Luke Littler crushed by acquainted foe in darts Players’ Championship ultimate as stardom continues

Luke “The Nuke”s spellbinding journey at the Ladbrokes Players Championship came to an abrupt halt. Despite tearing through to the final in Minehead with panache, Littler was ultimately outgunned 11-7 by a formidable Luke Humphries in the year’s final TV major showpiece.

Six-time major champ, ‘Cool Hand’ Luke scooped up the hefty £120k winner’s cheque and etched yet another victory onto his already gleaming belt, marking the first title he’s managed to retain. As the mighty world champ Humphries closes off the year spoiling Warrington’s young prodigy’s party.

Based on their dazzling form over the past three days in Devon, these two Lukes are shaping up to be the hot tickets for anyone placing their bets come the PDC World Championship circus rolling into Alexandra Palace next month.

READ MORE: Luke Littler cruises into Players Championship semi-finals despite being ‘stuck in second gear’

READ MORE: Warning over World Darts Championship tickets as demand soars due to ‘Luke Littler effect’

With the darting draw due to be unveiled in London this Monday, Humphries couldn’t hide his delight, admitting: “I’m really proud of that one. I didn’t feel myself earlier this week, but Luke seems to bring the best out of me. I rode my luck getting to the final because I was in my comfort zone, but I travel the world for these moments.”

He then acknowledged the fierce competition: “If you go by stats, he is easily the best player in the world right now so it’s satisfying to win this one when I haven’t been at my best.”

For the teenage sensation Littler, being out of sync in the initial five legs seemed oddly off-character, clocking a modest 80 average and squandering 11 out of 12 double attempts, a mishap that let Humphries dash ahead to a 4-1 advantage.

He thrilled the crowd with a ‘big fish’ 170 finish, following up with spectacular 164 and 136 checkouts. Even so, Luke Littler conceded that his slow start cost him dearly, stating: “It was tough and if you don’t take your chances early on, it’s tough to come back.”

Reflecting on his recent form, he added: “It’s been a good past two weeks after winning the Grand Slam and reaching another major final.”

Geared up for what lies ahead, Littler is keen to relax before the next challenge, saying: “Now I can’t wait to get home, chill out and then move on to the big one.”

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.