Darts sensation Luke Littler secured his third consecutive nightly win in the Premier League – but not before a trip to the Post Office necessitated a last-minute dash to Leeds.
The 19-year-old, who equalled a season record with his sixth victory on Thursday, arrived at the First Direct Bank Arena less than an hour before his opening match.
He later admitted that his planned 3pm departure from Warrington was pushed back due to an impromptu visit to sell sporting memorabilia.
Despite the pre-match scramble, Littler maintained his dominant form, adding another triumph to his impressive season.
“I came straight from home,” Littler said at a press conference.
“I was supposed to leave for 3pm but I wasn’t ready, (his girlfriend) Faith wasn’t ready and we were rushing about.
“We went to the Post Office, get those cards off eBay gone, getting all the shipping and tracking numbers (sorted). That’s why we were almost late but we got here on time.”
Littler admitted that his driving was “a bit reckless” on the way to the arena.
“The (estimated) time (of arrival) just kept going up and up and up but I managed to get here at twenty to seven or quarter to seven.”
As he was approaching the venue, Manchester United supporter Littler says he interacted with a couple of Leeds players who were in attendance for the night.
“I spotted Ethan Ampadu and the next person was Willy Gnonto and I beeped at them,” Littler said with a smile. “I looked out my mirror, they were all looking and I just beeped again.”
Littler defeated Michael van Gerwen, Jonny Clayton and Luke Humphries – all via last-leg deciders. Littler also defeated rival Humphries 6-5 in last week’s final in Aberdeen.
“I’ve beaten them numerous times in last-leg deciders over the years, it helps me but also it might be in their head that I’m going to win it,” Littler added.
“I might already have one over them before starting that last leg. If you beat them comfortably or you beat them in a last leg, it’s always on their minds.”
