Luke Littler turns into World No.1 and admits he is ‘the very best’ in Grand Slam semi

Luke Littler is finally on top of the darting world.

The Nuke, 18, has shot up the world rankings since he first took his steps in the pro tour. And Littler, less than two years after his first appearance at the World Championship, is now World No.1.

Littler bested Danny Noppert in a Grand Slam semi-final clash that oozed quality from both players. The Dutchman started the better of the pair – and was even able to break Littler.

However, the Nuke is almost untouchable over long formats, and he roared back into the clash during the second period of the match. Sky Sports’ Mark Webster said: “He was made to work.

“You tip your hat to Danny Noppert, but he just wilted. Luke Littler found a way like he generally does. We have that breath-taking final. It’s Humphries vs Littler.

“Littler is now provisionally the World No.1 but he’ll want to go and put the icing on the cake by winning the Grand Slam.”

The Nuke, despite being the reigning World Champion, has continually refused to accept he’s the best player in the world, until he dethrone Luke Humphries at the top of the rankings.

He told Sky Sports after the match: “It’s not even been two years on the tour and I’m already world number one. That’s job done. But now I’ve got a bigger match later tonight.

“I’ve said it throughout the year that Luke Humphries was the best in the world. Now I am the best in the world.

“It’s another Luke vs Luke final, some like it, others don’t. It’s going to be another brilliant game. I’ve still not been beaten here. Hopefully I can go back-to-back tonight.”

Littler and Humphries will write the latest chapter in their storied rivalry in Wolverhampton on Sunday evening – Littler has the chance to go back-to-back if he is to come out on top.