Former darts player Wayne Mardle has warned youngster Luke Littler that his close rival, Luke Humphries, is going to be a domineering force for some time.
Darts legend Wayne Mardle has warned Luke Littler that his direct rival Luke Humphries‘ dominance of the sport isn’t going to end anytime soon. Humphries now has five major titles following his World Matchplay triumph and has been a runner-up in three other big tournaments, showcasing just how good he is.
In 2023, Humphries had no titles to his name but his rise in darts over the last 12 months has been a remarkable sight to see for the sporting world – and it’s looking like it will stay this way, much to Littler’s potential dismay. Mardle, renowned for his skill and personality with the darts crowd, has warned 17-year-old Littler that the “floodgates have opened” for his fellow Englishman
Mardle said: “I think if he wins the Premier League next year even more emotion will come out. This ton-plus every round, get used to it with Luke Humphries because this isn’t stopping anytime soon.”
Ultimately, Humphries ended the match victorious with a score of 18-15 against van Gerwen – and he will be setting his sights on the Premier League title next. Littler and Humphries have faced off on numerous occasions, with the youngster winning six out of the eight meetings.
However, Humphries won the ‘big one’ when the two players met in the World Championship final at the end of last year. To date, Humphries has claimed World Championship, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam and PDC Finals titles. Littler’s only major title was the Premier League but he has also won the Bahrain Darts Masters, Poland Darts Masters, Austrian Darts Open and Belgian Darts Open this year, establishing himself as one of the top players out there.
With the World Series Finals, World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts all to come at the tail end of 2024, Littler may have another chance to face off against Humphries following his Premier League win over the world number one.
After his joyous win at the World Matchplay, Humphries was gracious in victory as he gushed about how much the title meant to him. The 29-year-old said: “I am really blessed to be up on this stage in this great sport. To put my name on the Phil Taylor Trophy means the world to me.
“I’ve just got to a level where I feel really comfortable. I’ve worked incredibly hard on my game and this is the reward I get for it.”
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