Luke Littler confessed he is “still learning not to react to the fans” after quietening the Dublin crowd with a stunning fightback in the latest instalment of Premier League action. While the loudest jeers of the evening were directed at Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock, whose every dart was met with boos as his disappointing Premier League run persisted, Littler also attracted hostility from spectators.

However, Littler, who criticised hecklers following a victory over Rob Cross at the PDC World Championship in December, had the final say after recovering from 5-0 down in the final to defeat Welshman Gerwyn Price 6-5. Following his escape from a whitewash, Littler celebrated mockingly and then whilst trailing 5-1 waved farewell only for Price to squander three match darts before the teenager orchestrated an extraordinary comeback.

“I’ve definitely learnt a lot, especially with the fans,” the 19-year-old told a press conference. “In the first game against (Stephen) Bunting I didn’t give anything to the fans, I didn’t give any reaction and got the job done.

“It was the same in the final when I was 5-0 down, everyone doubted me, I definitely doubted myself but I had a little laugh and a joke. I was just having a bit of fun because I knew I was beaten.

“I’m still learning not to react to the fans. I didn’t do much then, only for the first leg, and then I can build on it. It is what it is, people want to see new winners but I’ve won again.”

Price also squandered doubles when leading 5-3 and 5-4 and was narrowly beaten in a final-leg showdown by Littler, who staged a comeback from 5-3 down to triumph over Dutchman Michael Van Gerwen in an exhilarating semi-final.

However, when asked about his thoughts whilst trailing 5-0 to Price, Littler admitted: “I’m out the game, I’m gone. Hit the first leg, give it a bit to the fans, I think they wanted a 6-0 and Gez definitely would have wanted a 6-0.

“Then Gez set up a tops, I hit a 180 and waved the fans ‘goodbye’ because in my head I’m done – when Gezzy is sat on tops, he doesn’t usually miss. From then, I just lost track and don’t remember much.”

Rock’s 6-0 loss to Price at the beginning of the evening means the Premier League newcomer is yet to secure a win after seven nights, despite hitting a nine-darter against Gian van Veen in Belfast three weeks ago.

“It’s not going to plan with Josh but he definitely deserves to be here,” Littler added. “Hopefully Josh can get a grip off the format and the Premier League very soon.”