Fresh from claiming the World Series of Darts Finals title, Luke Littler was once again adding to his impressive accolade tally with a third Players Championship success of the year.

With his triumph in Amsterdam less than two days in the memory, the youngster headed to Wigan and bagged his hat-trick of 2024 Pro Tours with a thrilling last leg deciding victory over Stephen Bunting.

The Nuke signalled his intent early doors defeating Adam Gawlas, Jacques Labre and Andrew Gilding with assertive displays to seal a board win.

After rocketing to a magnificent 104.42 average in overcoming Kevin Doets 6-2, the teenager then put in another stellar ton plus performance to send the reigning World Champion, Luke Humphries home courtesy of the same scoreline.

And after charging to another colossal win over Dave Chisnall with the concession again of just two legs, Littler was set to battle Bunting in the final.

Storming out of the blocks against The Bullet, it looked like an early 5-1 advantage for the 17-year old would result in a resounding outcome and entrance to the winners circle.

However, back fought to Liverpudlian bravely to eventually take an enthralling match to sudden death.

But it was the Premier League crown wearer who took the honours with a magnificent 13-dart leg to take his title count for the year up to nine.

Hunting for a glorious double, Littler was eventually halted in the last 16 on day two after suffering a 6-3 defeat at the hands of Maik Kuivenhoven.

A string of solid wins over Jamie Hughes, Nick Kenny and Dirk van Duijvenbode were finally brought to an end with the Dutchman stopping the streak.

Hollywood Chris Dobey was also in fine fettle as he continued his recent good form with a healthy run, falling just shy of a quarter-final spot on the opening day of action at Robin Park.

The Geordie maestro began brightly with a comprehensive 6-2 victory over Ryan Meikle before taking out young Irishman, Dylan Slevin in round two.

Then in an all Newcastle bout, Dobey rallied back superbly from 5-3 down to edge fellow North-East boy, Callan Rydz to the punch with a smash and grab job in the final leg.

Any hopes of his third Players Championship title of the year were then sadly extinguished with defeat to compatriot Stephen Bunting in the last 16.

Disappointingly for Dobey, it was a premature ending 24 hours later with the Belgian Mario Vandenbogarde sealing a 6-3 victory in their opening clash on Wednesday afternoon.

A recuperated Nathan Aspinall was hoping for an immediate bounce back as he returned to action after a three month lay off due to surgery.

And it was nearly a winning comeback for the Asp as he faced Darren Beveridge. Unfortunately though for the two time major winner, the ring rust might take a little while longer to shake off as he went down 6-5 to the Scot.

Wednesday also bore no fruit for the Stockport man with Ryan Searle prevailing in their round one match-up.

Now a regular from the Challenge Tour leading list, Andy Boulton answered the call up for Wigan and added two handy wins to his ranking count.

Opening day wins over Owen Bates and Martin Schindler extended his prize pot by £2000 on the order of merit before being stopped by Mike De Decker and William O’Connor respectively meaning a worthwhile trip to Lancashire for X-Factor.