Littler vs Humphries LIVE! World Darts Championship final stream, result and updates

Littler vs Humphries LIVE!

Luke Humphries fought back to end the fairytale run of 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler and win the World Darts Championship for the first time at a raucous Alexandra Palace on Wednesday night.

Littler, whose staggering progress to the final has captured the imagination of the British sporting public, was one dart away from a 5-2 set lead in a thrilling first to seven showpiece. But the 28-year-old new world number one Humphries stormed back with a succession of 180s and clinical checkouts to reel off five successive sets and claim a stunning 7-4 win and his maiden world title.

Humphries sealed victory with a nerveless double eight to claim the Sid Waddell trophy and the £500,000 winners' cheque. Littler had been attempting to become the youngest ever world darts champion and on Thursday joined Humphries in the latest Premier League Darts lineup for 2024. Follow all the latest reaction to an unforgettable World Darts Championship final live below!

Luke Littler vs Luke Humphries highlights

• CHAMPION! Luke Humphries downs Luke Littler

• Littler and Humphries to renew rivalry in Premier League

• Luke Littler: I can become a world champion in the future

• Luke Humphries: This moment will never be forgotten

Littler and Humphries to renew rivalry in Premier League

16:25 , George Flood

Luke Littler has been confirmed on the line-up for the 2024 Premier League Darts campaign.

The 16-year-old will compete against world champion Luke Humphries after his defeat in the PDC final at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday night.

A record TV audience of 4.8million tuned in on Sky Sports to watch the debutant lose 7-4 to the new World No1 Humphries.

Eight players will face off across 17 venues on a tour starting in Cardiff on February 1, leading to the London play-offs on May 23.

It was initially considered unlikely that teenager Littler would enter the competition having only just broken onto the senior scene, given the intense schedule he will now take up.

Read the full story here

Luke Littler named on Premier League Darts line-up alongside Luke Humphries

16:23 , Marc Mayo

Luke Littler has been confirmed on the line-up for the 2024 Premier League Darts campaign.

Eight players will face off across 17 venues on a tour starting in Cardiff on February 1, leading to the London play-offs on May 23.

It was initially considered unlikely that teenager Littler would enter the competition having only just broken onto the senior scene, given the intense schedule he will now take up.

"As soon as I came off the stage, my manager pulled my aside and asked if I wanted to do it," he told Sky Sports.

"I just went, 'Let's do it'. It might never happen again, just like coming runner-up may never happen again. My parents said it's going to be tough, I'm never going to be at home so why not get on the road every week and let's do it."

Full Premier League Darts 2024 lineup

• Luke Littler

• Luke Humphries

• Gerwyn Price

• Michael Smith

• Peter Wright

• Nathan Aspinall

• Michael van Gerwen

• Rob Cross

Read the full story!

Luke Littler can win millions at the oche

12:42

Darts prodigy Luke Littler is on course to make millions despite his heartbreaking defeat in the world championship final — as his family said they were “unbelievably proud of his achievements”.

The 16-year-old from Warrington captured the imagination of the public with his fairytale run to the final but fell just short, losing 7-4 to world No1 Luke Humphries in a gripping contest at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday night.

But experts predicted the teenager, who won £200,000 as runner-up, could now make a fortune in sponsorship deals and endorsements.

Neil Hopkins, strategy partner at advertising agency M&C Saatchi, told the Sun that Littler could easily command six-figure sums.

Read the full story!

Luke Littler tipped for darts domination

12:10 , Marc Mayo

Luke Humphries has tipped Luke Littler to usurp him as darts world champion and go on to dominate the sport, after the 16-year-old narrowly missed out in an epic final.

Littler remained the talk of Ally Pally even after finishing runner-up, following a 7-4 defeat against the world No1 and a remarkable run on his debut at the sport’s biggest event.

Humphries, well aware his triumph was not the fairytale finish most had wished for, said: “Unfortunately, I had to spoil the party. But he will win a world title. If he doesn’t, I’ll be very, very shocked.

“I had to get this one now because he’s going to dominate world darts soon. He’s an incredible player. He’s an incredible talent. He’s going to win plenty more, I’m sure.

“The reason I say that is when you walk into a tournament like the World Championships it never always goes your way. He made everything go his way.

"He showed such great maturity on young shoulders. And if you’re doing them sort of things at 16, it’s crazy to think where he could be in five years.”

Read the full story!

TV audience figures for last night's final revealed

11:46 , Marc Mayo

A whopping 3.75 million viewers tuned into Sky Sports for the 2024 World Darts Championship final.

The Mail say that is the channel's biggest non-football sporting event viewership in its history!

Premier League Darts announcement today

11:06 , Marc Mayo

We will learn of the roster for the new Premier League Darts season later today.

Luke Humphries is set for his debut, but will Luke Littler be joining him?

Find out at 4pm GMT.

Luke Littler admits: 'I can't wait to go back on my Xbox!'

11:02 , George Flood

He may now be a proper sporting superstar, but Luke Littler is not about to change anything about his well-established routine.

Like many teenagers, the Warrington-born prodigy is a keen gamer and is now looking forward to immersing himself back in the virtual world after his Ally Pally heroics.

"I can't wait to go back on my Xbox," he told Good Morning Britain on ITV on Thursday.

"I didn't bring it because I didn't think I would get to the final.

"I only practice for half an hour a day, because I get bored and have my Xbox next to me."

Luke Littler birth certificate revealed

10:22 , Marc Mayo

Not your average headline, that!

But yes, some doubters over Luke Littler's age - given his chin fuzz and whatnot - have been answered with the teenager's birth certificate emerging online...

Humphries: Littler will 'dominate world darts'

09:41 , George Flood

Luke Humphries is also in no doubt that Luke Littler will go on to win multiple world titles and even dominate the sport at the top level after hailing his young opponent's 'incredible' and 'special' talent.

"I could not put into words how great this feels," he said.

"I was thinking I had to win this one because he is going to dominate world darts. When I was on the brink of winning he was relentless.

"He is an incredible talent and I had to win this one tonight, he is going to win plenty that's for sure.

"We will never ever see the likes of him again at that age, to go up on the world stage and produce those darts in the final, I love the kid to bits, he is a real credit.

"I hope he plays in everything because it is special."

Luke Littler: I can become a world champion in the future

08:49 , George Flood

Reflecting on his incredible debut Ally Pally journey that captivated the British public, Luke Littler was understandably disappointed to fall just short but backed himself to become a world champion in the future.

"It's been unbelievable, I just wanted to win one game and come back after Christmas, that was the only goal I set, so this is a massive bonus," he said.

"No one likes losing, I have not really lost much, so to lose on that stage I can't really be angry, the only thing I am angry about is that I lost a lot of legs on my throw and I was just chasing Luke.

"I have won six games here so why can't I go and win seven here in years to come? I have gained a lot of experience and stage experience, I am in the top 32 now so I could be in everything.

"The past three to four weeks have been unbelievable and now I just can't wait to go home.

"I'm sorry I couldn't give the crowd what they wanted."

Littler 'one of the biggest names in world sport' set for 'superstar career'

07:25 , George Flood

Though last night ultimately ended in disappointment for Luke Littler, those that have helped the 16-year-old sensation get to this stage rightly could not be prouder of his stunning progress.

"Definitely not the result we wanted, but he's playing the best player in the world," said St Helens Darts Academy co-founder Karl Holden.

"To play the best player in the world and do what he has done is absolutely amazing. How can somebody who is 16 do that? I don't know.

"I'm absolutely delighted to watch him in the final. I'm absolutely over the moon for him.

"End of the day, hats off to him. I've told the kids...appreciate great darts, and that's what we've seen tonight."

Holden added: "At the age of 16, he's one of the biggest names in world sport, never mind world darts. Just to have him in this club was a privilege.

"Obviously we put our little part in, but it's his ability that is causing mayhem around the world.

"He's just at the beginning of his superstar career. We're very proud of him, we really are."

Thanks for joining us!

Wednesday 3 January 2024 22:29 , Marc Mayo

Luke Littler's historic World Darts Championship dream ended after he lost in the final to Luke Humphries.

The 16-year-old debutant has set Alexandra Palace alight over the last fortnight and was one win away from producing one of the greatest sporting stories of all time by becoming the youngest world champion.

But he fell at the final hurdle and was left in tears as Humphries showed why he is the new world number one with a scintillating 7-4 victory, which saw him lift the Sid Waddell trophy for the first time.

It is a landmark success for the 28-year-old, who has now won four of the last five major tournaments after an incredible few months.

Recap the action with our report on the final!

The moment Luke Humphries lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy

Wednesday 3 January 2024 22:21 , Marc Mayo

Luke Humphries is currently posing with the Ballon d'Art with sponsors Paddy Power after claiming the Sid Waddell Trophy.

That's for the most 180s in the tournament.

Back to Luke Humphries

Wednesday 3 January 2024 22:15 , Marc Mayo

"This is a moment that will never be forgotten.

"I don't want to say I've completed darts but everything I wanted to do I've done, it's about staying motivated now.

"Luke has been fantastic, now just on the darts but with the media, I really hope he's in the Premier League - it would be a pleasure to play alongside him.

"Am I in it?! They left me out last year and it was the right decision.

"I'll never dominate, there are too many good players. The sport has changed this last three weeks, there's a big buzz."

Luke Littler up next

Wednesday 3 January 2024 22:13 , Marc Mayo

"It's been unbelievable, the one negative was letting Luke break me too often.

"Every game's been good, that one really annoyed me but fair play to Luke he deserves it.

"I'm happy, top 32, runner-up on my debut, Unbelievable.

"[Next year] win a game and see what happens after, might not get to another final for ten years. I do want to go and win it."

Luke Humphries reacts

Wednesday 3 January 2024 22:11 , Marc Mayo

"I honestly could not put into words how great this feels.

"Throughout the back of my mind all day was get this one now because he's an incredible player. I was really, really proud of my performance.

"He's an incredible talent, he's going to win many I'm sure.

"I was 4-2 down and he missed one dart, at 5-2 it becomes a really uphill task. To come back, I can't lie my hand was shaking like mad but that double 8 just fell in for me.

"I'm world champion, world No1. I can't ask for more, I really can't."

Luke Humphries enjoys his moment

Wednesday 3 January 2024 22:09 , Marc Mayo

Luke Humphries cups his ears and rallies the crowd as he lifts the trophy, to cheers.

Maybe not quite the wild scenes of celebration if Luke Littler had won, but the World No1 gets a great reception nonetheless.

Trophy presentation

Wednesday 3 January 2024 22:07 , Marc Mayo

The Sid Waddell Trophy is awarded to Luke Humphries!

Luke Littler devastated

Wednesday 3 January 2024 22:07 , Marc Mayo

A superb effort from the teenager, who receives his trophy and £200,000 cheque.

He looked devastated and glum, naturally, but a word from Humphries brings out a smile and he receives the acclaim of the crowd.

Littler deservedly breaks out into a little cheer as he collects his trophy.

Superb effort.

Luke Humphries wins the World Darts Championship

Wednesday 3 January 2024 22:04 , Marc Mayo

Huge emotional release from the World No1, who has backed up a stunning year of titles by winning the big one at Ally Pally for the first time!

LUKE HUMPHRIES WINS THE TITLE!

Wednesday 3 January 2024 22:03 , Marc Mayo

Littler has the throw to stay in the tournament.

A 180 from Humphries forces the issue and Littler will need to see off 167 or the World No1 can have a go at 125.

No luck and here comes Humphries...

Bull and bull again! NO! He needed 25!

Littler misses three doubles and he'll be back on double 8...

YES! IT'S OVER!

Littler 4-6 Humphries (First to 7) | 2-2 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 22:01 , Marc Mayo

A weak 26 from Humphries gives Littler the chance to reduce his throw, but the youngster struggles to take it.

A 180 by Littler edges up the pressure... but Humphries seals the leg!

One more for the title!

Littler 4-6 Humphries (First to 7) | 2-1 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:59 , Marc Mayo

Really good from Littler in this leg and he banks a 180 after a 135, but he misses the chance to wrap up a 12-dart leg with two chances on double 16.

He returns to make no errors though!

Littler 4-6 Humphries (First to 7) | 1-1 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:58 , Marc Mayo

That ended a run of five sets in a row where Humphries had won the first leg.

He's got the throw here though and reels off a 22nd 180, double the number of the teenager.

Three darts at tops is Humphries' and he settles up on double 10.

Littler 4-6 Humphries (First to 7) | 1-0 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:56 , Marc Mayo

Littler throws first and sets up a 74 finish, but misses a chance at tops.

Humphries unable to sail off on 146, and Littler wins the leg on double 10!

This final has not disappointed

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:54 , Marc Mayo

Impeccable effort from Littler so far, can he fight back in the next set?

One more set for Humphries

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:51 , Marc Mayo

The World No1 has four sets in a row and, after being 4-2 down and with Littler missing a shot at double 2 for 5-2, he only needs one more to win his first-ever world crown.

Now is the time for Littler to do the impossible for something like the seventh time in this tournament...

Littler 4-6 Humphries (First to 7) | Set Humphries!

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:49 , Marc Mayo

You just feel that the third treble 20, after the first two land, is just inevitable for Humphries. His 21st 180 puts him within three of the Championship record.

Against the throw, he'll have three shots at double 18 before Littler can reply.

He gets it third time! Set Humphries!

Littler 4-5 Humphries (First to 7) | 1-2 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:48 , Marc Mayo

Littler really needed that 170. You could see the emotion, passion and maybe even relief as he celebrated in front of the board.

Humphries a bit sloppy in this leg, and leaves the door open for Littler on 124. He just misses bull for the leg!

No such worries on double 8 for Humphries.

Littler 4-5 Humphries (First to 7) | 1-1 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:46 , Marc Mayo

Alrighty then!

Littler with a 170 checkout to re-announce himself in this set!

Littler 4-5 Humphries (First to 7) | 0-1 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:45 , Marc Mayo

Three sets in a row from World No1 Humphries.

Littler won't hand him anything for free through and hits 180 to test his throw in this leg.

A 164 nearly goes for Littler but Humphries nonetheless grabs the opening leg!

Littler 4-5 Humphries | Set Humphries!

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:43 , Marc Mayo

Once again we arrive at possibly the biggest leg of the match.

Humphries gets going with yet another 180, his 20th of the game to Littler's nine.

He does well to leave 36 before Littler agonisingly misses out on a chance to win the set at bull...

And Humphries steps up to win the set on double 9!

Littler 4-4 Humphries | 2-2 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:42 , Marc Mayo

A sly pump of the fist from Littler as he lands treble 20 to set up 170, but no luck at it before Humphries has a chance at the set.

Double 8 missed, double 4 missed, double 2 missed!

Littler makes him pay!

Littler 4-4 Humphries | 1-2 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:40 , Marc Mayo

Littler gets a much-needed 180 but finds Humphries rolling one in of his own straight after!

A 140 sets up 81 to win the leg, but the teenager misses two goes at a double...

The young lad's back up for double 3 - which he snaps up at the third attempt!

Littler 4-4 Humphries | 0-2 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:39 , Marc Mayo

Cool Hand Luke is straight back to the oche to slot a 180. The momentum is really with him at this stage.

Humphries enjoyed 113 and 114 averages in the past two sets, and he's on 105 at the moment. Littler solid but off that pace.

A 165 sets him up well for tops against the throw, but Humphries smashes back with 108 though!

Littler 4-4 Humphries | 0-1 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:37 , Marc Mayo

Ridiculously impressive how Littler keeps toing-and-froing with the World No1 here, unnerved he sets up a 64 finish with plenty of darts in his pocket.

He misses tops though, and Humphries banks a 108 finish to break throw!

Any guesses who wins this?

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:35 , Marc Mayo

Impossible to call a winner in the race to seven sets.

It feels like both players will have chances to win each set and probably the tournament!

Record number of 180s

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:33 , Marc Mayo

Almost £1million raised for charity with the most 180s in a World Darts Championship ever.

Humphries has enjoyed the most maximums tonight, and he has the momentum after winning two sets in a row.

Littler 4-4 Humphries | Set Humphries!

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:31 , Marc Mayo

Humphries still in the driving seat of this set and will have a shot at 121, before Littler follows up on 120.

No worries for the World No1, he checks out on bull to make it 4-4!

Littler 4-3 Humphries | 1-2 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:29 , Marc Mayo

Humphries has a shot at 170 to level the game. No dice.

Littler has one dart at bull to make him pay, no dice also!

Both players trading some missed opportunities and Littler takes the leg.

Littler 4-3 Humphries | 0-2 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:27 , Marc Mayo

Humphries walks up to 41 to break the throw... executed to perfection! An 11-dart leg.

Littler 4-3 Humphries | 0-1 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:26 , Marc Mayo

Where will this final turn next?

Drama has not been in short supply, with Humphries edging Littler on average: 102.87 to 101.16.

We've also just matched the record for 180s at a World Darts Championship, at 901.

Humphries takes up past that mark to open this set, and he sets up a 32 finish with six darts at it. He only needs two.

Is that a turning point?

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:22 , Marc Mayo

Humphries drags Littler back to within a set, nobody has managed to test the teenager by cutting into one of his advantages through the tournament.

Game very much on.

Littler 4-3 Humphries | Set Humphries!

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:20 , Marc Mayo

This could well be the most important leg of the game. Certainly so far.

Neither races out the blocks but a 132 leaves Littler with a 170 and Humphries gives him another go after he struggles at it.

A solid 180 from Humphries means Littler needs this 112 attempt... one go at double 2 - missed!

One dart at double 14 wins Humphries the set!

Littler 4-2 Humphries | 2-2 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:19 , Marc Mayo

A delightful 122 checkout sends Littler level in the set!

His third ton-plus checkout of the game. He now has the throw for the set...

Littler 4-2 Humphries | 1-2 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:17 , Marc Mayo

The 900th 180 of the tournament helps Humphries into pole position to bite back.

He needs 71 but misses single 18! Mercy me.

Littler on 94 to once again punish his opponent, one go at bull - missed!

Humphries bags double 20 for the leg.

Littler 4-2 Humphries | 1-1 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:15 , Marc Mayo

Humphries is back in this...

A superb 177 leaves him double 8, then he needs double 4, then double 2... missed!

Littler punishes him with a checkout on tops!

Littler 4-2 Humphries | 0-1 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:13 , Marc Mayo

It's 9-2 in legs to Littler over the last 11. Humphries is right up against it here.

How's that for a response! Cool Hand Luke checks out 170 to win the first leg against the throw!

Littler 4-2 Humphries | Set Littler!

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:12 , Marc Mayo

It's going all against Humphries now, as his third dart bounces out and dislodges another from the treble 20!

Littler nearly sees off 136 to take the set, before Humphries misses two finishes of his own!

At third attempt on his next visit, Littler takes double 8 to win the set!

Littler 3-2 Humphries | 2-0 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:10 , Marc Mayo

Both players hit 180s to open the leg - are we about to explode into some seriously high scoring?

Humphries bags a second straight maximum, get that nine-darter out! No such luck, sadly.

Littler has 170 to clean up in reply - and misses on the bull!

Poor from Humphries next up, Littler returns to seal the leg on double 8.

Littler 3-2 Humphries | 1-0 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:09 , Marc Mayo

Massive test of Humphries now, who has the throw for the set.

A 177 gets Littler rolling nicely with double 8 left after only nine darts.

He looks unamused by two misses but eventually checks out on double 4.

Littler in the lead

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:04 , Marc Mayo

For the first time, the Nuke leads the World Championship final in sets.

First to seven, so a long way to go, can Humphries hit back? A few too many sloppy, wild ones creeping into his play.

And his errors are motivating Littler, he keeps responding to them with his best darts!

Littler 3-2 Humphries | Set Littler!

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:02 , Marc Mayo

Humphries registers a tenth 180 but a mere 43 follows it up, and Littler rolls in a maximum to punish him!

The Nuke has 51 to clean up for the set... he takes double 16 at the first offering!

Littler 2-2 Humphries | 2-1 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 21:01 , Marc Mayo

A pair of treble 18s leaves Littler with three darts at double 8 - which he misses.

Humphries then spurns two chances at tops!

At the second attempt next up, Littler banks the leg.

Littler 2-2 Humphries | 1-1 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:59 , Marc Mayo

The 15th 180 of the game gets this leg off to a good start by Humphries - and he adds a quick 140 to boot.

He dispatches a 60 finish with ease.

Littler 2-2 Humphries | 1-0 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:58 , Marc Mayo

Well, any fears the 16-year-old Littler would wilt in the cauldron of a World Championship final have been proved wrong so far...

And his 180 gets us going in set five!

Humphries, who remember is also in his first appearance on this particular stage, is unable to fire fully to catch him.

Littler misses double 8 but returns to take it out first go.

It's tight, it's nervy...

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:52 , Marc Mayo

We certainly didn't see the free-flowing high-scoring extravaganza of darts in that set but Littler won't care - he's back level.

Littler 2-2 Humphries | Set Littler!

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:51 , Marc Mayo

Littler gets going with four treble 20s but Humphries isn't far behind.

A 90 checkout required but he misses two goes at double 15...

He gets another go, hits single 15... but lands double 4!

All square!

Littler 1-2 Humphries | 2-1 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:50 , Marc Mayo

Double percentages at 53 for Littler and 38 for Humphries for the game, both averaging in the 80s for this set.

Littler looking good to snap up this set though, with a 180 against the throw.

No worries for Humphries, he checks out via tops.

Littler 1-2 Humphries | 2-0 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:48 , Marc Mayo

Tight leg, this one. Littler leaves 126 to 112.

Two shots at treble 19 miss from the teenager with Humphries also unable to earn a shot at a double.

Littler misses double top... Humphries is loose too, and misses bull to allow Littler to snatch the leg!

Littler 1-2 Humphries | 1-0 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:46 , Marc Mayo

No comfort break into the fourth set.

Humphries 8-3 up on 180s, but a solid 137 from Littler puts him in the driving seat to break throw.

Then he hits a 140, leaving plenty of time to check out 84. He uses three darts to leave tops, which has to go. It does via double 10!

Littler 1-2 Humphries | Set Humphries!

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:44 , Marc Mayo

This game is flying along.

A 64 from Littler allows the door to open for Humphries and he slots in a 180 to set up an 83 finish...

Littler sees a dart bounce out the board, will it matter? Humphries misses bull for the set!

A 131 finish is too much for Littler, Humphries back up to hit double 8 at the first opportunity.

A big fist pump from the former roofer!

Littler 1-1 Humphries | 2-2 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:42 , Marc Mayo

Timely 180 from Humphries and he smoothly checks out on 116 to send us into a decider...

Littler 1-1 Humphries | 2-1 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:41 , Marc Mayo

Humphries closes in against Littler's throw but fails to maximise the pressure.

A tricky 138 doesn't come off, leaving 70 for Littler. He misses tops and double 10!

Humphries back up to net double 8 and claw himself back in it.

Littler 1-1 Humphries | 2-0 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:40 , Marc Mayo

Delightful from Littler as he hits 177 to leave tops, and executes at first attempt to take the leg against throw.

That's five in a row...

Littler 1-1 Humphries | 1-0 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:38 , Marc Mayo

First to seven sets, we're level at one apiece after two and Littler gets us going once again at Ally Pally.

That last set drew a 111 average from Humphries, 109 from Littler - neither reached a century average in set one.

Littler hits bull to leave 80, before which Humphries fails to land a longshot 154. Back up to the oche, the teenager banks the leg!

Littler is right back in it

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:34 , Marc Mayo

From two legs down having already lost the first set, that was some effort by Littler to win the set with three legs on the spin - two of which came on his opponent's throw!

We have a game on our hands now.

Littler 1-1 Humphries | Set Littler!

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:32 , Marc Mayo

Littler rolls up a 180 in the decisive leg of the set, up against the throw!

He has a 120 finish before Humphries can have a go at 121... and he won't even have the chance as Littler hits tops to win the set!

Littler 0-1 Humphries | 2-2 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:31 , Marc Mayo

Humphries kicks off with his fifth 180, and smiles after boos greet his nine-darter ending on his next visit.

Littler is right on the scene now, checking out 142!

Littler 0-1 Humphries | 1-2 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:29 , Marc Mayo

All the stats heading in Humphries' way right now, as you may expect, and Littler begins to put up a fight on his opponent's throw.

The crowd go wild at a 180 from the young'un... and Humphries fires back one of his own!

Littler nearly checks out 106, before Humphries misses tops on 107 and Littler comes back to end his losing streak of legs.

Littler 0-1 Humphries | 0-2 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:28 , Marc Mayo

Littler, on 302, moves to treble 18 and hits the next dart in single 1...

Humphries has a finish against the throw before Littler, but misses a go at double 5.

It's 128 for Littler, he works it to a bull finish - just wide!

Humphries banks the leg on double 2.

Littler 0-1 Humphries | 0-1 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:26 , Marc Mayo

An average of 87 for Littler as he gets going against the throw in this leg.

A delightful 180 puts Humphries within touching distance, and he executes double 16 at first time of asking - Littler stuck back on 259!

Humphries into the lead

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:24 , Marc Mayo

Alright then, marker laid down by the favourite.

Neither player off to a spectacular start and Humphries required a few more shots at doubles than he would have liked, but it's a one-set lead for him against Littler.

Let's see how the teenager can bite back in set two.

Humphries into the lead

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:23 , Marc Mayo

Alright then, marker laid down by the favourite.

Neither player off to a spectacular start and Humphries required a few more shots at doubles than he would have liked, but it's a one-set lead for him against Littler.

Let's see how the teenager can bite back in set two.

Littler 0-1 Humphries

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:20 , Marc Mayo

Worth remembering that Littler lost his first leg to Rob Cross last night.

A little slow out the gate in this leg, he hits 140 before Humphries misses his first dart to win the set.

A 180 reply fails to unnerve the World No1 who lands double 8 to go a set ahead!

Littler 0-0 Humphries | 1-2 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:19 , Marc Mayo

On Littler's throw, both find themselves on 120 and Humphries has a chance at the break...

Unable to see it through, Littler then tries to go bull-bull and fails. Humphries takes the break of throw off double 5!

Littler 0-0 Humphries | 1-1 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:17 , Marc Mayo

Humphries on the board after taking his time over double 16, then double 8.

Littler 0-0 Humphries | 1-0 legs

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:17 , Marc Mayo

Littler punishes a miss at tops to claim the first leg of the match.

Littler vs Humphries | Game on!

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:14 , Marc Mayo

Here. We. Go.

"Only one Luke Littler" belted out by the fans as the warm-ups conclude.

The teenager throws first!

Littler vs Humphries | Time for Luke Humphries

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:13 , Marc Mayo

Boos for the new World No1 as Cool Hand Luke's introduction begins, which largely breaks out to cheers as he walks up to the oche.

Littler vs Humphries | Here comes the teenager

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:11 , Marc Mayo

Master of ceremonies John McDonald is on the mic!

First to walk to the oche is Luke Littler.

The Nuke strolls past the crowd fairly quickly before embracing his family, most of which are in replicas of his trademark purple-and-yellow shirt.

On the stage, a few deep breaths and he can't help but smile as he claps the fans.

The key stats

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:07 , Marc Mayo

Both Luke Littler and Luke Humphries have racked up 50 180s on course to the final - with the numbers just in favour of the youngster.

Full house in St Helens Darts Academy

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:06 , Marc Mayo

Luke Littler's hometown club is packed and ready for the final!

We're set to start shortly with Romeo Beckham and Derek Chisora just spotted in the crowd.

A reminder, in case you needed it...

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:05 , Marc Mayo

Luke Littler's rise to this stage is a surprise, of course.

But the darting world has known he is something special for some time.

Here he is pulling off a nine-darter in a tournament aged just 14!

Luke Littler wins the bull

Wednesday 3 January 2024 20:01 , Marc Mayo

The teenager will throw first in tonight's final!

That also means, if it comes down to a winner-takes-all sudden-death leg, he throws first in that too.

Politicians call for free-to-air final

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:59 , Marc Mayo

The World Darts Championship final should be made free to view so as many people can watch teenage star Luke Littler compete as possible, ministers have been told.

The Liberal Democrats suggested it would be “scandalous” for the game not to be aired on ITV and the BBC, as well as on Sky Sports, which is broadcasting the sporting event.

Read the full story!

Littler vs Humphries | Countdown to final

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:56 , Marc Mayo

Shots from inside the warm-up room with just ten minutes to go.

Luke Humphries throwing with his earpods in, no doubt either hyping himself up - or calming himself down!

Leeds United behind Luke Humphries

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:54 , Marc Mayo

The World No1 counts Championship side Leeds and Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis among his backers tonight.

How will the Ally Pally crowd treat him up?

Warrington Wolves backing Luke Littler

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:51 , Marc Mayo

The rugby league team have sent their best wishes to the teen for tonight's final.

Luke Littler recalls loss to Luke Humphries

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:45 , Marc Mayo

When he was 12 (only four years ago!) Luke Littler was beaten in the quarter-finals of a tournament on Hayling Island by... Luke Humphries.

"That was like the last darts festival before Covid," the teenager told Sky Sports.

"I had to let him win I was only 12!"

Luke Littler earns Manchester United following

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:37 , Marc Mayo

While Luke Littler may have spent the last week popping up at Arsenal and Tottenham games, Manchester United is his first love.

The Cheshire-born darts sensation was gifted tickets to tour Old Trafford at Christmas, and has spoken of his interactions with his Red Devils heroes.

He said: "Obviously, I've got a lot of followers now.

"I've had a message off Luke Shaw from United, Rio Ferdinand. I had a message off Gary Neville and Jonny Evans before my game against Barney.

"So it's just crazy. People who I've looked up to, especially my club, Manchester United, wishing me luck."

Russ Bray, the voice of darts, calls time tonight

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:29 , Marc Mayo

As one potential darts legend enters the stage, another departs tonight with the final World Championship final for referee Russ Bray.

The 66-year-old West Ham fan has announced his retirement from the oche.

“It is a lovely feeling that people put a tag on you like the 'voice of darts',” he explained ahead of his final final. “I have been very, very lucky because my voice has been so different so it makes it obvious.

“People walk down the street and shout 'game on' or '180' and it's lovely. It's good, for someone to do that means they are recognising what you do and I take it as a compliment. 'My calls are part of the game. Every referee says ‘Game on’ and every referee says ‘180’. It's just that mine has been recognised by everyone.

“You try to make a game as exciting as you can. My calls are all natural, nobody told me to do it like that, I just wanted to be different. It is a spectacle and to be part of that is very important.

“I am going to finish at the very top, there is nothing bigger than calling the final of the World Championship on the Ally Pally stage, to finish there will be pretty nice.”

Littler vs Humphries | Countdown to the final

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:24 , Marc Mayo

The calm before the storm for Luke Littler as he checked into Ally Pally earlier on.

Of course, he was spotted out and about for his cheese and ham omelette at lunchtime!

Throwback: The 2023 final

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:17 , Marc Mayo

Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen played out a cracker this time last year, featuring a simply sublime and historic nine-dart leg won by champion Smith...

Luke Littler unlikely to make Premier League debut

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:10 , Marc Mayo

The 2024 Premier League Darts line-up is due to be announced at some point after tonight's final.

While Luke Humphries is expected to be on the eight-player cast touring the country for the title, Luke Littler has played down plans to join the event.

"I've seen what the Premier League does [for your profile]," he said.

"You have Monday, Tuesday pro tours, and then Wednesday is the Euro qualifiers and you've got the Premier League. The weekend is the Euro Tour.

"I think the PDC are going to keep me out of it, because that will just be gruelling like everyone has said."

Luke Humphries expects top display from Luke Littler

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:03 , Marc Mayo

"The way he's played, I've seen it many times - but when you come up on this stage, it can be a lot tougher, and he's just proved he's got a lot of bottle.

"Nothing is going to faze him - if he played like that tonight, tomorrow is not going to faze him at all.

"So I'll probably have to play the game of my life to stand a chance of beating him. I know what's in front of me. I've got to play at my best. But I'm hoping I make him play at his best and we give the fans one of the best world finals that's ever been seen."

Get your souvenirs...

Wednesday 3 January 2024 18:57 , Marc Mayo

Half-and-half scarves at the darts, never thought I'd see the day!

Could be worth a few bob in a couple decades' time...

TV viewing figures soar for Darts World Championship

Wednesday 3 January 2024 18:50 , Marc Mayo

Luke Littler's dream run to tonight's World Darts Championship final has drawn peak viewing figures on a par with live Premier League football, according to Sky Sports.

A peak audience of 2.32 million watched the teenager's 6-2 semi-final thrashing of 2018 champion Rob Cross yesterday.

Sky said that was up 165 per cent compared to last year's semi-final and 106 per cent more than the previous semi-final record set in December 2017.

The record for a final of 1.65 million was set in January 2015 when Gary Anderson beat 16-time world champion Phil Taylor.

Sky said Tuesday's peak viewing was in line with live coverage of Premier League, Carabao Cup finals and Championship play-off peaks.

Mum of Luke Littler's girlfriend slams social media abuse

Wednesday 3 January 2024 18:45 , Marc Mayo

The mother of darts star Luke Littler's girlfriend has defended their relationship after receiving "vile" abuse from trolls over their five-year age gap.

Littler, who at 16 years old may become the youngest ever winner of the World Darts Championship, has been in a relationship with 21-year-old Eloise Milburn for six weeks after reportedly meeting while playing FIFA on Xbox.

Read the full story

Who is Luke Humphries?

Wednesday 3 January 2024 18:41 , Marc Mayo

Let's take a look at the oft-not-discussed opponent of Luke Littler in tonight's final: Luke Humphries.

'Cool Hand Luke' smashed Scott Williams with a 108.74 average in his semi-final whitewash, marking his move up to No1 in the world rankings.

The former roofer from Newbury quit his day job in 2018 to pursue his darting dream yet almost quit a year later having struggled to contain his nerves on the oche.

Humphries dropped four stone and focused on his mental and physical aspects of a sport not generally famed for producing great athletes, reaching the 2021 UK Open final before scooping trophies left, right and centre.

He hopes to earn enough to see his dad retire from roofing while reaching next year's Premier League.

Click here to read the full blog on The Evening Standard's website