LITTLER CLAIMS PSYCHOLOGICAL EDGE OVER RIVALS

LUKE LITTLER believes he now has the mental edge over Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries.

The world No.1 has now beaten Van Gerwen in each of their last five meetings and Humphries in four straight clashes, including two dramatic last-leg victories in Leeds. 

The teenage sensation underlined his dominance once again as he claimed his SIXTH Premier League night win of the season, continuing his push to break his own record. 

Littler now feels his biggest rivals may already be feeling the pressure when they find themselves in tight, decisive moments against him. 

He said: “Obviously beating them numerous times in last-leg deciders over the years helps me.  

“Like you said, it might be in their heads: ‘Hang on a minute, it’s me against Luke Littler in another last-leg decider.’   

“I might already have won over them before that leg even starts. Ever since the JDC days, I’ve always backed myself, and I think I produce really well in deciding legs.  

“Whether you beat them comfortably or in a last leg, it’s always on the mind.   

“Obviously the record with Gezzy [Price] is a pretty even one, and me and Luke [Humphries] beat each other all the time, same with me and Michael [van Gerwen].   

“But if I keep getting these wins week in, week out, it gives me a lot of confidence. Then when they next face me, they know they’ve got to produce even better.” 

Littler also joked that fans may eventually get tired of booing him after hostile receptions earlier this season.   

The Warrington whizkid has endured a rollercoaster few weeks after his fiery clash with Gian van Veen on Night Nine in Manchester, where he was met with jeers from the crowd following the heated encounter. 

He added: “I think it’s always going to come, and this is what I’ve got to do, just keep winning and keep winning.   

“Eventually, hopefully they’ll get bored of me because nothing’s really working. Ever since Rotterdam, even tonight, there were a few boos, but nothing will ever top that.   

“I think I can battle past anything now.” 

Littler sits comfortably at the top of the table, five points clear of nearest rival Jonny Clayton, and has already secured his place at Finals Night at the The O2.

Image by Taylor Lanning.