World number 1 Luke Humphries claimed a 7-4 victory over Luke Littler in the final at Alexandra Palace to claim his first world title; Littler could be named in Premier League squad when announced on Thursday
By Ali Stafford
Last updated: 04/01/24 12:21 p.m.
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Check out the best moments from the 2024 World Darts Championship
Check out the best moments from the 2024 World Darts Championship
New world darts champion Luke Humphries has backed teenage sensation Luke Littler for his Premier League debut following his sensational breakthrough at Alexandra Palace.
Littler tore up the record books and captured the interest of the sporting world on his way to the final, brushing aside childhood hero Raymond van Barneveld, former world champion Rob Cross and UK Open winner Andrew Gilding in the of his race.
The 16-year-old led 4-2 in an epic final before losing the next five sets to lose 7-4 to Humphries, who is now world number 1 and has called for Littler to be named to the Premier League. announcement, live Sky Sports News at 4 p.m. Thursday.
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The Athletic's David Ornstein looks back on 16-year-old Luke Littler's 7-4 defeat to Luke Humphries in the World Darts Championship final.
“I'm not just saying this because it will please everyone, but Luke (Littler) is incredibly talented,” Humphries said. told Sky Sports.
“Not just about the game of darts, he was fantastic with all the media that came with him and he took defeat so well. You will never see another down to earth 16 year old like him who is just something else.
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Luke Humphries says 'I can't ask for more' after winning world darts champion title by beating teenager Luke Littler
“I really hope he's in the Premier League because if he doesn't want to play there fair enough, but I think he'd be delighted to play alongside them this year. He's one of the best players in the world, there is no doubt about it.
“In the back of my mind, all day long, I was thinking 'get this one now because he (Littler) is going to dominate world darts soon!' I had to win this one tonight and he’s going to win a lot of them, I’m sure.”
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Despite losing 7-4 to Luke Humphries, 16-year-old Luke Littler was nonetheless pleased with his incredible run to the World Darts Championship final on his debut.
The PDC shut down questions over Littler's potential Premier League presence at its post-match press conference, although its chief executive Matt Porter insisted there were many factors to take into account when deciding whether to participate.
“There are all kinds of things to consider for Luke going forward and it has to be in the right place for him and his development,” Porter said. told Sky Sports News.
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PDC chief executive Matt Porter assures 16-year-old Luke Littler's welfare and well-being will be looked after as his career progresses.
“In the same vein, you have to be careful not to hold someone back if they're ready. We talk to their management, we talk to their parents, and we'll make sure we do what's right for Luke.”
Mardle: Littler in Premier League is a 'no-brainer'
Sky Sports Darts pundits have all given their verdict on whether or not Littler will be included in the line-up ahead of Wednesday's final, with former Premier League players John Part, Wayne Mardle and Mark Webster all backing the player's involvement. new darts star.
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Sky Sports Darts team discuss whether Luke Littler should feature in the Premier League this year
“I don’t know how they can ignore it,” Webster said. “The score lines, the stats, the averages – he just spread the players out every round.
“He's a special talent and while he plays like that he would be a great addition to the Premier League. The media coverage he brings with him too and he's a young player so he's got a big appetite .
“The Premier League is built for Luke Littler and I'm pretty sure he'll be in it.”
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Could this be the moment Luke Littler's grip on the world darts champion title faded?
Mardle added: “I've been in the Premier League a few times and you get a gauge and a guide of who should be in it and who shouldn't. First of all, are you good enough? The answer with Luke Littler is yes. .
“What does he bring to the table? Does he bring viewers? Does he put bums in the seats? Will there be media around him that can develop the game? Yeah, that's an absolute no-brainer. For me? Yeah, he'll take to it like a duck to water.”
Former world champion Part said: “People around him might like to be a little careful. Because if it goes wrong, what kind of travesty does it become? All the uncertainties could be huge, but I think he can handle it.”
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Luke Littler reflects on his journey to the World Darts Championship final
Who will play in the Premier League?
Reigning Premier League champion Michael van Gerwen and new world champion Humphries will be joined by last year's Alexandra Palace winner Michael Smith and double world champion Peter Wright, with all four qualifying automatically via the Order of Merit of the PDC.
Former world number 1 Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall are among the other likely suitors, with former world champion Cross, 2021 Premier League winner Jonny Clayton and Alexandra Palace quarter-finalist Chris Dobey all considerations potential.
Littler would become the youngest player in Premier League history if he is selected or chooses to feature if invited, while World Championship semi-finalists Scott Williams and Dave Chisnall are also potential options.
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Take a look at the best of the action from Premier League 2023 Finals Night in London where Michael van Gerwen was simply the best!
When is the 2024 Premier League?
The 2024 Premier League Darts season begins in Cardiff on the first day of February with the play-offs taking place at London's O2 Arena at the end of May.
Berlin, Glasgow, Newcastle and Exeter are holding events in February, before the Premier League roadshow heads to Brighton, Nottingham, Dublin and Belfast in March.
Manchester, Birmingham, Rotterdam and Liverpool are the host cities for Premier League nights in April, before Aberdeen, Leeds and Sheffield are the venues for the final in London on May 23.
Watch the best darts of 2024 live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW.