Luke Littler broke down in tears and opened up on the toll the Premier League campaign has taken on him as he was crowned champion after an 11-10 victory over Luke Humphries at The O2 in London.
Littler finished top of the table in the Premier League regular phase after six nightly wins out of 16 and came into Finals Night looking to clinch a second Premier League win in three appearances.
He started his night by coming through an epic 10-9 deciding-leg thriller against Gerwyn Price, the Welshman rallying from 9-4 down, before averaging over 111 in a classic final against 'Cool Hand' that went all the way once again.
After sealing a tense victory, Littler recounted his journey in the Premier League and became visibly emotional talking about his tough opening few weeks.
"It was a rollercoaster first four weeks, bottom of the table, but then the fifth night I won my first night. I had to pick myself up - some tough times," Littler told Your Site.
"I think I had a 79 average in Brighton or something like that and it was tough. But I am here with the trophy."
Humphries then comforted his opponent and, after Littler took time to regather himself, the 19-year-old admitted the boos he has been receiving from the crowd have taken their toll.
The jeers for Littler worsened following an incident with Gian van Veen on Night Nine in Manchester.
Amid a tense deciding leg, Van Veen missed a match dart before turning to find Littler celebrating in front of the home crowd, with the world champion then gesturing angrily at his opponent as he turned back to the oche.
Littler then missed his chance to throw for the match and Van Veen did not allow him another visit as he wrapped up the quarter-final win - but not before Littler made a crying gesture to the crowd and then exchanged a brief handshake with his rival.
The following week at Brighton, Littler was booed once again as he recorded his lowest PDC TV average in defeat to Stephen Bunting.
Littler revealed the reaction from the crowds during those weeks made him not want to play, before the emotional interview was cut short as he went to see his loved ones.
"After Brighton and the incident in Manchester, I was sat at home saying to Faith [his partner] 'I don't want to do it any more, just the crowd every week'. I said to her 'I'm down bad'."
Humphries was gracious as ever in defeat and, after comforting Littler, described why such big moments are full of emotion, especially given the number of weeks the players put in to a Premier League campaign.
"It is emotional, you have seen it from Luke there. You are playing in big finals and it shows how much it means to us as players," he told Your Site.
"You are on the road for 16 or 17 weeks and I don't get the chance to take my family with me. You want that trophy in your hands.
"It was a great final, one of the best the Premier League has seen. I am proud that I made it a tough game."
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