post. Ironically, 'Bully Boy' got bullied on the stage by Littler, who averaged over 110. (6-1)
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Luke Humphries started his evening in the penultimate match of the night against Cross. Perhaps the lack of a first round match did Humphries no favours, as Cross got an early break of throw. From here on in, Cross looked in control but wasn't able to shrug Humphries off. After 'Voltage' missed several match darts, Humphries sent the match to a decider. With the darts in the last leg, it was the World Champ who was favourite however now it was his turn to miss a match dart. Cross responded with an untidy finish on double three to book his place in the final. (6-5)
Just like last week, it was Luke Littler and Rob Cross who found themselves in the final. There was a bit more at stake for 'Voltage' who you feel had to win to keep his play off dreams alive. Last week, Littler won the first five legs on the bounce, however it was a lot closer this time round, with neither player giving an inch in the first few legs. At 4-4 the match looked firmly in the balance, before 'The Nuke' decided to throw seven perfect darts in the ninth leg. Whilst he didn't quite get a maximum, he won the leg against Cross' throw meaning all he had to do was hold throw to make it two wins out of two. In true Littler style he hit an early 180 in the following leg and held his nerve to win his fourth night of this year's Premier League.
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