Luke Humphries sprays followers with water after whistling cannot cease him beating Luke Littler

On Nov 25, 2024

Luke Humphries celebrated his stunning Players Championship final win over Luke Littler by indulging in a swig from his water bottle and spraying some of the contents onto fans.

The darts star claimed an 11-7 victory in a thrilling showdown that unfortunately saw spectator interference with whistling. The world number one showed immense form ahead of the World Darts Championship, delivering a masterclass to overpower the newly-minted Grand Slam of Darts victor with poise and precision.

Despite being heckled by sections of the Minehead audience, the 29 year old pushed through the noise to claim his seventh major title and successfully defend his Players Championship trophy. Humphries had to fend off a surge from Littler, as both darters put on a display of top-notch legs which saw the score teeter at 7-6 to Humphries.

The current world champion, who secured his status after besting Littler at Ally Pally earlier in January, clinched the subsequent leg yet showed frustration as whistles tried to throw him off his game, reports the Express. Forced to step back and regain composure, Humphries’ annoyance was palpable as he concentrated on the match at hand. The atmosphere grew tense as the referee sternly addressed the audience: “Stop whistling, thank you.”

In a momentary setback, Humphries’ missed doubles allowed Littler to close the gap to 8-7 before the final interval. Nonetheless, Humphries cemented his position at the pinnacle of the PDC rankings, returning from the break to sweep three consecutive legs and seal his triumph on Butlins’ celebrated stage.

Luke Humphries retained his Players Championship.
(Image: (Image: Getty))

Luke Humphries was the picture of jubilation, celebrating triumph with an energetic show of muscle-flexing and enthusiastic fist pumps. He hugged his rival and mate Luke Littler in a display of sportsmanship despite their fierce competition. Unable to resist a playful jest, he mischievously teased the audience, feigning to splash water before actually tossing some into the crowd, drenching at least one camera operator amidst laughter and cheers.

After scooping up the prestigious Players Championship trophy and winning a cool £120k, Humphries couldn’t hide his satisfaction while talking to ITV. He said: “This trophy was in my living room a couple of months ago, and now I’ve got it back! I’m really, really proud of that one, to be honest.

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“I didn’t feel myself this week, playing-wise. I felt like I was a dart behind in a lot of the scenarios. There’s something that Luke does to you. He really drives me. He makes me want to be a better player.”

Reflecting on the match, Humphries added: “I enjoy playing him. He let me in really early in that first session to go 4-1 up but I never looked back. I’m proud of the way I didn’t take my foot off the gas like I have this whole weekend.

“A lot of the games, I’ve taken my foot off the gas and allowed people to come back at me. I was very fortunate against Dirk, I rode my luck, but I got into the final and was in my comfort zone.”

“These big games are what I live for and what I dream of, being a major champion, this is what I do it all for. I travel the world for these moments. Really, really pleased.”