Luke Littler achieved another milestone as he claimed his maiden Winmau World Masters with a dramatic 6-5 win over defending champion Luke Humphries in Milton Keynes.
Littler defeated Josh Rock in straight sets in the quarter-finals and survived Gerwyn Price’s match darts in a final-game thriller to reach the final at Arena MK for the first time, where he took on Humphries in another topsy-turvy contest.
The back-to-back world champion was ahead 3-1, 4-3 over Humphries. Humphries had dispatched Danny Noppert and Gian van Veen earlier in the day without dropping a set, but watched the ‘Cool Hand’ battle again to take the next two sets in front.
Luke Littler beat Price and Humphries on Sunday evening in a final set thriller.
Littler raced the final two sets to straight legs to close off another impressive victory, leaving the 19-year-old just one European Championship title away from winning every PDC ranking title in a historic career.
The world number one averaged 104.72 points and a high score of 13 in the exciting final as Littler emerged victorious after winning the televised final against Humphries at last season’s World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts to claim the £100,000 first place prize.
How Littler overcame the Humphries thriller
Humphries wasted a chance to take the opening set at straight leg before winning 66 points in the decider, only to see Littler hit back with a stunning 153-point checkout en route to leveling the contest.
Littler moved forward after taking out 78 with a double-double finish following an 11-dart break. Back-to-back 121 checkouts (one on top and one in the bullseye) gave them a two-set advantage.
Littler and Humphries will be chasing further success in the Premier League, which will be shown live on Sky Sports from Thursday.
Nuke broke again in the top of the fifth but missed a set dart at D14 to take the lead to 121 points and 4-1, before Humphries was able to stay and spark for five successive legs to shift the momentum back in his favour.
Littler responded with a three-leg burst of his own, but missed a set dart to restore the two-set buffer. Humphries threatened a successful title defense when he fired an 81 checkout to win the eighth set and held a draw in the ninth set to fall one step away from victory.
Luke Humphries was hoping to become the first back-to-back World Masters champion since Michael van Gerwen.
It took Littler just 25 darts to get through the 10th set and force a decider. Here he took advantage of Humphries’ failure to eliminate D4 to win the next two legs and claim his 11th PDC major title.
“Going into the final break when we were down 5-4, I told myself I had nothing left but I dug deep.” Littler told ITV. “I was completely focused and got the job done. It was definitely weird and difficult at times, but that’s why we fight every game, every game. I won.
“Me and Luke are competing in our first major tournament this year, and I’m sure this will continue throughout the year.”
What else happened on Sunday?
Humphries landed just one shot and Littler two during his quarterfinal wins over Rock and Noppert, while Price beat Chris Dobey 4-2 and Van Veen defeated James Wade by the same margin.
Littler’s eventful semi-final against Price saw the Welshman come back from a set down four times to force a decider. The Ice Man broke after Littler’s messy finish but missed a match dart on top in the next over for a 107 finish.
Gerwin Price advances to semifinals for first time in 5 years
The teenager snatched a win in the decider, while Humphries edged Van Veen with an average of 107.8, winning 10 of 12 matches to finish runner-up to Littler.
“When you look back at (the game against Littler) it’s hard to find holes because it was such a great game of darts,” Humphries said. “The only hole was No. 3 with double tops, and that was the kind of pressure he put on you.
“You have to hit the shot or you don’t win the game. If I hit that shot there’s a chance I could win the game. He showed real class. I told him at the end I thought he had no heart. He never gives in under pressure.
“You try your best to keep him down, but he never folds. It may be premature, but I think he’s the best darts player who ever lived.”
What’s next?
Premier League Darts returns for a new season on Thursday. Sky Sports live broadcastNewcastle hosts the opening night of a 17-week run at venues across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
Opening night will see Littler take on Van Veen. A repeat of the World Darts Championship final will see either Jonny Clayton or the Rock await the winner, with Humphries playing fellow former world champion Price and Michael Van Gerwen taking on Stephen Bunting.
Sky Sports will remain the home of the Premier League in 2026, with exclusive live coverage of the World Match Play, World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts every night. Stream darts and other popular sports without a contract.
