TEEN sensation Luke Littler has captured the imagination of a nation – but failed to get his hands on darts’ most iconic of trophies.
Luke Humphries produced the type of display that shows why he deserves to be called the world No.1.
GettyLuke Humphries eventually broke the heart of a gallant Luke Littler[/caption]
GettyLittler has won the hearts of a nation but fell at the final hurdle[/caption]
Littler, who turns 17 later this month, can walk away from this tournament with his head held high, having knocked out former world champions Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross.
His Ally Pally displays, particularly the three 100-plus averages, deserve immense credit and applause given his inexperience at the highest level.
Okay, so he did not get over the line in the final but Littler, who is £200,000 richer for his exploits, will return here in 12 months as a genuine contender once more.
His life has changed forever and it will be a long time before he is able to walk down the streets without being noticed.
Having left secondary school six months ago, he can begin life as a professional darts player – and enjoy the benefits of the Premier League, for which he expected to be picked.
Littler, who prepares for games with ham and cheese omelettes and pizza, can go out for his Doner kebab for the final time in North London during this Festive period.
Brits love a true underdog story and Luke The Nuke could have produced the most explosive one we will ever witness.
PATeam Littler were left watching on in pain as their star lost in the final[/caption]
PATottenham star James Maddison was an interested spectator at the Ally Pally[/caption]
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Perhaps even greater than Leicester City, Buster Douglas shocking Mike Tyson or Wimbledon-winning Boris Becker.
For now, the tag of youngest world darts champion, on the PDC circuit, belongs to Michael van Gerwen but that may not remain come next time.
Humphries, 28, will laugh at the hoopla that has surrounded this tournament but it is name that will be engraved on the Sid Waddell Trophy forever.
It was the darts equivalent of shooting Bambi’s mum – but with three darts in hand.
Cool Hand Luke, who lost four stone in six months during the Covid lockdowns, won three majors towards the end of 2023.
APLittler had some majestic moments but only just came up short[/caption]
APHumphries cemented his No1 ranking spot in style[/caption]
This was his 19th victory in a row and means he will be added to the rollcall of champions that includes the likes of Phil Taylor, Gary Anderson and Michael van Gerwen.
The last time these two had played each other over an oche there was £250 at stake – it was the Hayling Island pub open in Hampshire and Humphries, then 24, prevailed but only just.
This time there was a cheque for £500,000 on the line and Humphries, the fairy tale killer, will gladly cash that as the greatest New Year present imaginable.
Littler’s football hero is David Beckham but Humphries is the opposite – no bling, no flashy hairstyle, no tattoos.
The Berkshire battler will return home to his partner and children knowing that his life, like Littler’s, will never be the same again.
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