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 2-2 (1-1) Luke Humphries
Humphries hits a maximum 180! Then follows up with 140 to put himself in control of the leg. A 121 leaves just 60 for the world number one.
He’s got two darts at tops and needs both. It’s a hold of throw though.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 2-2 (1-0) Luke Humphries
There’s got to be something in this match that separates the two players. At present there isn’t. Littler smashes in a 180 and is on a nine dart finish.
His next trip only brings 60 but he’s on top in the leg. He’s got the throw in this set and can pull ahead in the match. The teenager doesn’t take out 130 but is left with 16.
He needs one dart.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 2-2 (0-0) Luke Humphries
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 2-2 (3-1) Luke Humphries
Littler’s high scoring sees him require 90 to win the set. He hits treble 20 but misses both darts at double 15. Humphries can’t capitalise.
Littler hits 15, he takes out 7, one shot at double 4... hits!
The match is all square. Everyone take a breath.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 1-2 (2-1) Luke Humphries
Humphries keeps himself in the set with a fine chckout from 73. He only had one shot at hitting double 20 but manages to hit it. This is a barnstormer of a final already.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 1-2 (2-0) Luke Humphries
Littler’s throw allows him to get down to a finish first and he sets up 126. He can’t hit a treble and Humphries has a shot at 112 - he only scores 41.
Littler doesn’t finish but sets up 40. He gets a chance at it as Humphries messes up his visit. Littler takes the leg.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 1-2 (1-0) Luke Humphries
No-one has managed to hold their throw in each of the three sets so far. Can Luke Humphries do so here?
Luke Littler is the more impressive scorer in this opening leg though and sets up three darts at 40. He hits 20 with his first one, goes wide of double 10 with his second then lands it with his third!
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 1-2 (2-3) Luke Humphries
Oh my! A 180 - his eighth in the match - leaves Humphries just 83 to win the set. He sets up for bullseye but lands it too high. Littler leaves himself with 40 but Humphries has a chance to steal the set.
He takes it in two darts! A single 9 then double 8.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 1-1 (2-2) Luke Humphries
Humphries has time to break Littler again after another 180! He leaves a finish of 116 and has six darts to do it. He only needs three and nails double 18 to take the leg.
The third set is going to a decider as well.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 1-1 (2-1) Luke Humphries
A maximum for Humphries sees him edge ahead of Littler in the leg but can only leave 138 as his checkout. Littler requires 70.
Humphries can’t take it out but Littler slips up with his two darts at double. Humphries punishes him and breaks immediately back.
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