Luke Humphries claimed he was put off by a breeze on the stage at the 02 Arena as he lost to Luke Littler in an enthralling Premier League play-off final.
There was nothing to separate the two at the halfway stage, who finished top of the Premier League table in the season.
But Littler came out like a man on a mission after the break as he immediately hit a nine-darter to send the 14,000-capacity crowd inside the 02 wild.
That proved to be a pivotal moment as Littler won three legs on the bounce to take a commanding lead and Humphries was unable to respond.
Littler ended up hitting tops to win the final and join an elite list in becoming Premier League champion.
Luke Littler defeated Luke Humphries in the final
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In doing so, Littler picked up the top prize worth £275,000 for his biggest payday in darts.
Humphries was full of praise for Littler after the match, but complained about wind that both players were competing with on stage.
"I was trying to stick in there - there was a massive breeze coming across the stage all night and it's so hard to deal with.
"It's credit to Luke, he managed it all night so well. When I went to the break 5-5 I had stuck in there.
"But then all of a sudden the breeze stopped and he's played much better - he's such a fantastic player, he really is.
"I think me and Luke are the two greatest players in the world at the moment and this was another great battle.
"I just love playing him. I know I lose a lot, but I just love playing him and we are going to have many more battles in the future."
Littler was full of emotions after his win as he burst into tears when he embraced Humphries on stage.
Those tears continued as he hugged his family before returning to the stage to hold his trophy aloft.
And Littler had a special message for those who originally questioned the decision to give him a wildcard to enter the Premier League this season.
Luke Humphries paid his respects to Luke Littler after the match
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"One thing I just want to say - to all the doubters, hello! I've just picked up this! You're not doubting me any more," Littler said loud and proud.
"It's so good to win in front of my family, my girlfriend and my manager. I don't know what to do!
"I've hit a nine-darter on the World Series and so did Phil [Taylor] - now I've hit one in the final here and so did he."
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Luke Littler sent the crowd wild after his nine-darter
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Littler added: "I'm just enjoying it. I've been practicing really hard and you can probably see it on the oche. I was dead focused, I didn't want to blink.
"I'm a major winner, I can put myself in that hat now - I can't wait to go to New York next week and after that I'll have to have a week off in Orlando.
"I can't wait to play in all the events. I've done so well on the Euro Tour and Pro Tour that I'm guaranteed to be in the Matchplay and Grand Prix."
