‘I couldn’t hold my own’: Heartbreak for teen darts sensation Luke Littler after Humphries bags World Darts title 7-4
3 January 2024, 22:03 | Updated: 3 January 2024, 23:52
Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has lost the final of the World Darts Championship as Luke Humphries took the title.
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The 16-year-old debutant has set Alexandra Palace alight over the last fortnight and was one win away from producing one of the greatest sporting stories of all time by becoming the youngest world darts champion.
But he fell at the final hurdle and was left in tears as Humphries bagged the title with a scintillating 7-4 victory, which saw him lift the Sid Waddell trophy for the first time.
He was one dart away from going 5-2 down, but he rallied and reeled off five successive sets to claim glory in style.
Littler said his whirlwind success the last few days had been “unbelievable” but that he just “couldn’t hold my own” following his defeat in Wednesday’s final.
The teenager's disappointment was visible following the loss as he teared up on screen.
"Every game has been good," he said. But his optimism towards future championships remains in place, as he said: "I just want to go and win it."
Littler shot to darts superstardom after becoming the youngest finalist to ever reach the World Darts Championship.
Humphries sunk to his knees in triumph following the win before embracing Littler with a hug.
Speaking after his victory, Humphries praised the youngster’s performance.
Humphries described Littler as an “incredible talent” who would “dominate world darts soon”.
Speaking of his own performance, Humphries said he felt "really proud".
Littler's defeat in the final comes after a number of fairytale wins towards the end of the tournament.
His triumph against Rob Cross in the semi-final at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday made him the youngest ever finalist to reach the PDC World Darts Championship.
While the youngster has missed out on the £500,000 Championship prize, he will still take home £200,000 following his wins against Rob Cross and Brendan Dolan 5-1 at London's Alexandra Palace on New Year's Day.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak congratulated Humphries on his win, adding that he knew both finalists would 'lead the sport for years to come'.
Mr Sunak wrote on X: “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."
