Luke Littler misses out on Premier League record as Michael van Gerwen shows his class in Birmingham final

LUKE LITTLER missed out on equalling the record for the most Premier League Darts nights wins in a row in Birmingham tonight.

The teen sensation lost 6-3 to Michael van Gerwen in a poor quality round 11 final in Birmingham last night.

But Littler, 17, still extended his lead at the top of the table on 26 points after yet again beating Luke Humphries in the semis.

Littler said: “I know I’ve got the ability and know how to finish the job.

"I know if I win a few games then maybe I’m into the O2.

“But until my name has got a Q that means qualified next to it, that’s when I know I’m in.

“Ever since the format changed, everyone said that 24 is the go to number. But, like I said, once I’ve got that Q next to my name, I know I’m there.”

Van Gerwen is back up to third in the table and said: “You’ve got to be focused week after week.

"When you have to grind and dig deep, it’s nice to win. Nights like this give you confidence. The fighting spirit in my body is still there.”

Littler also extended his win run over Luke Humphries - since the Ally Pally world final - to six on the bounce in the semis.

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Humphries led 2-0 but the wonderkid reeled off four stunning leg wins, including seven and then six perfect darts.

But Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle was critical of Littler after he almost lost the plot in the quarters victory over Cross.

The wonderkid needed 73 but chose an unorthodox way to attempt the checkout via treble 11 instead of treble 19. He missed the shot and was clearly angry with himself.

Mardle said: “That was the wrong way to go. But sometimes you’ve got to play the probabilities.

“I think his head had gone for a second. Luke Littler has just got to watch himself here and recompose. He’s lost his mind for a second.

“He lost composure. Regained it and is in full flow again. Under pressure, Luke Littler is holding it together. He just rides this wave.”