LITTLER EYES WORLD NUMBER 1 SPOT

By Aaron Nijjar 

LUKE LITTLER has warned Luke Humphries he is determined to take the World No. 1 spot.  

Both players are in action today (Sunday) in the quarter final of the Winmau World Masters after Littler last night (Saturday) won every available leg in a 4-0 routing against James Wade and Humphries demolished Josh Rock 4-0.  

The two are the only players on the PDC Order of Merit to have earned over £1 million in prize money in the last 24 months. 

However, ‘Cool Hand Luke’ is defending a significant amount of prize money in the autumn and winter from his victories in the 2023 season, when he won the Grand Slam, Players Championship, and World Grand Prix, giving ‘The Nuke’ a chance to close the financial gap. 

Especially since Littler only turned professional at the start of the 2024 campaign, giving him a free hit moving forward.  

Littler said: “Luke Humphries has a lot to defend. So, maybe I could get to World No.1. This year I’m not defending any prize money. 

“We all know Luke has the capabilities to go and defend all that he won two years back. I’m hoping I can either stop him or other players do – so I can get to No.1. 

“There has been a bit of rust from all of us since the Worlds. I don’t have any expectations. 

“People will think I’ll win everything. I don’t know what to expect from myself.”  

The teenage sensation has been in excellent form and has averaged 100+ in 20 of his last 21 TV ranking tournament matches.  

He’s won 14 of 15 legs played on his way to the quarter final as well as hitting T20 at slightly better than 1 in 2 darts aimed at it, and the same on all doubles combined.  

But do not underestimate Humphries, who has recorded the highest against-throw average on tour over the past year at 101.50, showcasing his consistency and world-class ability as he aims to retain his ranking as the best player in the world.

Images by Taylor Lanning.