Michael Van Gerwen was eliminated from the Premier League after failing in his mission of victories or unstructures in Sheffield when Luke Littler record won a sixth night.
The seven-time champion has had a miserable campaign and reached the final weekly night in the city of the Steel that has to win to keep the dispute for the play-offs.
But he fell into the first obstacle, losing 6-2 against Nathan Aspinininl, whose victory saw him guarantee the fourth place and complete the alignment for the play-offs next week in the O2 in London.
It is only the second time in 13 years that Gerwen, who has won the competition more than any other player, has not reached the night of the final.
His departure is another marked reminder that he is no longer the best dog in sport, sitting very under Littler and Luke Humphries.
The duo with in a fifth final of the campaign while its lasting rivalry continues to dominate the sport and Littler reached the top, with a success of 6-3.
It was his sixth night victory and claimed a story by publishing a record of record points of 45, a new maximum in this competition format.
“For me, this is just warming,” Littler said.
“It’s difficult, it’s a difficult format but I’ve overcome. I’m happy to be the best.
“I am ready for the semifinal, it is the O2, I have won a semifinal before, I am looking forward to it.”
The last installment of his confrontation could prove to be a general essay for the Play-Off final next week, with the favorites of both men to overcome their semifinals.
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Littler will play Gerwyn Price after the Welshman threw a loss of 4-1 to lose 6-5 against Chris Dobey, which saw him pass to fourth place.
Aspinall knew that Victory would reserve his place in the top four for the third time in his career and delivered a good performance against the patient Van Gerwen.
That established a semifinal against Humphries, while Chris Dobey, Rob Cross and Stephen Bunting join Van Gerwen to get out of the tournament.
