- The prodigy was harassed before his semi-final against Michael van Gerwen
- A rowdy punter appeared to grab his arm during his visit to Belfast
- The teenager bounced back in style to claim his first overnight win in the Premier League.
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Young prodigy Luke Littler has revealed that a rowdy spectator hurt his arm during one of his walks before their Premier League victory in Belfast.
Littler, 17, earned his first overnight win in the tournament on his ninth call after dispatching Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Nathan Aspinall.
However, his exciting showdown against Van Gerwen was somewhat marred before even reaching the oche, after he was grabbed and had his arm pulled.
The incident, which was not fully caught on Sky Sports cameras, appeared to have been sparked when a punter grabbed Littler while his music was playing.
Then security guards intervened, flanking the players as they made their way to the stage. It is not known if the anonymous individual was expelled from the scene.
Luke Littler has revealed that a spectator hurt his arm during his visit to the Premier League.
The teenage sensation recovered magnificently to take his first night win and move into second place.
Littler admitted he was briefly moved by the moment, but took his time to compose himself before stepping forward for his practice throws.
When asked what had happened, the teenager said: “I don’t know who it was, he pulled my arm.” He hurt me a little.
‘That’s why, when I went on stage, I didn’t interact with my music. I heard everyone singing but I just needed to relax.
‘As soon as (referee) Charlie said “the game is on”, I had to relax. My hand is fine. It works well.’
Littler went on to brush aside former world champion Van Gerwen thanks to a 6-3 victory and a 99.05 average, setting up a final showdown against his close friend Aspinall.
The young ace secured victory and the trophy after winning 6-4.
Littler had his arm pulled before his match against Michael van Gerwen, whom he beat 6-3.
The prodigy racked up £10,000 as a winning bonus after pulling himself together following the incident.
His first overnight win in the Premier League saw him collect £10,000 as a welcome bonus and move up to second place in the eight-man table with 18 points.
Littler said: “I’m happy to win, it’s my first.” I’m glad to beat a good friend.
‘I have practiced more for this and it has paid off. I had a good practice game before going out with Rob Cross. He encouraged me to this.’
Littler is now four points behind leader Humphries, the world number one, and will look to move closer to the top when the competition moves to Manchester next week.
The four best players at the end of the league qualifying phase qualify for the play-offs to be held in London on May 23, with the other four competitors being eliminated.