HUMPHRIES DECLARES WAR ON LITTLER

LUKE HUMPHRIES has declared “WAR” on Luke Littler after his Grand Slam of Darts final defeat to the teenage superstar.

‘Cool Hand’ saw his 682-day reign as world No1 ended by his young rival in Wolverhampton before falling 16-11 in the showpiece.

Cheshire ace Humphries insists the pair are now miles clear of the chasing pack.

Humphries appeared alongside Littler in a joint post-match interview and when asked whether they are operating in a league of their own, he didn’t hesitate.

He said: “Yeah, I do. I don’t feel arrogant saying that.

“What can us two do? We’re on opposite sides of the draw and people can’t stop us. I am trying to stop him and I can’t. It is up to everyone else to stop us.

“At the moment us two are playing a level of this sport that is better than everyone else. I want to play another world final against him.

“I am really proud. It is three finals on the trot I’ve lost. I’m ready for the Worlds now. I am going to win the Worlds.

“I am declaring war on him. I’m playing good. Tiredness just crept in at the end there. We’re going to go to war at the World Championships, we’ll see who is the one there.

“I said to him he deserves everything he gets. He’s a massive advocate for darts.

“I’ve never really felt like world number one, I’ve never felt like I’ve got the attention I deserve. He’s such an incredible player.”

World No2 Humphries has been on fire this year, making the last three major finals — the World Grand Prix, European Championship and the Slam.

Humphries has also bagged the World Masters, Premier League, US Masters and Czech Open in a blistering 2025 campaign.

The lethal Lukes are now locked on EIGHT major titles apiece, sitting joint fourth on the all-time list of TV champions.

Only James Wade on 11, Michael van Gerwen on 48, and the incomparable Phil Taylor on 79 sit above them.

Image by Taylor Lanning.