World champion Luke Littler stunned in Premier League defeat
World champion Luke Littler suffered a stunning defeat on the opening night of the 2026 BetMGM Premier League Darts in Newcastle, reports BritPanorama.
The 19-year-old sensation, who claimed the Premier League title on his debut in 2024, fell 6-4 to Dutch newcomer Gian van Veen in their quarter-final clash. This defeat marks only Littler’s second loss since October, concluding a remarkable run against the Premier League debutant.
In a rematch from the Paddy Power PDC World Championship final just a week ago, van Veen exacted sweet revenge on the world champion. The match showcased neither player at their best, both averaging disappointingly below 100 throughout the encounter.
Littler struggled early, squandering several opportunities, nearly paying the price in the sixth leg when van Veen had three attempts at double 16 to break the world number one’s throw, but failed to find the target. However, Littler responded at 3-3, firing six perfect darts, including back-to-back 180s to seize a temporary lead.
Despite moving ahead 4-3, Littler’s form waned dramatically as van Veen capitalized on his momentum, winning three legs in a row to seal the unexpected victory. The win advances van Veen to a semi-final match against Jonny Clayton later this evening, while Littler watched from the sidelines alongside Josh Rock, who also had a disappointing night.
Rock fell 6-2 to Clayton, while there was additional drama as Gerwyn Price had two match darts in the deciding leg against Luke Humphries but was unable to convert, allowing Humphries to advance 6-5.
It’s been quite the start to this year’s Premier League, with the reigning champion already out, offering plenty of upsets to keep fans entertained.
