Luke Littler vs Luke Humphries LIVE: Teenage sensation slips to defeat in World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler’s remarkable run ended without a fairytale finish as the new world No 1 triumphed
Teenage superstar Luke Littler had his dream ending of winning a world title taken away by the impressive performance of new World No. 1 Luke Humphries who came from behind to win the World Darts Championship in a thrilling finale at Alexandra Palace.
Littler, seemingly unfazed by the occasion, started poorly with the darts in the opening set as Humphries slipped seamlessly into his rhythm. He broke the teenagers throw and went on the claim the set in quick fashion. Littler responded after the break with two 100+ finishes to get back on level terms.
Humphries took the third set and Littler the fourth with neither player managing to hold their throw in these early stages. It was the fifth set that saw Littler begin to tick in his, now almost trademark fashion. He hunted down the treble 20s and finished off his checkouts with verve as Humphries began to flounder. The 16-year-old took three sets in a row to open up a lead of two.
The final then swung definitively. Humphries upped his level as Littler’s dipped. The 28-year-old banging in the 180s with gusto and clinching enough doubles under pressure to keep the teenager at bay. When Humphries retook the lead from a break of throw the momentum was firmly in his corner and a hold of throw moved him within one set of victory.
Littler never wilted, he was out thrown. Constant pressure made Humphries work for his victory but a firm showing in the final set saw him win the deciding leg with a double 16 finish and lift the World Championship trophy for the first time.
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World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-3 (2-3) Luke Humphries
Littler is the first to a finish with 170 left. He doesn’t hit the trebles and leaves 112. A 180 from Humphries means Littler needs to hit 112.
He takes treble 18 twice then misses double 2!
Humphries takes out double 14 to win the set. Huge moment.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-2 (2-2) Luke Humphries
This feels like a massive set. Should Humphries fail to win it then it’s a long way back from 5-2 down. A 140 from Littler leaves him with 122 but a 136 from Humphries keeps on the pressure.
Littler doesn’t feel it. Treble 18, treble 18, double 7! Job done. Oh my days.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-2 (1-2) Luke Humphries
Humphries can’t stop coming for Littler as there’s no let up from the youngster. Humphries has the chance to take out 71 but misses 18 to set up tops.
Littler, in response, requires 94. He leaves bull but slides over the top of it. Humphries manages to break throw with his next visit.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-2 (1-1) Luke Humphries
A 180 from Humphries is followed up by 134 then 171 to leave himself 16 for the checkout. He can’t miss as Littler stays with him on the score.
He does miss though!
Littler needs 84. He slips into the 5, hits treble 13 then smacks the last dart into double 20! It’s an immediate break back.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-2 (0-1) Luke Humphries
The averages are dropping for Luke Humphries. They’re rising for Luke Littler. Humphries leaves a finish of 170 and could do with hitting it...
... he does! Wow. What a response.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-2 (3-0) Luke Humphries
Are the first signs of cracking coming for Luke Humphries? Littler is dominating this set and leaves 136. He sets up to hit double 8 but slides wide.
Humphries fails to take out 80 and Littler lands his own double to move two sets ahead.
Is this the beginning of the end?
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 3-2 (2-0) Luke Humphries
Both men start off the next leg with 180s. Littler only scores 87 but Humphries takes out another maximum to leave 141. The crowd boos mockingly as he misses out on the finish.
Littler has 170 to go. He hits treble 20, hits it again then misses the bullseye!
Humphries can’t checkout, Littler has no problem. He takes out 25 and is one leg away from another set.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 3-2 (1-0) Luke Humphries
It was a poor opening set from Luke Littler but since them he’s been edging the big moments against Luke Humphries. The 28-year-old needs to win this set to stay on level terms but Littler tends to storm away when he gets in front.
Littler starts off with a 177 and he’s on for a 10 dart finish as he leaves 16. Three darts at it and Littler misses them all to leave 8.
He nails double 4 this time and Littler is back in front with a break of throw.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 3-2 (3-1) Luke Humphries
A 10th maximum from Humphries edges him above but the next visit is a shocker and Littler’s latest 180 punishes him. The teenager needs double 16...
... he gets it! The set is his and he leads in the World Darts Championship final!
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 2-2 (2-1) Luke Humphries
Littler requires 144 after nine darts but has time to set up with a 128. He’s got 16 and Humphries asserts some pressure on Littler who misses all three shots at the double.
Humphries has a couple darts at double 20 but misses them!
Littler takes the leg with a fifth attempt at double 8.
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