Wayne Mardle believes Luke Littler has yet to find his bright best and is under some “pressure” in the opening weeks of the Premier League season.
The two-year world champion and world number one had a bye in the semi-finals after Michael van Gerwen withdrew due to illness, but was thrashed 6-1 by eventual champion Johnny Clayton on the third night in Glasgow.
Littler’s loss on Thursday leaves him winless through three weeks and with only four points.
Sky Sports Darts’ Mardle said: “I didn’t think I’d be saying so soon that there’s a bit of pressure on Luke Littler.” “It’s not about going to win that night, it’s about winning and feeling good because he’s not playing close to his normal standards.
“It’s a really small sample, but he hasn’t averaged 105/106. It looks like he can do it with his head. It’s not working for him and it’s not going his way.”
“Against Johnny, he’s playing a guy who’s not afraid of himself. It’s a big game for Luke Littler.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Johnny Clayton beat Jan van Veen with a massive 156 checkout to win the third night of the Premier League.
Littler faced an insolent Creighton after facing a long wait backstage in Glasgow in the absence of his scheduled quarter-final opponent Van Gerwen.
The Welshman opened the match with his first win in three years over Gerwyn Price, sent Littler off strongly and defeated Jan van Veen 6-2 in the final.
“Johnny Clayton has been explosive every week in the quarter-finals, but he dropped in the semi-finals and you were all waiting and watching. He showed tonight could be The Ferret’s night. He was exceptional. It was a really great finish,” said Laura Turner of Sky Sports Darts.
“The Premier League is not at the level we expect from Luke Littler. We are waiting for him to boom.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
World darts champion Luke Littler was in attendance at the match between Warrington Wolves and St Helens and couldn’t resist cheering on them on the road.
This marks Littler’s second straight Premier League semi-final loss, and he will headline the inaugural Polish Darts Open in Krakow this weekend, where he will face either Mike Dekker or Marvin Kraft in the second round on Saturday night.
Littler defeated Van Veen in the final in early January to claim his second consecutive World Darts Championship crown, and has since won his first Saudi Darts Masters and World Masters.
Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries will defend his title and you can watch the match every Thursday on Sky Sports from February to May. Stream darts and other top sports now.
