Luke Littler vs Luke Humphries LIVE: Teenage sensation slips to defeat in World Darts Championship final

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.

Relive all the action below, and get the latest darts betting site offers here:

World Darts Championship final LIVE

• Luke Humphries triumphs over Luke Littler winning darts final 7-4

• Teenager Luke Littler defeated by Luke Humphries in the World Darts Championship final

• 16-year-old Littler took the event by storm but failed at the last hurlde for historic debut triumph

Teenage star Luke Littler beaten by world No 1 Luke Humphries in World Darts Championship final

22:34 , Mike Jones

Never will so few words be written about a world champion, which is unfair on Luke Humphries, the deserving new king of darts. He is now the world No 1 and, aged 28, has produced the most remarkable of breakout seasons, winning three major titles including this world championship, the biggest prize in the sport.

And yet even in victory – a brilliant victory in which Humphries located an unbeatable level in the latter half to blow his opponent away – he was upstaged by a 16-year-old boy.

Luke Littler started nervously but he came to life in the second set, and when he went 4-2 ahead in a race to seven, Alexandra Palace expected him to go all the way. Instead Littler’s level dipped and Humphries’ play transformed. He began thudding 180s for fun, rattling off five successive sets to win 7-4.

Luke Humphries beats teenage star Luke Littler to win first World Darts title

Who is Luke Humphries? The new world champion who beat darts prodigy Luke Littler

23:04 , Mike Jones

The world is talking about Luke Littler, the 16-year-old darts prodigy who smashed his way to final of the World Darts Championship. But there he was beaten by the impressive new world No 1 and world champion, Luke Humphries.

Humphries was among the favourites coming into the tournament after a stellar year which included three titles – the World Grand Prix, the Players Championship Finals and the Grand Slam of Darts – along with a big rise up the rankings, and his run to this final ensured he jumps to the top after the tournament.

Nicknamed ‘Cool Hand Luke’ – a riff on the 1967 prison-drama film of the same name – Humphries is a calm, understated figure, which has led to accusations from some quarters that he lacks the domineering personality to take over the darts world.

Who is Luke Humphries? The new world champion who beat darts prodigy Luke Littler

Luke Littler, 16, collects trophy after finishing runner-up in World Darts Championship

23:00 , Mike Jones

Watch the moment 16-year-old Luke Littler collects his trophy after finishing runner-up in the World Darts Championship. The teenage sensation came up just short against Luke Humphries, who won 7-4 in the showpiece event.

Despite seeing his fairytale run end in heartbreak, Littler will leave Alexandra Palace with memories that will last a lifetime, having beaten Raymond van Barneveld, Brendan Dolan and Rob Cross en route to the final.

Luke Littler collects trophy after finishing runner-up in World Darts Championship

Littler in the Premier League?

22:44 , Mike Jones

The new world champion, Luke Humphries, believes 16-year-old Luke Littler should be heading for a Premier League debut later this month.

“I’m not just saying this because it will please everyone, but Luke has been an unbelievable talent,” Humphries said after his World Championship win.

“Not just about the dartboard, he has been fantastic with all the media that has come about with him and he took the defeat so well. He said go on and celebrate. You will never see never down to a 16 year old kid like him who is just something else.

“I really hope he’s in the Premier League because, if he don’t want to play in it fair enough, but I think he’d be a pleasure to play alongside him this year.

“He’s one of the best players in the world, there is no doubt about that.”

More from Luke Humphries

22:40 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries, speaking to Sky Sports after his victory: “I’ll draw a lot from this and this will be a moment that will never be forgotten.

“I don’t want to say that I’ve completed darts but everything that you want the resume I’ve done now, so now it’s now about motivating yourself to do more and more.

“Now I want to be double world champion and win loads of majors.”

Reaction from Luke Littler

22:29 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler, speaking to Sky Sports:

“It has been unbelievable. 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.

“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.”

Luke Humphries defeats Luke Littler 7-4 in World Darts Championship final

22:16 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries gave his reaction to Sky Sports after his exceptional victory: “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.”

Luke Humphries defeats Luke Littler 7-4 in World Darts Championship final

22:13 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries defeats Luke Littler 7-4 in World Darts Championship final

22:08 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries has a huge smile on his face as he is announced as the new world champion.

The crowd, very much in support of Luke Littler, give him a deserved and warm reception as he hoists the Sid Waddell trophy aloft.

This victory caps off an amazing three months for Humphries. He’s won the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam, the Players Championship and now the World Championship.

What a journey for the 28-year-old.

Luke Humphries defeats Luke Littler 7-4 in World Darts Championship final

22:06 , Mike Jones

What a match, what a final, what a tournament.

Luke Humphries gets the job done having won five sets in a row against the incredible 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler. The teenager is keeping things together well. He was a wonderful competitor who took the darts world by storm over the last three weeks.

The crowd chant for him as he collects his runners-up trophy.

World Darts Championship final

22:03 , Mike Jones

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

22:00 , Mike Jones

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

21:58 , Mike Jones

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

21:57 , Mike Jones

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

21:55 , Mike Jones

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

21:49 , Mike Jones

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

21:47 , Mike Jones

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

21:46 , Mike Jones

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

21:44 , Mike Jones

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

21:43 , Mike Jones

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.

World Darts Championship final

21:41 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 4-4 (2-2) Luke Humphries

A 140 from Humphries puts him on a finish of 144. Littler leaves 170. Humphries can’t take it but sets up to leave just 16. Littler misses the big checkout.

Humphries messes up three shots at double, Littler punishes him by landing double 10. The set is alive again.

World Darts Championship final

21:39 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 4-4 (1-2) Luke Humphries

The announcer is going to strain his voice with the amount of 180s he’s calling. Littler has the chance to clean up but doesn’t take it. Humphries misses a second shot at treble 20 to checkout out 156 and Littler manages to hold his nerve to get a leg on the board.

Can he rescue the set now?

World Darts Championship final

21:38 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 4-4 (0-2) Luke Humphries

Humphries is starting to tick again and bring the momentum with him. He leaves 108 again and will have a chance to take the leg but Littler leaving 40 piles on the pressure.

What pressure?

Humphries takes out 108 for the second leg going and moves within one leg of winning the set.

World Darts Championship final

21:36 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 4-4 (0-1) Luke Humphries

Who’s going to win from here? You’re guess is as good as mine. Luke Humphries’ last two sets have seen him average 113+ and 114+. That is incredible darts under the most pressure possible.

Littler has the throw now. Both men start with 99 but miss trebles with their second visits.

The teenager is the first to a finish and leaves a very gettable 64 after a 140. Littler hits 16, hits 8, then misses double 20. Humphries has 108 left.

He takes it out!

World Darts Championship final

21:30 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 4-4 (1-3) Luke Humphries

Littler struggles now to hit the trebles as Humphries knocks off back-to-back 140s. A 100 from Humphries leaves him on a finish of 121 and he might need to take it.

He does! Wow. The match is level. Cool Hand Luke indeed. What a final we have here.

World Darts Championship final

21:28 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 4-3 (1-2) Luke Humphries

Humphries manages to set up a 170 finish under serious scoring pressure from Littler who is on 121. Humphries doesn’t hit it but Littler also misses the bullseye to nick one.

Humphries can’t capitalise and misses the bull himself on the next visit. Littler breaks throw and wins the leg!

World Darts Championship final

21:27 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 4-3 (0-2) Luke Humphries

Here we go again. Littler pings in repeated trips of over 100 but a 180 from Humphries takes him down to 181 where he can set up for a strong finish.

He leaves 41 as Littler can’t take out 170. Humphries takes out the leg in 11 darts and moves within one leg of winning the set.

World Darts Championship final

21:25 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 4-3 (0-1) Luke Humphries

Luke Humphries is leading on the match averages with a tick over 102 compared to Littler’s 101. Humphries averaged 113+ in the seventh set and almost lost it. That’s how good these two have been.

He’s got the darts now as he attempts to level up the match. He sets up 32 from a potential 130 finish and he only needs two darts to take it out.

Luke Littler's clubmates watch World Darts Championship final

21:23 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler says ‘it’s crazy what I’ve done’ for darts ahead of World Championship final

21:21 , Mike Jones

World Darts Championship final

21:20 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 4-3 (2-3) Luke Humphries

Littler is the first to a finish with 170 left. He doesn’t hit the trebles and leaves 112. A 180 from Humphries means Littler needs to hit 112.

He takes treble 18 twice then misses double 2!

Humphries takes out double 14 to win the set. Huge moment.

World Darts Championship final

21:18 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 4-2 (2-2) Luke Humphries

This feels like a massive set. Should Humphries fail to win it then it’s a long way back from 5-2 down. A 140 from Littler leaves him with 122 but a 136 from Humphries keeps on the pressure.

Littler doesn’t feel it. Treble 18, treble 18, double 7! Job done. Oh my days.

World Darts Championship final

21:16 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 4-2 (1-2) Luke Humphries

Humphries can’t stop coming for Littler as there’s no let up from the youngster. Humphries has the chance to take out 71 but misses 18 to set up tops.

Littler, in response, requires 94. He leaves bull but slides over the top of it. Humphries manages to break throw with his next visit.

World Darts Championship final

21:14 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 4-2 (1-1) Luke Humphries

A 180 from Humphries is followed up by 134 then 171 to leave himself 16 for the checkout. He can’t miss as Littler stays with him on the score.

He does miss though!

Littler needs 84. He slips into the 5, hits treble 13 then smacks the last dart into double 20! It’s an immediate break back.

World Darts Championship final

21:13 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 4-2 (0-1) Luke Humphries

The averages are dropping for Luke Humphries. They’re rising for Luke Littler. Humphries leaves a finish of 170 and could do with hitting it...

... he does! Wow. What a response.

World Darts Championship final

21:11 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 4-2 (3-0) Luke Humphries

Are the first signs of cracking coming for Luke Humphries? Littler is dominating this set and leaves 136. He sets up to hit double 8 but slides wide.

Humphries fails to take out 80 and Littler lands his own double to move two sets ahead.

Is this the beginning of the end?

World Darts Championship final

21:10 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 3-2 (2-0) Luke Humphries

Both men start off the next leg with 180s. Littler only scores 87 but Humphries takes out another maximum to leave 141. The crowd boos mockingly as he misses out on the finish.

Littler has 170 to go. He hits treble 20, hits it again then misses the bullseye!

Humphries can’t checkout, Littler has no problem. He takes out 25 and is one leg away from another set.

World Darts Championship final

21:08 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 3-2 (1-0) Luke Humphries

It was a poor opening set from Luke Littler but since them he’s been edging the big moments against Luke Humphries. The 28-year-old needs to win this set to stay on level terms but Littler tends to storm away when he gets in front.

Littler starts off with a 177 and he’s on for a 10 dart finish as he leaves 16. Three darts at it and Littler misses them all to leave 8.

He nails double 4 this time and Littler is back in front with a break of throw.

World Darts Championship final

21:02 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 3-2 (3-1) Luke Humphries

A 10th maximum from Humphries edges him above but the next visit is a shocker and Littler’s latest 180 punishes him. The teenager needs double 16...

... he gets it! The set is his and he leads in the World Darts Championship final!

World Darts Championship final

21:00 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 2-2 (2-1) Luke Humphries

Littler requires 144 after nine darts but has time to set up with a 128. He’s got 16 and Humphries asserts some pressure on Littler who misses all three shots at the double.

Humphries has a couple darts at double 20 but misses them!

Littler takes the leg with a fifth attempt at double 8.

World Darts Championship final

20:58 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 2-2 (1-1) Luke Humphries

Humphries hits a maximum 180! Then follows up with 140 to put himself in control of the leg. A 121 leaves just 60 for the world number one.

He’s got two darts at tops and needs both. It’s a hold of throw though.

World Darts Championship final

20:57 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 2-2 (1-0) Luke Humphries

There’s got to be something in this match that separates the two players. At present there isn’t. Littler smashes in a 180 and is on a nine dart finish.

His next trip only brings 60 but he’s on top in the leg. He’s got the throw in this set and can pull ahead in the match. The teenager doesn’t take out 130 but is left with 16.

He needs one dart.

World Darts Championship final

20:54 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 2-2 (0-0) Luke Humphries

World Darts Championship final

20:51 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 2-2 (3-1) Luke Humphries

Littler’s high scoring sees him require 90 to win the set. He hits treble 20 but misses both darts at double 15. Humphries can’t capitalise.

Littler hits 15, he takes out 7, one shot at double 4... hits!

The match is all square. Everyone take a breath.

World Darts Championship final

20:49 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 1-2 (2-1) Luke Humphries

Humphries keeps himself in the set with a fine chckout from 73. He only had one shot at hitting double 20 but manages to hit it. This is a barnstormer of a final already.

World Darts Championship final

20:48 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 1-2 (2-0) Luke Humphries

Littler’s throw allows him to get down to a finish first and he sets up 126. He can’t hit a treble and Humphries has a shot at 112 - he only scores 41.

Littler doesn’t finish but sets up 40. He gets a chance at it as Humphries messes up his visit. Littler takes the leg.

World Darts Championship final

20:45 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 1-2 (1-0) Luke Humphries

No-one has managed to hold their throw in each of the three sets so far. Can Luke Humphries do so here?

Luke Littler is the more impressive scorer in this opening leg though and sets up three darts at 40. He hits 20 with his first one, goes wide of double 10 with his second then lands it with his third!

World Darts Championship final

20:43 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 1-2 (2-3) Luke Humphries

Oh my! A 180 - his eighth in the match - leaves Humphries just 83 to win the set. He sets up for bullseye but lands it too high. Littler leaves himself with 40 but Humphries has a chance to steal the set.

He takes it in two darts! A single 9 then double 8.

World Darts Championship final

20:42 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 1-1 (2-2) Luke Humphries

Humphries has time to break Littler again after another 180! He leaves a finish of 116 and has six darts to do it. He only needs three and nails double 18 to take the leg.

The third set is going to a decider as well.

World Darts Championship final

20:40 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 1-1 (2-1) Luke Humphries

A maximum for Humphries sees him edge ahead of Littler in the leg but can only leave 138 as his checkout. Littler requires 70.

Humphries can’t take it out but Littler slips up with his two darts at double. Humphries punishes him and breaks immediately back.

World Darts Championship final

20:39 , Mike Jones

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

20:37 , Mike Jones

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

20:31 , Mike Jones

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

20:30 , Mike Jones

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

20:29 , Mike Jones

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

20:27 , Mike Jones

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

20:25 , Mike Jones

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

20:20 , Mike Jones

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

20:18 , Mike Jones

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

20:16 , Mike Jones

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.

World Darts Championship final

20:15 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler 0-0 (1-0) Luke Humphries

Littler won the bull off in the practice room meaning he’ll be throwing the first darts of this final. It’s a cagey start from the 16-year-old which is matched by Humphries.

A 140 from Littler settles him and he manages to set up a finish of 164. Humphries leaves 120 to apply some pressure.

Littler can’t checkout and leaves 40. Humphries misses out on one dart at tops. Littler then hits it. The first leg is his!

World Darts Championship final

20:11 , Mike Jones

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler makes his way out and receives a very loud round of applause. Once again he gives his mum a hug just before he strides up to the stage.

He looks relaxed and confident.

Luke Humphries is met with a chorus of well intentioned boos amid the cheering. He’s the pantomine villain tonight as the favourite to win the title.

Can Cool Hand Luke pull off another major title win, argubly the biggest of his career?

World Darts Championship final

20:08 , Mike Jones

The last three weeks have all been building to this. There will be a new world darts champion crowned this evening but who will it be?

Luke Humphries has been the best players in the world over the last three months. He’s claimed three major victories and risen to number one in the world.

Luke Littler is a 16-year-old sensation bursting onto the scene in this tournament. Only one of them can lift the Sid Waddell trophy.

Luke Littler’s coaches and friends gather to watch teenager in World Darts Championship final

20:05 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler’s friends and coaches gathered at St Helens Darts Academy on Wednesday 3 January to watch the 16-year-old play in the final of the PDC World Darts Championship.

The teenage sensation faces Luke Humphries in the showpiece event at Alexandra Palace, having captured the imagination of the sporting world with his fairytale run.

Luke Littler’s coaches and friends gather to watch teen in world championship final

Support for both sides

20:00 , Mike Jones

It’s perhaps no surprises that the Warrington Wolves are coming out in support of their homegrown teenager.

The Super League outfit has tweeted their encouragement of Luke Littler tonight while Championship side Leeds United are backing Luke Humphries who was named after the Elland Road club.

John Part assesses who will win the final

19:55 , Mike Jones

Former world champion John Part broke down the chances of both Lukes this evening. Speaking on Sky Sports he said:

“Luke Littler right from the start with the 106 average blew Christian Kist out of the water. We didn’t realise up until that moment that Littler was an actual threat do do what he has done and get to this final.

“Luke Humphries we expected from the start and we’ve sort of got the opposite. He came in rather flat, then had the issue with the darts getting broken, looked out of sorts and gathered himself just in time.”

The tournament has ‘captured the imagination'

19:50 , Mike Jones

Sky Sports’ Wayne Mardle speaking before the final said: “I’ve never seen a worlds like it.

“The standard has been incredible and the stories. we’ve got a new world No 1 in Luke Humphries and we’ve got a kid who could become the GOAT [greatest of all time].

“It’s one of those events that has just captured the imagination of so many people who have never shown an interest in darts because Luke Littler has just shown what he can do for the world stage.”

Luke Littler vs Luke Humphries LIVE

19:45 , Mike Jones

The Sid Waddell trophy has been brought out onto the stage. This is what the players are playing for this evening as well as the title of world champion.

There’s lots of talk about Luke Littler becoming the youngest ever winner of the tournament. Can he pull it off?

Littler vs Humphries tournament stats

19:40 , Mike Jones

Tonight’s final should be a cracker and the tournament stats prove that there is very little to separate the two players.

Luke Littler averages over 100 more often but Luke Humphries average in the semi-final was the highest of the two finalists throughout the competition.

Both men have hit 50 180s and checked out over 100 11 times. Here’s how they compare to one another:

Luke Littler

Tournament average - 103

100+ match averages - 4

Highest average - 106.12 (Round 1)

Lowest average - 92.65 (Round 2)

Tournament 180s - 50

Checkout percentage - 44.68% (84/188)

100+ checkouts - 11

Highest checkout - 164

Luke Humphries

Tournament average - 101

100+ match averages - 2

Highest average - 108.74 (Semi-final)

Lowest average - 91.38 (Round 2)

Tournament 180s - 50

Checkout percentage - 40.62% (78/192)

100+ checkouts - 11

Highest checkout - 170

What happened last year?

19:35 , Mike Jones

Michael Smith defeated Michael van Gerwen in the World Darts Championship final a year leg. That match produced one of the sporting moments of 2023 with a nine dart finish and some amazing commentary (see below).

Can Luke Littler and Luke Humphries live up to that encounter tonight?

Luke Littler vs Luke Humphries LIVE

19:30 , Mike Jones

Here we go.

Coverage for the World Darts Championship final is just starting on Sky Sports Darts. The players will be making their walks to the stage shortly.

Luke Humphries, the new world number one, will be the favourite with the bookmakers but the supporters at the Ally Pally will all be behind teenager Luke Littler.

If both players perform to their best ability this match is too close to call. Will experience triumph over youth? Can Littler secure a fairytale ending and win the world title?

We’re about to find out.

Luke Littler hopes to stay true to himself as he chases triumph

19:25 , Mike Jones

The teenager has said that remaining himself will be key if he is to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy this evening.

Littler hit 16 maximums in his semi-final win over Rob Cross and has surpassed his own expectations at Ally Pally, but insists he won’t let the pressure get to him tonight.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” the 16-year-old said after securing victory against Cross. “I’ve thrown big averages on the floor all year round, but I’m so happy to have brought that form up on to the biggest stage of them all.

“It would be unbelievable to win this title. I set myself the target to win one game and be back after Christmas, and I’m still here!

“I can’t even imagine lifting that trophy yet though. I’ve just got to stay focused, relax and be Luke Littler.”

Luke Humphries hopes to maintain sensational semi-final standard

19:20 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries was in superb touch in his semi-final win over Scott Williams, averaging 108.76 to whitewash his opponent. Only three men have averaged more in a World Championship quarter-final, semi-final or final encounter: Phil Taylor (twice), Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld. Handy company.

“This is a massive, massive moment for me,” Humphries said after his victory. “I think it’s probably one of the best performances I’ve ever produced on the big stage. I just hope it didn’t come one game too early.

“I needed to put in a statement performance because Luke was fantastic. Every aspect of my game was as I wanted it to be, and it’s such a special moment.

“Becoming world number one is something you can only dream of as a kid, but tomorrow would stay with me forever if I become World Champion, so my mind is fully focused on that.”

The ‘voice of darts’ retires

19:15 , Mike Jones

While tonight will mark the coronation of a new darts star with both men chasing a first World Championship crown, it will also be an occasion to bid farewell, with referee Russ Bray overseeing his last final after nearly 30 years as one of the most familiar voices in sport.

Who is Luke Humphries? The new world No 1 out to stop darts prodigy Luke Littler in final

19:10 , Mike Jones

The world is talking about Luke Littler, the 16-year-old darts prodigy who has smashed his way to final of the the World Darts Championship. But there is still one man standing his way, one last boss to defeat: the new world No 1, Luke Humphries.

Humphries was among the favourites coming into the tournament after a stellar year which included three titles – the World Grand Prix, the Players Championship Finals and the Grand Slam of Darts – along with a big rise up the rankings, and it is his run to this final that will ensure he jumps to the top after the tournament, whatever the outcome.

Nicknamed ‘Cool Hand Luke’ – a riff on the 1967 prison-drama film of the same name – Humphries is a calm, understated figure, which has led to accusations from some quarters that he lacks the domineering personality to take over the darts world.

Who is Luke Humphries? The world No 1 out to stop darts prodigy Luke Littler in final

Meet Luke Littler – the 16-year-old darts prodigy lighting up the World Championship

19:05 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler will aim to move a step closer to World Darts Championship glory on Tuesday night and his path became clearer after tournament favourite Michael van Gerwen crashed out.

The 16-year-old has taken Alexandra Palace by storm and became the youngest semi-finalist ever after he beat Brendan Dolan 5-1 in the quarter-final.

A semi-final against 2018 winner Rob Cross is next up, but he will no longer have to meet Van Gerwen in the final after the three-time champion suffered one of the biggest shocks in recent times, going out 5-3 to unseeded Scott Williams.

It was a new year, but the same old brilliance from the precocious Littler, who is on the cusp of producing one of the greatest sporting stories of all time.

Meet Luke Littler – the 16-year-old darts prodigy lighting up the World Championship

Luke Littler vs Luke Humphries LIVE

19:00 , Mike Jones

Luke Humphries has the backing of Leeds United tonight with the 28-year-old named after the Elland Road club.

“I think everyone knows I am named after the club, that’s no secret,” Humphries explained to the Championship side’s website. “My dad named me Luke, which stands for [L]eeds [U]nited [K]ings of [E]urope. I am not from Leeds, but the club really was in me from birth.

“It was great in the early years of my life, then we had a patch of hard times, but I really feel we’re now on the up as a club again despite what happened last year.

“Our fans are the best in the world, there is no doubt at all about that. The support and commitment they show is something I think that holds everyone together, and sets us apart from everyone else. Following the club has been a massive part of my life and will continue to be.”

Luke Littler described as the ‘Ronaldo of darts’ by boyhood coach

18:50 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler, a Warrington fan, stuns club stars by teenage composure

18:40 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler swept into the world darts final with the support of his beloved Warrington Wolves ringing in his ears.

Super League stars Josh Thewlis and Matty Ashton – as well as the club’s mascot ‘Wolfie’ – were present at Ally Pally to cheer the 16-year-old through his emphatic semi-final win over Rob Cross.

The duo, who presented Littler with a Wolves shirt emblazoned with ‘Littler 180’ on the back, were forced to zip straight back up the M6 for the start of post-season training on Wednesday.

But they marvelled at Littler’s composure on the oche, with Thewlis telling the PA news agency: “It must be pretty daunting for a 16-year-old to be up there on the big stage on his own.”

Luke Littler, a Warrington fan, leaves club stars stunned by teenage composure

Luke Littler arrives at Alexandra Palace ahead of World Darts Championship final

18:36 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler arrived at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday afternoon (3 January) ahead of the World Darts Championship final.

The 16-year-old sporting sensation takes on Luke Humphries in the showpiece event, after beating 2018 champion Rob Cross in his semi.

Littler has surpassed Kirk Shepherd, who was 21 years and 88 days old when he reached this stage in 2008, as the youngest finalist in tournament history.

Luke Littler arrives at Alexandra Palace ahead of World Darts Championship final

Luke Littler vs Luke Humphries

18:30 , Mike Jones

Teenager Luke Littler is just one match away from completing an extraordinary triumph.

The 16-year-old was in irresistable form in his semi-final win over former champion Rob Cross and is now bidding to become world champion on debut at Alexandra Palace to complete a fairytale sporting story.

Standing in his way is the new world No. 1.

Luke Humphries climbed to the top of the world rankings with a 6-0 thrashing of Scott Williams yesterday but nan the pre-tournament favourite dash Littler’s teenage dream?

Luke Littler is prodigious talent – let’s not burden him with expectation

18:20 , Mike Jones

Darts has never been a game embarrassed by hyperbole. Remember the commentator Sid Waddell’s eulogy about the serial world champion Phil Taylor when he won yet another title?

“If we’d had Phil Taylor at Hastings against the Normans, they’d have gone home,” Waddell suggested.

Or there’s his somewhat overwrought description of another multiple-winner, Eric Bristow. “When Alexander of Macedonia was 33, he cried salt tears because there were no more worlds to conquer… Bristow’s only 27.”

But the assertion this week by Barry Hearn, the grand impresario of the game, that Luke Littler is the Tiger Woods of darts is perhaps the most exaggerated in a crowded field of arrows overstatement. Not least because as yet, unlike Woods who stands second in the all-time list of golf major winners, the 16-year-old from Warrington has yet to win anything.

Luke Littler is prodigious talent – don’t burden him with expectation

Luke Littler has been ‘smashing’ opponents on the darts board since he was nine

18:10 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler has been “smashing them all to bits” on the dartboard since the age of nine.

Littler’s incredible run to the World Championship final at the age of 16 has transcended events on the oche and shocked the entire sporting world, but not St Helens Darts Academy co-founder Karl Holden.

Even esteemed French sports publication L’Equipe, a title not known for its darts coverage, devoted space to hail the teenage sensation after his semi-final demolition of former world champion Rob Cross at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday evening.

Luke Littler has been ‘smashing’ opponents on the darts board since he was nine

Omelettes, tracksuits and Xbox: A day in the life of 16-year-old darts sensation Luke Little

18:00 , Mike Jones

Teenage star Luke Littler will stick with his diet of cheese and ham omelettes and pizza as he tries to complete his history-making World Championship dream.

The 16-year-old debutant continued his amazing Alexandra Palace journey by becoming the youngest-ever finalist when he destroyed 2018 champion Rob Cross in the semi-final. He is now on the cusp of producing one of the greatest sporting stories of all time, with new world No 1 Luke Humphries now standing in his way.

Littler has made history with some unconventional preparations, with his love of kebabs also a theme of his run to the final, but it is working for him.

Omelettes and Xbox: A day in the life of 16-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler

A tale of two Lukes as Littler and Humphries go head to head in world championship final

17:50 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler’s teenage dream concludes when he faces Luke Humphries in the World Championship final on Wednesday evening.

Here is a look at how the players match up:

Rapid rises

Humphries’ formidable display against Williams in the semi-final saw him climb to the top of the world rankings, leapfrogging Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith. It is reward for his stunning form over the last couple of months, where he won his first major titles. His rise has been rapid, but Littler’s has been meteoric.

The teen headed into the tournament ranked 164 in the world but is already up to 31st. If he can get over the line in the final, he will climb into the top 10.

A tale of two Lukes as Littler and Humphries go head to head in world championship final

17:40 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler’s teenage dream concludes when he faces Luke Humphries in the World Championship final on Wednesday evening.

Here is a look at how the players match up:

Unbeaten streaks

Both players are in supreme form and are on long unbeaten streaks. Humphries is the form player in the world and extended his winning run to 18 when he beat Williams to reach the final. It was October 29 when ‘Cool Hand’ last lost, going down to James Wade in the European Championship. He won the Players Championship a week later, which was his third major title in six weeks.

Littler is also used to winning and is unbeaten in 21 matches going back to August in PDC events, which included him winning the World Youth Championship.

A tale of two Lukes as Littler and Humphries go head to head in world championship final

17:30 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler’s teenage dream concludes when he faces Luke Humphries in the World Championship final on Wednesday evening.

Here is a look at how the players match up:

Big scoring

The teenager created history in his first-round win over Christian Kist by recording the highest average of a debutant at the World Championship and that set the tone for a high-scoring performance.

Littler’s three-dart tournament average is 101.82, he has thrown 50 180s and crucially is operating at a 45 per cent success rate on checkouts.

Humphries’ average is slightly down at 99.33, but he has also thrown a half-century of maximums and has taken out 41 per cent of his double attempts.

A tale of two Lukes as Littler and Humphries go head to head in world championship final

17:20 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler’s teenage dream concludes when he faces Luke Humphries in the World Championship final on Wednesday evening.

The 16-year-old is the youngest ever player to reach the decider in a remarkable Alexandra Palace journey, but he will face the toughest test yet against the new world number one.

Here is a look at how the players match up:

Routes to final

The pair have had differing journeys to the final. Despite his tender years, Littler has had the most serene path, dropping just six sets.

He proved he is already at a level to compete with the very best as he took out UK Open champion Andrew Gilding, walloped five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld and then beat 2018 title winner Rob Cross in stunning fashion.

Humphries’ route has been a little rockier as he was taken to a final-set decider against Ricardo Pietreczko in the third round and then needed a sudden-death leg to beat Joe Cullen in the fourth.

He looks to be coming into form just at the right time, though, as he whitewashed Scott Williams 6-0 in the semi-final, producing the 10th best three-dart average ever at the Alexandra Palace, with six 100+ checkouts.

Luke Littler throws darts while still in nappies as star shares old family video

17:10 , Mike Jones

Teenage sensation Luke Littler is seen throwing darts while still in nappies as the player shared an old family video.

The 16-year-old, who has captured the hearts of fans around the world with his performances so far at Alexandra Palace, is seen in the family video throwing darts at the board.

The footage of Littler when he was just 18 months old is believed to have been taken by his mother in 2008, and was shared by the player on his Instagram page.

What is the prize money?

17:00 , Mike Jones

As well as the Sid Waddell Trophy, there is £2.5m in prize money on offer for the World Darts Championship with the champion netting a cool £500,000.

The runner-up earns a cool £200,000 while semi-finalists will pocket £100,000 each and those that reach the quarter-finals winning £50,000.

Fourth-round and third-round losers earn themselves £35,000 and £25,000 respectively while there is £15,000 on offer for the 32 players knocked out in the second round and the 32 first-round losers will take away £7,500.

‘A generational talent'

16:50 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler has been lighting up the junior darts competitions for quite a while but it’s been his run at the World Darts Championship this year that has really boosted his profile and plastered his name across the sports pages of the UK newspapers.

The CEO of the PDC Matt Porter spoke to Sky Sports about Littler’s rise to fame and how he believes the 16-year-old is ‘a generational talent’.

Take a look:

How to watch the final on TV

16:40 , Mike Jones

The World Darts Championship final is on Sky Sports’ dedicated Darts channel with coverage beginning at 7.30pm on 3 January. Sky Sports customers can stream the action online via the SkyGo app and website.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider.

What time is the World Darts Championship final today?

16:30 , Mike Jones

The final session kicks off at 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday at Alexandra Palace with Luke Littler vs Luke Humphries.

The final is a best-of-13-set marathon and we can expect the two Lukes to take the stage around 8.15pm, but which one will become world champion?

Could playing darts make you smarter?

16:20 , Mike Jones

Luke Littler’s impressive run at the PDC World Darts Championship has stirred up some fresh buzz around the sport.

The 16-year-old became the youngest person ever to reach the final in the iconic contest – and anyone who’s been watching will know there’s a lot of skill involved.

Although impeccably controlled aim may be the key component to winning, darts is all about numbers. Players start with a score of 501 and have to try and get down to zero the quickest, by getting high numbers on the board – but they must end precisely on zero with a double, so there’s a lot of maths and mental gymnastics involved.

It may be a game we often associate with pubs – but could darts actually help us all sharpen our brains and get smarter?

Could playing darts make you smarter?

Humphries remembers playing 12-year-old Littler

16:10 , Mike Jones

Tonight’s World Darts championship finalists, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, have met at the oche once before. Humphries took on a then 12-year-old Littler in a local competition back in 2019 and admits that Littler was ‘scarily good’ back then.

Humphries said: “The first time I played with him I think he was 12 and he was scarily good then. It was in a local competition and he missed a 164 to go ahead. I think I took out 64 and 3, see that says a lot that I remember what happened.

“I remember knowing that when you’re a 12-year-old playing that well, there is some talent there.

“A lot of people have come and gone, but he’s showed that he’s the real deal, and regardless of what happens tomorrow he’s got a massive, massive bright future.”

Humphries expecting ‘game of his life'

16:00 , Mike Jones

Speaking on Tuesday evening after his 6-0 victory over Scott Williams, Luke Humphries gave his thoughts on how he thinks today’s World Darts Championship final will play out and whether Luke Littler will be able to rise to the occasion at just 16-years-old.

“Nothing is going to faze him,” Humphries said of Littler. “If he plays like he did tonight, tomorrow is not going to faze him at all, so I will probably have to play the game of my life.

“I know what’s in front of me and what the task is. I’ve got to play at my best tomorrow but I’m hoping I make him play his best as well and we give the fans hopefully one of the best world finals we have ever seen.”

5 sporting teenage prodigies Luke Littler can emulate

15:50 , Mike Jones

5) Gianluigi Donnarumma – 16

AC Milan were in the midst of their decade-long barren spell when Donnarumma was thrust into the first team at the age of 16 in 2015, preferred to the veteran club legend Christian Abbiati and former number one Diego Lopez.

Standing at a height of 6ft 5in, he took up the mantel of first-choice goalkeeper with a stature that defied his young years, and the following year became Italy’s second-youngest ever goalkeeper when he made his international debut in a friendly against France.

He has since helped the team to win Euro 2020 where he saved two penalties in the final shootout against England.

5 sporting teenage prodigies Luke Littler can emulate

15:40 , Mike Jones

4) Cesc Fabregas – 16

Fabregas became Arsenal’s youngest-ever player when he made his first-team debut in a League Cup tie against Rotherham at Highbury in September 2003 and clocked another club record when he scored his first goal in the next round in a 5-1 win over Wolves.

It was the following season though that his true breakthrough arrived, taking up a regular place in the team’s midfield aged 17 at the start of the 2003/04 season as they sought to defend the title won the previous campaign.

He went on to win two league titles with Chelsea as well as the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.

5 sporting teenage prodigies Luke Littler can emulate

15:30 , Mike Jones

3) Sky Brown – 13

The skateboarder became the UK’s youngest-ever Olympian when she competed at the Tokyo games aged just 13 and followed it up by becoming the country’s youngest medal winner when she took bronze in the women’s park skateboarding event.

She has continued to set records in the years since, most recently by becoming the first British winner at the skateboarding World Championships in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates in February 2023.

5 sporting teenage prodigies Luke Littler can emulate

15:20 , Mike Jones

2) Ronnie O’Sullivan – 17

O’Sullivan became the youngest-ever winner of a ranking event when, aged 17, he beat Stephen Hendry to claim the 1993 UK Snooker Championship. Two years later, he was victorious in the 1995 Masters to add another record to his CV by the age of 19, both accolades that he still holds.

Victory in the 2022 Snooker World Championship was his eighth, drawing him level with Hendry for most wins, as he has lived up to the excitement that accompanied his arrival onto the scene more than 30 years ago to become one of the sport’s all-time greats.

In 2023, O’Sullivan regained the UK Championship title earning himself the honour of becoming both the youngest and oldest player to ever win the tournament.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website