LITTLER RETAINS GRAND SLAM TITLE

LUKE LITTLER successfully retained his Grand Slam title after beating Luke Humphries 16-11 in the final. 

‘The Nuke’ also became the youngest world No1 after beating Danny Noppert 16-9 in the last four, having accumulated over £1.7million in ranking prize money within two seasons. 

Teen sensation Littler extended his unbeaten run at Wolverhampton to 14 matches and became just the fourth player to defend the Eric Bristow trophy. 

It capped a remarkable day for Littler, who admitted the quick turnaround from afternoon to evening matches had been a mental battle. 

Littler said: “It was a tough job getting up this morning and playing in the afternoon. No-one likes it but they’re the games you’ve got to get through. 

“Once I got over the line and knew I was No1, I focused on the final. 

“Luke played absolutely amazing. I said to him it was a weird, weird game but I’m glad to win. Back to back!” 

Warrington whizkid Littler also revealed some advice from 16-time world champion Phil Taylor had helped steady his nerves. 

He added: “Phil Taylor said do the hard work up until the final then relax and let them go. 

“For myself looking back at the game, the 160 to go 11-9 up at the break was the game-changer. I got my darts back and went two clear in the match.” 

Attention now turns to the looming shootout for the World Championship next month, and the battle to be the best player on the planet is only just beginning between the lethal Lukes.

Littler continued: “Me and Luke [Humphries] are certainly going to battle for it.  

“Everyone’s looking at the million quid prize money at Ally Pally, but I’m sure Luke will want to get his world title back. And for myself, I want to go back-to-back.

“I think the money is probably the last thing we think of, because these world titles don’t come very often.

“This is definitely a good one to win near the Worlds. We go to Minehead next week and see what happens there.” 

Eight time major winner Humphries, though, issued a fierce warning after the defeat, insisting he is far from done in the rivalry.

He said: “I’m really proud. That’s three finals on the trot I’ve lost. I’m ready for the Worlds now. I’m going to win the Worlds.  

“I am because I’m obviously disappointed to lose the last three finals, but I’m playing good and the tiredness crept in at the end there.  

“But one game a day suits me. We’re gonna go to war. World Championships, me and him in a final. We’re gonna see who’s the number one there.” 

Humphries rattled off three legs on the spin to turn the tide and pinch a 3-2 lead in the opening mini session. 

But Littler hit straight back, hauling it level at 5-5 as the pair went blow for blow in a high-class scoring slugfest with both men averaging over 101. 

World No.2 Humphries then nudged ahead again at 8-7 in the third session after Littler let key darts at double slip away.

But Littler responded in style, slamming in a sensational 167 checkout to square things up before the pair shared the next two legs. Littler then produced a clinical 13-darter and a majestic 160 finish to storm 11-9 ahead. 

From there Littler refused to let up, keeping his foot firmly on the gas as he dominated the closing stages to surge into a commanding 15-10 lead. 

Littler held his nerve sealing the deal with a classy 96 outshot.

Image by Taylor Lanning.