LITTLER DEFIES WHISTLERS TO WIN

By Phil Lanning

LUKE LITTLER won his first title as reigning world champion defying the whistling fans. 

The teen sensation outgunned his big rival Luke Humphries 6-5 in front of a sell-out 10,000 at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow.

Littler, 18, delivered a stunning night of wins and sealed it with success over Humphries who was carrying a cut finger injury in his throwing hand.

But the first clash of the Lukes since November was marred by fans continually screeching which put Littler off in the final.

He said: “It was a weird final. We both weren’t playing well. I was looking up at the screen and we both had a 90 average. It was a weird game.

“Obviously the crowd got involved. Referee Kirk (Bevins) made them worse and I missed my shot and Luke went 5-4 up.

“I done well to hit a 10-darter and 11-darter, that’s crucial. 

“The Pro Tour was good match practice. I used the gold darts and came back here and used them. 

“Throwing really well in practice and was 5-1 down to Rob Cross, I just had to pull it out the bag and I did.”

Littler delivered the moment of the night with a wonderful 170 ‘big fish’ finish in the final, giving the fans the full reeling celebration. 

‘The Nuke’ had earlier stormed back from 5-1 down to beat Rob Cross 6-5.

The teen sensation was given an incredible reception on his first visit to Scotland after becoming world champion. 

The Dartan Army chanted ‘there’s only one Luke Littler’ as he burst back with a stunning 104.59 average to overcome his rival. 

He then got revenge for the defeat by Michael van Gerwen by taking out a 6-2 semi victory. 

In a bizarre moment, Gerwyn Price also reacted to the crowd by whistling back at them during his semi defeat to Humphries. 

After the fans were trying to distract him with their own screeches, the Welshman turned round and did the same back, earning approval from Humphries. 

Images by Taylor Lanning.