Luke Littler has 'many years' to face Luke Humphries in World Championship final

Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler is unfazed by the prospect of a World Championship final rematch with Luke Humphries after this year's draw put them on course for a semi-final meeting. The 17-year-old became a global sensation last year after his remarkable journey to the final where he faced a loss to Humphries - a significant start to what has become an intense rivalry throughout 2024.

Set to face either Fallon Sherrock or Ryan Meikle in round two, Littler, who now sits fourth in the world rankings, finds himself in the same half as Humphries.

Commenting on their placement and his climb up the rankings, Littler said to the PA news agency: "That’s my fault to get to fourth in the world!" He also acknowledged the path ahead, stating: "But we have to win our games to get to the semi-final."

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With confidence, he added: "I’m sure we’ll be up for it. We have three or four matches to win before that. We bring the best out of each other, we always play well."

Littler further reflected on the challenge presented by Humphries' form: "When he is on form it’s hard to break through, but the rivalry is going to go on for many more years."

Reflecting on his rapid rise, Littler expressed amazement: "It’s been crazy, the ride I have been on. We’re not even 12 months in yet and it has been crazy."

Looking to the future, he stated: "I am going to be here for many years, but my full focus is on the next tournament and trying to win the World Championship."

Despite being overshadowed by Humphries' victory at Alexandra Palace, Littler has since shone brightly as the sport's leading figure.

Humphries has enjoyed a stellar year as world champion, clinching two major titles and reaching three finals. He believes that he and Littler are currently the top players in darts.

"It is good for the sport, it is a friendly rivalry, when we play each other we both want to win, but we have a laugh and have fun," said Humphries, who is set to face either Thibault Tricole or Joe Comito in the second round, in an interview with PA. "We are hoping we are going to be in another 20 times in the future, who knows. It looks like we are going to be one and two in the world soon so that will give us the opportunity to be in more finals.

"Right now, I do feel me and Luke are the best two players in the world. Stats prove that, we have won 17 titles between us, it’s been a great year for both of us and and we’ll be happy to carry that on."

In a groundbreaking moment for the sport, Noa-Lynn van Leuven is set to become the first transgender player to compete on the Alexandra Palace stage.

Despite facing hostility from some competitors in the Women’s Series, the Dutch player is scheduled to go up against Kevin Doets in her first-round match. Meanwhile, Humphries is preparing to start his title defence on December 15.