Luke Littler fairytale over as darts prodigy overwhelmed by Luke Humphries in remaining

Luke Littler’s hopes of changing into world darts champion on the age of 16 had been lastly ended by Luke Humphries.

The teenage sensation, who has lit up the Paddy Power World Championship over the past three weeks, got here up quick within the 2024 remaining as Humphries, 28, confirmed why he’s the brand new world primary by recovering from 4-2 right down to reel off 5 straights units and win 7-4. It is the fourth and by far the largest main title for Cool Hand, who collects the £500,000 prime prize and the Sid Waddell Trophy.

Meanwhile, the excellent Littler can console himself with the £200,000 runners-up prize and his standing as the most recent younger star of world sport. The Nuke may now be chosen for the upcoming Premier League, the annual darting roadshow which kicks off in February. If he’s, Humphries might be amongst his opponents, with the line-up on account of be introduced on Thursday.

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Littler took the primary leg on his throw with double prime, however Humphries hit again to win the following three to go 1-0 up. Humphries went two up in legs in set two, just for Littler to come back blasting again with a 142 checkout to arrange a decider, after which a 120 end to safe his first set of the match.

Continuing his momentum, Littler sped 2-0 up in set three, however Humphries hit again himself to take it 3-2 and restore his total lead, 2-1. The fourth set was a scrappy affair with each gamers lacking possibilities, however Littler took it 3-1 to tie issues up once more at 2-2.

Set 5 was large for Little as he took benefit of some shaky Humphries throwing to win it 3-1 and take the lead for the primary time at 3-2. As Humphries’ sport faultered, Littler took full benefit in set six, profitable it 3-0 to go 4-2 up.

Humphries improved in set seven, however Little stayed in it and had a set dart to go 5-2 up. It proved to be a key second as Cool Hand lowered the deficit to 4-3. Buoyed by that set, Humphries raced by way of the following too, sealing it with a 121 end on the bull to make it 4-4.

Humphries saved his foot on the accelerator in set 9 which he ultimately took after a spot of double bother. The subsequent additionally belonged to the Newbury thrower as he closed to inside one set of victory at 6-4.

Humphries then took the match-winning set 3-2 to change into world champion for the primary time after Littler missed set darts to drag it again to 6-5. After hitting the profitable darts, Humphries sunk to his knee and burst into tears amid emotional scenes.

“I cannot put into words how great this feels,” he advised Sky Sports after lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy. “In the back of my mind throughout today, I was thinking ‘get this one now because he [Littler] is going to dominate world darts soon!’

“He’s an unbelievable participant and once I was on the point of profitable he was so relentless. I used to be actually happy with the efficiency there. He’s an unbelievable expertise and I needed to win this one tonight and he’ll win a lot I’m positive.”