Luke Littler’s nightmare start to the 2026 Premier League darts season has continued in Belfast.
Littler, 19, has struggled on the Thursday night stage so far this year, and he was beaten by Jonny Clayton for the second week running. The Nuke has won just won game in the Premier League, and he survived match darts in the process.
Clayton, meanwhile, is the current table topper – and he showed his class again on Thursday to race into a three leg lead in the opening clash on Belfast. The Ferret was unbelievable on the outer ring, making the World Champion pay for each and every missed dart.
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Littler showed signs of fighting back, but he was visibly annoyed with the crowd, he had started to get on his back.
And after he registered a leg he turned around and performed Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic calm down celebration. However, the early burst from Clayton was just too much for Littler, who left himself with too much work to do.
Littler was unable to take out 124 and the Ferret returned to pin double 4.
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Speaking on Sky Sports commentary, Dan Dawson said: “Clayton has been better than Littler and it is mainly down to the doubles. Littler was let down by his doubling and Jonny mercilessly punished that, beating Luke for the second straight week.”
And fans were quick to voice their opinion on social media: “I mean there wasn’t much in the averages but Luke Littler is missing chances that he just wouldn’t do in big majors Fully expect him to go down to Minehead and win every game with a 110 average!”
“Johnny Clayton stand up. What a performance. Littler still just can’t get going in the PL,” a second said. While a third posted: “Another below par performance from Littler…”
And another added: “Littler doesn’t look bothered in this year’s Premier League at all…”