LUKE LITTLER collected another darts major as he walloped dejected Luke Humphries in the World Grand Prix final – but nailing a nine-darter proved a step too far.
In just his 22nd month as a darts professional, the 18-year-old phenom won his seventh different televised premier event with a 6-1 crushing of Cool Hand Luke.
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This was a small measure of revenge for losing the Premier League Final to the Berkshire thrower, 30, at London’s O2 Arena in May.
And as he counted his £120,000 winnings, he knows he is very close to taking Humphries world No1 place, which he could claim within the coming weeks.
Littler, the reigning world darts champion, said last week he wanted to finish this tournament, which uniquely has a double-start, with a nine-darter for the fans to enjoy.
Incredibly he came close to achieving that in leg one of set three but, to the great frustration of the crowd in Leicester, he could not locate the Bull for the perfect leg.
Littler was supported in the East Midlands by friends, parents and girlfriend Faith, whom he kissed on the lips on the walk-on.
It is unusual for The Nuke to arrive on stage first as normally his seeding is high enough for him to be involved in the second player entrance.
But he was not second best in this latest clash of the Luke’s enduring rivalry, nailing outstanding 104, 116 and 111 finishes in a superb rout.
A year ago, Littler lost in the first round of this event to Rob Cross but he learned from that lesson and returned to lift the silverware on stage.
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Only the European Championship, Players Championship Finals and Masters are left for him to win in terms of televised pots – and he could complete the set of majors come the end of January 2026.
Humphries celebrated in ironic fashion that he had won set five with a 154 to ensure it would not be an embarrassing whitewash but he will have that deep worry inside that he is going to be replaced soon in the world rankings by the undisputed best player on the planet.
Littler, who was close to losing to Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals on Friday, had split with his longstanding manager last week.
And even though he said this was his least favourite experience of the year due to its double-start concept, he was the one smiling on Sunday night, the 12th player to be victorious.
He said: “Very happy to tick this off. Not the easiest tournament. This week has been so tough.
“There are not many left. I learned at the World Matchplay that I have got to hit the big out shot when Luke puts me under pressure.
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“I couldn’t step off the gas. I am very happy to win.
“There are so many years left to get that nine-darter in the double start. There isn’t a lot of prize money between us. Luke will now know that I am behind his back – and on to him.”
Humphries, who is now only £70,000 ahead in the rankings, said: “It was hard work. He’s so clinical.
“When I was 4-0 down, I wanted to give the crowd something. I felt the game had gotten away from me. He was really good.
“It’s hard to take. It’s disappointing. I thought I would give him a much better game. I didn’t want the fans to go home and I’d lost 6-0. I wanted to give the fans more.
“I have to get better and practise harder – otherwise he will walk away with it all the time. I will work even harder. I want to match him.”
