Luke Humphries was unable to conceal his frustration after falling to Luke Littler yet again at the Players Championship on Monday. The pair, both prominent figures in this year’s Premier League, faced off in the third round of the seventh Players Championship tournament of the season, providing fans with another dramatic chapter in their growing rivalry.
Littler, a teenage sensation who continues to make waves in the professional darts world, first grabbed headlines this season when he captured his maiden Players Championship title back in February, triumphing over Ryan Searle in an impressive final. His absence from the fifth and sixth events in Germany may have provided a brief respite for his competitors, but on Monday, Littler’s return to the Pro Tour was nothing short of commanding. He dispatched Keane Barry and Robbie Knops to set up a clash with Humphries — their sixth meeting of the year.
Their encounters have become must-watch darts, highlighted by Littler’s remarkable ability to consistently get the better of Humphries. While the world number one managed to end Littler’s fairytale run at the World Championship with a nerve-racking victory in the final, the tables have turned since. Littler has claimed victory in all four encounters between the two since that moment, and Monday’s match proved to be no different.
As has often been the case between these rivals, the contest went down to a deciding leg. Littler, holding the darts in the final leg, took full advantage of his position. Humphries, desperately needing to put pressure on his opponent, was unable to do so as Littler calmly worked his way toward victory. With six darts at his disposal to finish, Littler left himself on 64 points. Humphries attempted a last-ditch effort with a score of 134, but it was too little, too late. The teenager sealed his victory with a confident double-top finish, eliminating his older rival once again.
Humphries’ anguish was evident as the final dart hit its mark. As Littler retrieved his darts, the 29-year-old champion was seen jabbing his own arrows into his side in frustration. Moments later, Humphries covered his face with his hands, clearly devastated, before composing himself enough to shake Littler’s hand in a show of sportsmanship.
However, Littler’s victory celebration was short-lived. In a surprising turn of events, he fell in the fourth round to Ross Smith. This match, like so many of Littler’s battles this season, went the distance. Littler seemed poised for victory, holding the darts and needing just 94 points to advance to the quarter-finals, while Smith trailed significantly at 248. The young star’s nerves, however, betrayed him at the worst possible moment. After throwing for 46, Littler watched as Smith unleashed his eighth 180 of the match, turning the tide in an instant. Littler then missed two critical match darts, and Smith capitalized, securing his place in the quarters with clinical precision. His reaction bordered on apologetic, as if recognizing the heartbreak Littler had just endured.
The rivalry between Humphries and Littler is far from over. With both players participating in this week’s 11th Premier League night in Birmingham, another clash looms on the horizon. Humphries is set to open against Peter Wright, while Littler will face Rob Cross. Should they both emerge victorious, a tantalizing semi-final encounter awaits, adding yet another chapter to their heated battles this season.
Littler’s remarkable consistency has seen him climb to the top of the Premier League table with only six nights remaining, thanks in large part to back-to-back victories in recent events. Humphries, though, remains a close contender, determined to close the gap and secure a spot in the play-offs. As the darts season progresses, fans can expect more fireworks from these two fierce competitors, whose matches continue to captivate and deliver high-stakes drama. Whether in the Players Championship or the Premier League, the Humphries-Littler saga is proving to be one of the sport’s most compelling stories this year.