Luke Littler shows true colours with telling answer about Luke Humphries
Luke Littler discussed his rivalry with Luke Humphries after winning the Grand Slam of Darts, with the World Championship at Ally Pally coming closer into view
Luke Littler didn't hold back in his admiration for Luke Humphries after stealing Cool Hand's Grand Slam of Darts crown.
The 17-year-old darting phenom is on cloud nine after his win in Wolverhampton, where he defeated Martin Lukeman 16-3 in the final. He will now head into this weekend's Players Championship Finals – and the World Darts Championship at Ally Pally – as the bookies' favourite to end his year with two more titles.
One man, in particular, who stands in his way of such a feat is reigning world champion Humphries. The two did battle in last year's Ally Pally final and have traded multiple blows since – and their next major match-up promises to send sparks flying, too.
Despite their rivalry on the board, the relationship between Littler and Humphries remains strong – as the new world no.5 revealed in an interview with Sky Sports after the Grand Slam.
Appearing on Sky Sports News just a day after clinching his first major TV ranking title, Mike Wedderburn queried Littler on his chances against Humphries in their next encounter. Littler retorted: "I'll try," acknowledging the 29-year-old's exceptional talent, adding: "He's obviously a class player. And not only is he one of the best, but he's also one of the soundest players on the tour.
"Obviously we go way back, I was playing him when I was 12-years-old. And now you look at both of us now, both in the top five in the world."
Littler's admission shows the type of player he is and the respect he has for his peers. The teenager's eyes are now set on the Players Championship Finals in Minehead, the last significant tournament before the much-awaited world's kick off on December 15. "I have two big tournaments left this year and I want to win them both," he boldly claimed ahead of the tournament.
Yet, Littler has refuted the idea that he and his counterpart are the sole architects of darts' new era. He lauded Lukeman's efforts, who at 39, reached his first major final in Wolverhampton, despite a heavy defeat to the young sensation with a final score of 16-3, reports the Express.
But, even after his recent victory, Littler seems to have kept his feet on the ground. Discussing his short break before heading to Butlin's, he said: "I'm going to chill with my friends like I'm doing now.
"I'll get ready to make the long journey down to Minehead. Chill, go for some food - obviously I didn't take my Xbox with me so been playing that all day today."
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