Nathan Aspinall has solidified his place in the Premier League play-offs, achieving this while Luke Littler broke new records with a dazzling performance in Sheffield. Aspinall, who faced off against darts legend Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals, secured a decisive 6-2 victory that not only advanced him in the tournament but also eliminated the seven-time champion, marking a significant upset in the competition.
During the same event, Littler showcased his exceptional skills, averaging over 114 points as he thrashed fellow competitor Stephen Bunting 6-1, which allowed him to set a new Premier League seasonal points record. Littler’s dominance continued as he defeated Aspinall 6-4 in the semi-finals and claimed victory over Luke Humphries 6-3 in the final, raising his total points for the season to an impressive 45. His performance included remarkable finishes, registering checkouts of 155 and 170, showcasing his prowess on the stage.
Post-victory, Littler expressed his delight, stating, “I’m happy to be top, breaking these records,” and described his performance as a “warm-up” for the final event set for next week. Aspinall, on the other hand, found himself in a more tumultuous position, having finished in the fifth place in the previous two seasons and facing elimination as he sought to qualify for the play-offs. By overcoming Van Gerwen, he secured his place alongside Littler, Humphries, and Gerwyn Price for the play-offs scheduled at the O2 Arena in London on May 29.
The loss for Van Gerwen was particularly hard, as he failed to secure a nightly win during the entire 2025 campaign. This marks only the second time in 13 years of competing that he has missed out on the play-offs, a disappointing end for someone who has previously enjoyed much success, including a Premier League title in 2023. Reflecting on his struggles, Van Gerwen commented, “This is probably one of the hardest Premier Leagues I have ever played in – not in terms of players, but in terms of myself,” indicating that his recent performances have not met his usual high standards.
Aspinall, who has faced criticism for his participation in the league, shared about the toll of online abuse and injuries that he has endured, stating, “I came off social media because of the abuse I was getting,” while also acknowledging the difficulties associated with recovering from a series of injuries and dartitis, a mental block that affects his game. His journey has been one of resilience, highlighting his determination to compete at high levels despite the obstacles.
The semi-finals in Sheffield saw Luke Humphries defeat Rob Cross before falling to Littler, while Chris Dobey managed to turn a significant deficit into a match-winning performance against Gerwyn Price. The results of Night 16 reaffirm the competitive nature of the Premier League darts, with an array of thrilling matches leading up to the playoffs.
The upcoming playoff schedule holds promise for electrifying matchups, with semi-finals featuring Littler against Gerwyn Price, and Humphries against Aspinall. The finale will crown the champion following best-of-21 legs, ultimately determining this year’s Premier League titleholder as fans eagerly await the action on May 29.
In conclusion, the performance of the players in this year’s Premier League highlights not only individual skill but also the emotional and psychological aspects of the sport, which are just as crucial as the physical attributes. Aspinall’s triumph over adversity, Littler’s record-setting achievements, and the implications for the veterans of darts like Van Gerwen encapsulate a riveting narrative that unfolds each season on the darting stage.