Luke Littler returns to Premier League Darts amid health struggles
Luke Littler will return to Premier League Darts action tomorrow night after admitting he had been struggling with illness in his last outing, reports BritPanorama.
The 19-year-old’s campaign has got off to a steady start over the first two nights, though he has yet to secure a nightly win. Following his elimination on February 12, Littler commented, “A bit of flu going on, but this is darts, we’ve just got to get on with it. My game at the minute is going well, playing well.”
“Last week didn’t go to plan but it’s a fresh week. Everyone knows, I’ve said it for the past two years, I’ve won both European tours in Belgium, get a Premier League here. The PDC have sorted it.”
Littler now faces Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals of Night 3 in Glasgow on Thursday, looking to build on his slow start. He began the campaign by reaching the quarter-finals but lost to Gian van Veen 4-6. On night two, Littler defeated Luke Humphries 6-5 in the quarter-finals but subsequently lost to van Gerwen 4-6 in the semi-finals. Van Gerwen currently sits atop the standings with eight points, while Littler is in fifth place.
Due to his illness, Littler opted to miss this week’s Pro Tour events in Wigan. The teenage sensation, who lifted his second world title back in January, had hinted at potentially stepping away from these lower-tier competitions after claiming the Players Championship Finals trophy in Minehead last November. He stated, “Everyone knows I hate the Pro Tours. All you hear is squeaky chairs and people chatting. I love the stage, I love producing it, especially when I’m playing like that.”
The Warrington ace even floated the idea of dramatically reducing his Pro Tour appearances before his recent victory in Minehead. At that time, he noted, “If I was to win it this weekend then who knows what happens next year on the Pro Tour? Do I go to a few or do I not?” He has been having discussions behind the scenes regarding his future competitions. Van Gerwen and Gary Anderson also sat out the Wigan fixtures. Matches are broadcast live every Thursday, culminating in the Finals Night at London’s O2 Arena on May 28, 2026.
As Littler prepares to face van Gerwen, the anticipation from fans is palpable. This clash not only highlights his resilience but also illustrates the finely balanced dynamics of competition in this high-stakes arena. It’s a reminder of how the pressures of the sport can impact even the brightest young talents in their pursuit of excellence.
