LUKE Littler made an early exit in the latest round of the Premier League Darts.

In a high-quality match 'The Nuke' lost 6-3 to St Helens darter Michael Smith in the quarter finals - the first game of the night.

Littler went into the night in Rotterdam today, Thursday, topping the table but he could lose that spot depending on results in the rest of the night.

Both players hit four 180s and each averaged over 100.

The former Padgate High teen just edged Smith on average, 102.32 to 100.34, but the former world champion enjoyed a superior checkout percentage.

'Bully boy' hit six of his 10 darts at double, Littler just three of eight.

The roadshow moves far closer to him next week.

As Liverpool hosts on Thursday, April 25.