Luke Littler was having a lot of fun on the final night of the Premier League Darts regular season, until he crashed out at the semi-final stage to Michael Smith, that is.
The teenager's place in next week's play-offs has long been assured but he seemed determined to head into them on a high, when he threw a ridiculous 'triple tops' finish on his way to knocking out Peter Wright in tonight's quarter-final.
With the match level at two legs apiece, Wright only had 40 left to clear before Littler stepped up to get rid of 120 with three successful darts at double-top.
Littler would end up winning that battle 6-4 and in his semi-final against Smith, it looked like he was well on his way to his seventh Premier League final of the campaign.
TRIPLE TOPS 👀
Anything they can do, Luke can do better 📈 pic.twitter.com/nF7FsyrSAs— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) May 16, 2024
Luke Littler priceless reaction to Michael Smith checkout
However, with the Nuke leading 4-1 and with just 20 left to clear, Bully Boy stepped up to take out 156 with two treble 20s and a double 18.
The camera panned to Littler after Smith's third dart, and he was giving his opponent what can only be described as the "evil eye". However, a smile quickly spread across his face as he moved in to congratulate Smith on his incredible checkout.
It's destined to be the latest in a long line of 'memeable' moments that Littler has given us since he burst onto the scene, and there are sure to be plenty more to come.
Still leading 4-2, Littler could have been forgiven for remaining relaxed, but Smith went on to win four of the next five legs to complete an impressive turnaround.
That reaction 😁 pic.twitter.com/UhzQy8poiu
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) May 16, 2024
Premier League Darts play-offs
The pair will be joined in the play-offs next week by world champion Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen, with the event taking place at the O2 in London.
Littler has had a phenomenal debut campaign in the Premier League, putting to bed any theories that his memorable run to the World Championship final at Christmas was some kind of beginner's luck.
Topping it off by becoming Premier League champion next week would just be the icing on the cake.
See Also: Irish Darts Legend Brendan Dolan Warns Youngsters In Brilliant Interview After Surprise Title Win
