Luke Littler insists he remains the man to beat on Premier League finals night despite fierce rival Luke Humphries' red hot form.
Littler faces Gerwyn Price in his semi-final at the O2 before Humphries takes on Jonny Clayton and, should the English duo overcome those hurdles, they will meet in the showpiece for a third successive year.
The Nuke throws for the €400,000 top prize as world number one but Humphries has built momentum after reaching the last four Premier League finals heading into tonight’s season climax.
"If you’re number one, you’re the best in the world no matter what. You’re number one for a reason," Littler said
"It’s literally do or die, you’ve got to throw everything at each other. I’m just hoping to play well."
Littler seized the Premier League title on his debut in 2024 – his first major – and while admitting reclaiming the crown would "mean everything", his priority is winning a ninth consecutive meeting with Price.
"Most importantly is winning that first semi-final and then hopefully getting across the line in the final," the 19-year-old from Warrington said.
"I think everyone’s probably bored of me and Luke meeting in finals but we’re one and two. And if we both play well all the time then we’re going to meet in the final.
"I’m sure Luke will be focused on his semi-final, I’ll be focused on mine. If we happen to meet then I’m sure it’ll be another great game."
Price enters his semi-final in an upbeat mood after providing positive news on the unspecified health issue he discussed after losing 6-2 to Clayton in Leeds earlier this month.
"Some great news today," Price said on Instagram. "Results back and all good… No answers to the symptoms, but the results I had were good."
Humphries is seeking to become only the third player to defend the Premier League title after Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen, having dispatched Littler in last year’s final.
"I’ve said it many times - this is one of the toughest tournaments to win," Humphries said.
"The Premier League is gruelling, it’s mentally tough and making the top four is difficult in itself, so to win it twice on the trot would be very special."
