World Darts: immense regrets for prodigy Luke Littler who loses in the final

2024-01-04 00:26:37

End of the dream for Luke Littler. Surprise guest in the final of the World Darts Championships, the young English prodigy was beaten by the new world number one, his compatriot Luke Humphries. The 16-year-old teenager, however, was not unworthy. He even led 4 sets to 2 before finally losing (7 sets to 4) despite a great battle. But the coolness of the man nicknamed “Cool Hands Luke” ultimately made the difference. This is the first title for the Englishman, who failed in the quarter-finals in 2019, 2020 and 2022.

Thanks to this victory, Luke Humphries, 28, launches in the best possible way a year which should make him one of the pillars of world darts. Winner of the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam of Darts and the Players Championship Finals in 2023, the Englishman is now on top of the world with his first place in the world. He thus overtakes Michael Smith, who won the world title last year after a difficult final against Michael van Gerwen.

Littler missed the mark at 4-2

This final, however, did not start ideally for Luke Humphries who, after pocketing the first set, was carried away by the speed and precision of his opponent, who finally took the lead (4-2). At the cost of some impressive finishes, the Englishman came back little by little, insinuating doubt into the head of his young opponent. Unimpressed by the heated public at Alexandra Palace in London, Luke Littler did not let himself be deterred and responded several times. However, he was unable to keep up the pace and finally lost after having a 5-2 dart.

For the young prodigy, this final remains an unexpected and exceptional result. Arriving on tiptoe in this tournament, having won the junior world title last season, he eliminated serious competitors like the two former champions Raymond Van Barneveld and Rob Cross. “It’s like playing against a robot. I didn’t play badly but it’s not normal,” declared the first after their clash. The last step, however, was one too many. Given his level of play, Luke Littler, a self-proclaimed kebab fan, will still be there for many future editions. And it should scare the rest of the world board.