HUMPHRIES DEFEATS LITTLER TO WIN PREMIER LEAGUE

LUKE HUMPHRIES cemented his mark as the best player on the planet by being crowned the 2025 Premier League champion. 

Eight-times major winner Humphries beat Luke Littler 11-8 in the final at the O2 Arena. 

World No. 1 Humphries thumped in a classy 130 checkout, 15 140s and averaged 97.86 to triumph against Littler. 

Cheshire thrower Humphries becomes the fourth player to win the triple crown having lifted the World Championship, World Matchplay and the Premier League. 

The 30-year-old has also pocketed £275,000 in prize money and becomes the ninth winner of the competition. 

Following his victory, Humphries thanked 16-time world champion Phil Taylor for the support he provided to him.  

He said: “This one means the world to me, that was the one I was missing. It was the one I wanted, I have done it now. 

“If I don’t win another title, I am happy as I have done the three hardest ones to do. 

“Phil Taylor has given me a lot of support over the last couple of weeks so, Phil, if you are watching, thank you. 

“The Premier League is the hardest one to win. The Worlds is prestigious but this is very close to winning the Worlds. 

“You can’t have four or five bad weeks, you have to be good for 16 weeks on the trot. You have to be at your best. 

“The hardship I have been through over the last couple of months is worth it. There are people worse off than you but you can feel jaded.” 

‘Cool Hand’ also heaped praise on Litter.  

He added: “I love Luke to bits. He is one of my best mates on tour and he is so good. 

“He wasn’t at his best tonight, neither was I. I thought the game was going to go away from me at 3-0 down. 

“He is a great player, a great lad, and I will get in early before he trounces everyone.” 

Humphries joked he could now retire but then quickly established he wants to chase more major glory.  

He revealed: “I can retire now, I’m done! 

“No, I want to search for more. Littler is so good and makes me want to be a better player. I want to makes changes to my set-up to get better. 

“Right now, I am doing okay. I have won eight major titles. It’s important I end the season well and regain the World Championship.” 

Humphries averaged a whopping 105.81 and hit seven 180s to defeat Nathan Aspinall 10-7 in the last four. 

Warrington whizkid Littler averaged 104.64 and whacked in a stellar 128 checkout on the way to beating Gerwyn Price 10-7 in the semi-final. 

‘The Nuke’ came back from 6-4 down at the break as he went on to secure his third consecutive win over the Welshman.