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 1-1 (2-0) Luke Humphries
Can Humphries hold his nerve? He doesn’t look as comfortable now but he’s playing okay and averaging over 103. A 177 from Littler puts the teenager in control and leaves him with 40.
One more dart sees him take the leg and he’s on top now.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 1-1 (1-0) Luke Humphries
Littler was on the brink of going two sets down but checked out a 142 to turn the second set around. He’s now got the darts in the third and will try to impose himself.
A 134 start is solid though Humphries nails 140. Littler leaves himself 80 for a hold of throw. He’s got one dart at tops and nails it! He now leads for the first time in the match.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 1-1 (3-2) Luke Humphries
Buckle up. Luke Littler is on fire. Another 180 allows him to set up 120 and he’ll have a crack at the finish first. He hits treble 20, lands single 20, hits the double!
Littler is back! The set is his and the final is alive.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 0-1 (2-2) Luke Humphries
With the throw Littler leaves himself 142 but Humphries has just 81 left. Littler goes for consecutive treble 18s, hits them both then nails the double 11!
He’s level in the set now.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 0-1 (1-2) Luke Humphries
There’s a chance for Littler here. A 180 puts him on the attack against the throw to leave 106 but Humphries responds in kind with a maximum of his own.
Littler needs tops to win the leg but slips into the double 5. Humphries can’t tidy up his checkout and Littler hits double 15 to break the throw!
The teenager starts to find his range.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 0-1 (0-2) Luke Humphries
Littler is being outscored easily but Humphries and the teenager needs to find another level. The crowd are trying to encourage him and he almost takes out 128 but goes wide of the bullseye.
Humphries takes out double 2 and wins his fifth leg of the match.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 0-1 (0-1) Luke Humphries
Humphries starts off the second set with a 135 and backs it up with a 137 as Littler finds his range to hit a 140. Humphries doesn’t let up and nails his second 180 to leave just 49.
He’s got time to clean up but doesn’t need it. A 12 dart finish and the leg is his.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 0-1 (1-3) Luke Humphries
This is the perfect start for Humphries. He swiftly leaves 121 but a 140 from Littler keeps him in touch. Humphries has a dart to take out 32 but misses wide.
Littler throws in a maximum!
But, it’s not enough, Humphries lands the double and breaks throw in the first set.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 0-0 (1-2) Luke Humphries
Humphries continues to increase the pressure on Littler but a trip of 43 leaves the door ajar. Humphries sets up 120 to break throw, he hits treble 20, hits 20, then slips under to hit 20 again.
Littler can’t take out 120 himself and Humphries nails double 5 to break! He’ll throw to win the opening set.
World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler 0-0 (1-1) Luke Humphries
A 174 from from Luke Humphries puts him in control of the leg and he follows up with a the first maximum 180! Humphries leaves just 16 with Littler not on a finish.
Humphries nails double 8 to get on the board. Tit-for-tat.
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