Luke Humphries became the fourth player to win a Triple Crown as he halted Luke Littler in the Premier League final.

Littler was looking to secure back-to-back Premier League darts titles in London’s O2 Arena at the play-offs, after another record-breaking campaign.

‘The Nuke’ would join an exclusive club alongside Michael Van Gerwen and Phil Taylor to have won two consecutive titles.

He took on notorious adversary Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals, and found himself trailing 6-4 as he trudged backstage for the break.

But he turned it around and booked a place in the final with a 10-7 victory, where he took on world No.1 Humphries once again, who beat Nathan Aspinall in his side of the draw.

The pair met in a cagey affair at the oche over the extended format, with Littler looking to defend his prize money from his debut year.

And it was Humphries who was the victor in another epic battle as he edged the contest 11-8 to his total delight.

In his victory, ‘Cool Hand’ became the fourth member in PDC history to have won darts’ Triple Crown, the Premier League, World Matchplay and World Championship.

He places alongside darting royalty Phil Taylor, Michael Van Gerwen and Gary Anderson in having recorded the feat.

Unfortunately for teenage sensation Littler, he was denied darts’ second biggest prize, a £275k jackpot.

It is a huge boost for Humphries on the PDC Order of Merit, and he will now look to have a positive year and keep his place at the top of the tree.

Humphries was simply delighted as he sealed the victory, and realised his ultimate career dream.

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Humphries sealed the trophy and another £275k to his prize money[/caption]

He said: “Honestly, that one means the world to me. It’s the one I was missing. I said in all my pre-match build- up the last few days that it was the one I wanted.

“I’ve done it now. If I don’t win another title I will happy, because I’ve won the three hardest ones now.

“I’ve joined an elite club with Gary Anderson, Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen now. I must say to Phil Taylor a big ‘thank you’ because he’s been giving me a lot of support the past few weeks.

“I love Luke [Littler] to bits. He’s one of my best mates on tour. He’s so good, but wasn’t at his best tonight.

“Nor was I but I managed to get in front of him He’s a great player, and really good.

“I managed to get him early [in his career] before he trounces everyone.”

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Humphries and Littler had huge respect after another back and forth clash[/caption]

For Littler it was a huge disappointment given how he had performed throughout the 17-week campaign.

Littler broke the record for the most number of nightly wins with six and cruised into play-off qualification.

He also secured a record total of 45 points in the league phase, and was considered a favourite to recapture his crown.

But Humphries will be delighted to have got one over on his fellow leading tungsten magician, as their jockeying for top spot continues.

The pair will now link up for the World Cup of Darts which begins next month.

They will play as a double team in Germany, with Littler making his first appearance in the competition replacing Michael Smith.