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 4-7 (2-3) Luke Humphries
Humphries may just do it in this leg. He hits a maxmium then 96 to leave a finish of 125. Littler misses out on his checkout so Humphries has a chance.
He hits the bullseye twice to give Littler a chance of taking the leg. He doesn’t take it. Is this the match?
Humphries needs just double 8. He sends the first dart, misses. He sends the second dart, hits!
Luke Humphries is the new world champion!
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-6 (2-2) Luke Humphries
This leg is a struggle for Littler who can’t find the trebles until he nails a 180 to apply some pressure on Humphries. Humprhies doesn’t feel it and hits 16, double 20 to take the leg.
This set is going to a decider.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-6 (2-1) Luke Humphries
Littler scores 140 then 135 before landing 180! He’s on for a 12 dart leg with Humphries not on a finish. Littler misses two shots at double 16.
Humphries applies some pressure but Littler takes out the double with the first throw of his next visit.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-6 (1-1) Luke Humphries
Humphries is coming for him though. He lands his 22nd 180 of the match - 22! The world number one has 180 left and sets up with a 140 to leave tops.
Littler comes back with 140 but Humphries hits 20 then double 10 to win the leg.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-6 (1-0) Luke Humphries
All Luke Littler can do now is make Luke Humphries win this title. The 16-year-old needs to stop the rot and win the remaining three sets to win this match.
It’s a mammoth task but if anyone can do it, maybe this teenager can.
A 140 keeps his nose ahead in the leg and he sets up to leave 74 with Humphries not on an easy finish. Littler takes out 54 to leave double 10.
Humphries doesn’t take out 146 and Littler sends himself ahead in the set.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-6 (1-3) Luke Humphries
A 180 from Humphries is followed by a 140 and he’s got time to set up his finish. He takes 145 to leave 36 with Littler responding by hitting a 180!
Humphries doesn’t buckle. He lands double 18 to move within one set of the title!
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-5 (1-2) Luke Humphries
Humphries leaves himself 80 to win the leg but slips into the 5. He needs to hit 25 then bull but misses the centre red. Littler has a shot at bull himself to break but just goes wide.
Humphries takes the leg by tidying up 25. This is so tense.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-5 (1-1) Luke Humphries
Littler fights back! He takes out a 170 in the World Championship final to bring himself level in the set again. It’s only a hold of throw though so Humphries is still on top, slightly.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-5 (0-1) Luke Humphries
Humphries will know the importance of winning this set. He’ll be one away from a world title if he can. The last three sets have all gone his way.
Littler isn’t going away. He almost takes out 164 but misses the bullseye. Humphries needs double 16 in response and nails it!
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 4-5 (2-3) Luke Humphries
Another 180 from Humphries sees him on the front foot but Littler manages to leave 170. He’s denied a chance to go for bullseye as he misses treble 20 on the second attempt.
Humphries requires 36, he hits 18, then takes out double 9! The set is his.
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