Michael Smith had no answer for Luke Littler’s show-stopping talent in their Premier League play-off contest and cut a ‘furious’ figure on stage.
Littler took the Premier League by storm in his debut campaign after being awarded a wildcard spot.
The teenager won four evenings and topped the table in a league featuring world champions in Smith, Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross, Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright.
That saw him comfortably progress to the play-offs, where he was drawn to face Smith in the first semi-final of the night.
Michael Smith didn’t appear happy with his performance
SKYSPORTS
Smith won the previous contest between the two last week that would have given him hope of knocking out the 17-year-old.
However, Littler took full control of the semi-final contest early on as he took a commanding lead.
Smith was unable to cope with Littler’s scoring average and found himself struggling to get any checkout.
Littler took full advantage and opened up a 7-2 lead and his frustrations were beginning to get the better of him.
The 10th leg saw Smith almost throw his dart away in disgust after missing another double.
Sky Sports Darts commentator Glen Durrant noted: “He will be furious after he goes off after this leg.”
Smith managed to win the leg to make it 7-3 going into the break, but the damage was already done at that point when they returned.
Littler comfortably saw out the win to progress to the final and move just one more win away from winning the Premier League title.
Michael Smith lost 10-5 to Luke Littler
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Smith ended with just 29 per cent success rate on the double compared to Littler with 38 per cent.
Littler faces either Van Gerwen or Humphries in the final, but the teenager feels confident in his ability to get the victory.
“All of my game was very good,” Littler said.
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Luke Littler moved one win away from the Premier League title
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“I knew I had the darts straightaway and wanted a decent lead at the break and then to come back and get it done. That’s what I did. I took my chances.
“The build-up has been amazing but I have been practicing and that has paid off.”