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

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.

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

He said the last fortnight had been “unbelievable” but admitted his performance this evening fell just short, saying: “I couldn’t hold my own.”

“Every game [in the tournament] has been good,” he added.

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

Speaking after his securing his title, Humphries, 28, said he was “really proud” of his performance.

He also praised his much younger opponent, calling him an “incredible talent” and admitting: “He’s going to dominate world darts soon.”

The teenager 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.

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

The pair 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.

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.”