Luke Littler denied fairytale as Luke Humphries wins classic PDC World Darts Championship final
Luke Humphries has been crowned the PDC World Darts Champion for the first time after a classic final win against Luke Littler.
Humphries had never reached the final of the tournament before but has now taken the crown – to go with his new world no.1 status – with a 7-4 triumph over the teen sensation.
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Humphries is the latest winner of the PDC World ChampionshipCredit: Getty
Littler, who is just 16 years old, was making his World Championship debut and become a huge fan favourite at Alexandra Palace.
He shone against tough opposition en route to the final, but it just wasn’t to be on Wednesday night despite another strong showing.
As well as the Sid Waddell trophy, Humphries walks away with a cool £500,000, while Littler has to settle for a cheque for £200,000.
Early nerves were on show for Littler as Humphries took the first set but he was on hand to level the scoring in the second.
The 28-year-old regained his lead in the third but Littler went on a sensational run with victories in the fourth, fifth and sixth sets.
He held a commanding lead as he appeared to find his swagger, but Humphries clawed back to make it 4-4.
Both players had their respective wobbles behind the oche amid such a huge occasion, one that the Alexandra Palace crowd adored.
Humphries’ experience appeared to pay off though as he came from 4-2 down to go 6-4 up and within one set of glory.
He won the 11th and final set 3-2 to become the 2024 PDC World Champion in a 7-4 victory, doing so by hitting a double eight.
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Humphries was far from perfect, but he came from behind to seal the winCredit: Getty
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Littler’s inexperience appeared to play a role in defeatCredit: Getty
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Following victory, Humphries was quick to celebrate with his friends and familyCredit: Getty
Speaking on stage after his victory, Humphries said: “I could not put into words how great this feels.
“Honestly I was thinking in the back of my mind, ‘Get this one now’, because he’s going to dominate world darts soon! He’s going to win plenty I’m sure.
Heartwarming footage shows Luke Littler showing off darts skills as a baby
“He’s an incredible player and when I was on the brink of winning he was relentless – but I was really, really proud of the performance.
“That double eight at the end, I can’t lie, my hand was shaking like mad. I’m world champion, world number one, I can’t ask for more.
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Littler may have been defeated, but it did little to wipe the smile off his faceCredit: Getty
“It makes it more incredible because there was a time in my life when I was really depressed and I couldn’t do it up on the big stage and had a lot of problems – so to be world champion is unbelievable.”
Littler enjoyed a fantastic debut tournament and has certainly enjoyed the experience as a whole: “It’s been unbelievable.
“The one negative was I lost too many legs on my throw so Luke could break me. Fair play to Luke, he deserves it.”
He has now moved into the top 32, and added: “I would rather be in the top 32 than play the development tour. I am happy, top 32 and runner-up on my debut, it’s unbelievable.
“I got to the final and might not get to another for the next five or 20 years. I can say I’m runner-up but I just want to go and win it.”
LUKE HUMPHRIES IS WORLD CHAMPION! 🏆
Darting destiny fulfilled.
The world number one gets over the line against teenage sensation Luke Littler in a thrilling final! pic.twitter.com/IP6pPaWndm
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 3, 2024
