Luke Littler’s history-making run at the World Darts Championship has ended after the 16-year-old sensation was beaten 7-4 in the final by Luke Humphries.
The unseeded Littler would have become the youngest-ever winner of darts’ biggest prize, but lost an epic match at the Alexandra Palace in London on Wednesday night (Thursday AEDT).
At one point, the teenager had the chance to take a 5-2 lead, but newly minted world No.1 Humphries came back to win five straight sets and his first world title.
“Honestly, I was thinking in the back of my mind, ‘Get this one now’ because he’s going to dominate world darts soon,” Humphries said after lifting the trophy.
“He’s an incredible talent. I had to win this one tonight, but he’s going to win plenty, I’m sure.”
As runner-up, Littler collected Stg 200,000 ($A370,000) in prize money and looks likely to contend for major titles for years to come.
He made competition history by becoming the world championship’s youngest-ever finalist.
“I’m happy, (ranked in the) top 32, runner-up on my debut. Unbelievable,” Littler said.
Littler won the world youth title last year and was already earning a big reputation within the sport before this championship.
But his performances took many by surprise after knocking out two former world champions in Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross to reach the final.
While his showmanship on the stage proved popular with rowdy crowds at the tournament, his easy-going nature off it has added to his charm.
Speaking ahead of the final, he said he would stick to his pre-match routine of eating a ham-and-cheese omelette, and then later a pizza.
“You will never see a 16-year-old kid as down to earth as him – he’s just something else,” Humphries said.
“He is one of the best players in the world, no doubt about that.”
Multiple champion Michael van Gerwen remains the youngest player to win the World Darts Championship after his victory in 2014 when he was 24.
Jelle Klaasen was 21 when he won the now defunct British Darts Organisation world title in 2006.
Humphries was the No.3 seed for the tournament and went into it on the back of winning three major titles in the space of two months.
He picked up the top prize of Stg 500,000 ($A936,000) for Wednesday’s win.
The man known as Cool Hand Luke may have become world champion, but Littler received a hero’s reception at the end of the match and is the story of the tournament.
Life will never be the same for the 16-year-old from Runcorn in England’s northwest, who now has a global profile after his exploits transcended the world of darts.
– with PA
