Premier League Darts results: Luke Humphries beats Chris Dobey for Belfast win, Luke Littler loses

World number one Luke Humphries delivered a dominant performance to win the opening night of the 2025 Premier League Darts in Belfast, defeating Chris Dobey 6-1. Despite this victory, Humphries insisted that Luke Littler is currently the best darts player in the world, acknowledging his formidable talent.

Humphries, fresh off his World Masters title win on Sunday, showcased exceptional form with an 86% checkout rate and three 100+ checkouts. In the semi-finals, he rallied from a 3-4 deficit against Michael van Gerwen to win in a deciding leg, capitalizing on the Dutchman's misses on doubles and a match dart at the bullseye, demonstrating his resilience under pressure.

Humphries stated, "I think this is the most competitive Premier League Darts ever. For me, nights like tonight, you have to cherish them because they might not come as often as you like." He further emphasized Littler's strength: "He's one of the greatest dart players I've ever seen in my life. I'm not disrespecting myself, I just think he's the best player in the world, and if he gets knocked out, then I'm the one to beat. But he is definitely the number one threat," highlighting the respect and recognition he has for his young rival.

Van Gerwen previously secured a thrilling 6-5 victory over world champion Luke Littler in a captivating quarter-final clash. Littler's average of 113.91 was the highest average ever recorded at the venue and the second-highest losing average in the event's history, indicating the high level of play. The match was also marked by some tension, as Van Gerwen had criticized Littler for his punctuality issues during Wednesday's media day, where Littler allegedly kept other players waiting for 45 minutes for an outdoor shoot, claiming he had overslept after a nap. "They need to stop treating him like a baby. He's not a baby anymore, he's 18 now," Van Gerwen remarked, expressing his concern about Littler's professional conduct.

Littler admitted before the match, "He's right, I was late. I'm 18 now, I've got to be responsible for my actions, and I did get a little telling off." Once the match began, both players showed no quarter, trading blows relentlessly. Littler leveled the score at 2-2 with a 161 checkout. Van Gerwen took a 4-3 lead with a 114 checkout but then missed four match darts, allowing Littler to hit the bullseye and force a deciding leg, which the Dutchman ultimately won on double 8. Van Gerwen averaged 105.91, while Littler's average was the highest losing average since Phil Taylor's loss to Raymond van Barneveld in Glasgow in 2015, underscoring the exceptional quality of the encounter.

In other matches, Humphries defeated Nathan Aspinall 6-2, while Stephen Bunting, making his return to the Premier League Darts after a decade-long absence, ultimately lost to Cross 4-6. Dobey edged out Wales' 2021 world champion Gerwyn Price 6-4 in his opening match, displaying a slight edge in the checkout department. Dobey also rallied from a 3-4 deficit in the semi-finals, hitting a "big fish" 170 checkout to level his match against 2018 world champion Rob Cross, before winning three consecutive legs to secure his place in the final.