16-year-old Luke Littler denied fairytale win in world darts final

Jan 03, 2024

Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler was denied a fairytale victory at the World Darts Championship after defeat to Luke Humphries in the final.

The 16-year-old produced more of the spectacular darts that inspired his run to the final, as he moved into a 4-2 lead.

But world number one Humphries fought back to win 7-4 and take the title along with £500,000 in prize money.

Littler will still scoop £200,000 following his incredible run to the final.

The youngster said the last fortnight had been “unbelievable” but admitted his performance this evening fell just short, saying: “The one negative was I lost too many legs with my throw so Luke could break me.

“That was the only negative, I just couldn’t hold my own throw and I didn’t win.”

He added: “Every game has been good but that one has just really annoyed me, especially the three missed to keep it going.

“That’s what the crowd wanted but fair play to Luke, he deserves it.”

Looking ahead to the next world championship, the teenager said: “I just want to go and win it.”

Littler had had the chance to go 5-2 ahead in the race to seven sets but missed a dart at double two.

Humphries took the set and then reeled off the next four to triumph at Alexandra Palace in north London.

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Speaking after his securing his title, Humphries, 28, said: “I cannot put into words how great this feels.

“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 incredible player and when I was on the brink of winning he was so relentless. I was really proud of the performance there.

“He’s an incredible talent and I had to win this one tonight and he’s going to win plenty I’m sure.”

Humphries has now won his last 19 matches, and has claimed four of the last five major tournaments.

The pair, who are both from England, have met before when Humphries beat a then 12-year-old Littler in a pub tournament in 2019 and both have enjoyed a meteoric rise since then.

The prime minister congratulated Humphries on social media platform X on Wednesday evening.

Rishi Sunak wrote: “Congratulations Luke, a great win tonight. What an incredible final to end a historic championship. I know that @lukeh180 and @LukeTheNuke180 will be leading the sport for years to come.”

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