Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest score and updates as Luke Littler takes on Luke Humphries in the final of the PDC World Darts Championship.
LUKE HUMPHRIES WINS THE WDC 2024!
By Dominic Hogan
Humphries forces the opportunity with another maximum to move to 221, and Littler is left with a tricky finish on 167.
This might need to go… but he can’t bury it.
This is Humphries’ chance to become world champ…. he hits one bull, he hits another… but misses the double!
Littler puts himself just a double 7 away from sealing the set but misses twice!
Now Humphries has the opportunity he’s been waiting for to become world champion on a double 8…. AND THE WORLD NO 1 BURIES IT!
LUKE HUMPHRIES IS THE PDC WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP 2024 WINNER!!!!!
Littler 4-6 Humphries(2-2)
By Dominic Hogan
Humphries, on throw is looking ominous in this fourth leg, but from 202 hits a bed and breakfast for only 26!
Littler hits a maximum with Humphries on 76 to take the leg, but there’s no flapping him right now and he moves just 501 points away after checking out on tops!
Wayne Mardle compared Luke Littler to a ‘young Michael Van Gerwen’ two years ago
By Jon Brady
Darts legend Wayne Mardle appears to have the gift of foresight – after tweeting almost two years ago that he looked forward to seeing Luke Littler’s career play out.
The 50-year-old world semi-finalist posted on Twitter that Littler had reminded him of a ’15/16 year old MVG (Michael van Gerwen)’.
Does he have next week’s lottery numbers?
Littler 4-6 Humphries (2-1)
By Dominic Hogan
Littler needs this leg, and gets a maximum off 226 needed for 46 to check out.
Humphries can only follow up with 58 and is on 178.
14 from Littler and he just can’t quite put it away and now there’s big pressure on his shoulders…
Pressure, what pressure? Littler steps up and thumps his way into a 2-1 lead for the set.
Jeremy Clarkson offers Luke Littler a supply of his low-alcohol beer if he wins
By Jon Brady
Luke Littler might not be old enough to order a pint in his local, but Jeremy Clarkson laid a potentially expensive offer out for the prodigy if he won tonight’s final.
Littler is fighting to turn the tide in the final against Humphries with the score at 4-6 – but Clarkson has offered him crates of his low-alcohol Hawkstone Spa Lager should he manage to beat the odds.
The Grand Tour host and farmer tweeted: ‘This may turn out to be expensive but if Luke Littler wins tonight, I’ll give him enough of our brand new 0.3 percent Hawkstone Spa lager to last till he’s 18.’
Licensing laws governing the sale of alcohol in pubs and shops dictate that anything under 0.5 per cent in strength is not defined as an alcoholic beverage…so the offer appears to be on the right side of the law.
But whether Clarkson’s offer is enough to give Littler the boost he needs remains to be seen…
Littler 4-6 Humphries (1-1)
By Dominic Hogan
33rd maximum of the match and a 22nd for Humphries in this second leg now.
He follows up with 82 to leave himself on 180, while Littler is a little adrift on 251.
140 from Humphries puts him needing tops, while Humphries matches his score…
But doesn’t get the chance to make it two as Humphries sinks double 20.
Littler 4-6 Humphries (1-0)
By Dominic Hogan
Here we go – this could be the last set now.
Littler gets a 140 at his second visit, and Humphries can manage just the 100 to match him.
Littler gets 133 to leave himself on 74, before 96 from Humphries.
54 from Littler leaves him needing double 10, while Humphries is on 50…
Who will take this one? Littler has it – that’s who!
Is there one last twist?
By Dominic Hogan
We’ve to-ed and fro-ed for over 90 minutes now – and Humphries can seal the title and the small matter of a cool half mil if he can hold nerve in this set.
He’s fought back from 4-2 down to lead 4-6 in this tie, and after some earlier inconsistencies he’s been reeling off ton-plus finishes and 140+ visits like it’s nobody’s business.
Can Littler, the story of the tournament, produce some more magic to fight back in this clash?
Has Luke Littler turned the world onto darts? These tweets would suggest he has
By Jon Brady
As we have been reporting, X (formerly Twitter) has been aflutter with posts on the World Darts Championship.
It’s the second biggest trend in the UK on the website right now, behind only the return of The Traitors on the BBC – and it seems as though everyone that isn’t tuned into Claudia Winkleman is watching Luke Littler’s bid for historic glory.
GB News presenter Beverly Turner is among the latest converts to the sport, posting an image of her tablet in bed with the caption: ‘Never thought I’d be watching darts in bed in January!’
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion decided to make us all feel very old by reminding us that James Milner made his Premier League debut four years before Luke Littler was born. Thanks for that.
Littler 4-6 Humphries (1-3) – HUMPHRIES ONE SET AWAY NOW!
By Dominic Hogan
Humphries needs just 36 to seal the 10th set.
He misses one.
He misses two.
But the World No 1 sinks the third!
It’s ANOTHER turnaround and Humphries is ahead by two now!
Littler 4-5 Humphries (1-2)
By Dominic Hogan
Humphries needs 80 to check out now, after Littler leaves hiself 124.
He takes only 55 from that 80 and Littler now has a chance to do it with a bullseye…
but is just wide of the mark again!
It feels like each leg is going down to the wire, and Humphries takes it!
Littler 4-5 Humphries (0-1)
By Dominic Hogan
Littler might have lost these legs and sets, but he’s at least been in with a chance each time.
He hits a big 180 in this first leg of the 10th, but Humphries is on a 147 to finish.
He manages just 97, and now Littler is on 164.
He hits his first two darts right on the money, but needing bullseye he misses it, and Humphries pounces to take the lead – he’s punishing any misses from Littler at the moment.
Littler 4-5 Humphries (2-3) – HUMPHRIES MAKES IT THREE ON THE BOUNCE!
By Dominic Hogan
Big 180 to open up from Humphries in this 39th leg of the night, but Littler is on a big fish.
Humphries, on 181, leaves himself 36.
A click of the dart denies Littler a 170 finish, and Humphries punishes it with a third set on the bounce to re-take the lead from 4-2 down – the World No 1 leads on 5-4!
Littler 4-4 Humphries (2-2)
By Dominic Hogan
Littler misses the big fish with his first dart, but takes 99 out of his target.
But Humphries can take a third leg here and the set… but he can’t find his mark and misses three arrows!
Littler despatches the darts and suddenly we’re going the distance once again!
Luke Littler’s frustration as Humphries claws back two straight sets
By Jon Brady
Luke Littler can’t disguise his frustration after missing some crucial shots that allowed World No 1 Luke Humphries to claw back two straight sets.
The pressure must be mounting on the teenager, who has cooly disarmed every contender he has come up against so far in the World Darts Championship.
He can be seen grimacing, scrunching up his face in frustration and holding his head in his hands as the tide of match appears to turn against him.
There is still time for him to reverse the momentum…can he do it?
Littler 4-4 Humphries (1-2)
By Dominic Hogan
180s from both players on their second visits in the third leg and now Littler needs just 81.
Humphries is behind on 156, but again Littler spurns the opportunity and misses double 6.
Humphries hits 128 to keep the pressure on, but at the third opportunity Littler saves the set with a double 3 to keep his throw.
Littler 4-4 Humphries (0-2)
By Dominic Hogan
Littler is throwing like he was in the first at the moment, and it all feels just a bit forced.
But when he needs to inflict some pressure of his own he pulls back some serious ground to force Humphries into a 108 check out.
Oh he’s on the money at the moment – check out he does to take a 2-0 lead and continue his charge!
Littler 4-4 Humphries (0-1)
By Dominic Hogan
Littler is on throw for the first leg and needs 64 to do it, but misses tops to hand Humphries a chance on 108.
That’s why he’s the World No 1 – a nerveless double 16 to break throw in the ninth and take the lead.
This is a special match we’ve got
By Dominic Hogan
You don’t need to be a darts specialist to know that we’re seeing something special out there.
You just can’t call it – just when Littler looked like running away with it, Humphries reeled him in like that big fish he’s already pulled out once tonight.
This has 100 per cent lived up to its billing as the World No 1 versus the teenage sensation and it looks like going the distance.
We’ve had eight pulsating sets of darts, each entirely different and epic in their own right, and we can still get another SEVEN!
This is a treat, a spectacle, and we’ve got the best seats in the house for it!
Luke Littler posted on Snapchat ‘see you in 10 minutes’ before starting world final
By Jon Brady
In case you’ve forgotten, Luke Littler is 16 years old. That means he does things that many 16-year-olds do, like post on Snapchat.
But rather than the usual array of night out photos and selfies you might expect on a typical teen’s feed, Littler has posted what might be the greatest Snapchat Story of all time: the backstage dartboard at Ally Pally.
Showcasing exactly why the cool-headed teen has acquired such a massive following, the picture was captioned simply: ‘To (sic) many messages out there see you in 10 mins.’
Didn’t he have anything else on his mind?
Littler 4-4 Humphries (1-3) – HUMPHRIES TAKES THE EIGHTH!
By Dominic Hogan
83 to start from Littler, followed by a punishing 140 – his 25th of the contest already.
Humphries is tha man in rhythm at the moment, and hits another 140, echoes immediately by the teenager.
Humphries needs 121 to take the set, and he levels the game in clinical fashion!
Didn’t flinch from it, and now it’s game on at four apiece!
This one just keeps on turning – you can’t take your eyes off it!
Littler 4-3 Humphries (1-2)
By Dominic Hogan
Humphries is averaging 116, while Littler is on just 101 in this set so far, and it is showing.
Humphries is on a 170 checkout again but doesn’t land the fish this time and sets himself up with 74.
Littler misses bull on a 121, before Humphries does the same on 74.
Can Littler get on the board in the eighth? YES HE CAN!
The view from the stands as Luke Littler goes up against Luke Humphries
By Jon Brady
Emotions are running high in the Ally Pally’s West Hall as Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are each refusing to give way in this absolute nail-biter of a final.
Can you imagine being inside the hall as this drama unfolds? Each dartsman unwilling to yield, a record-breaking number of 180s, Derek Chisora watching on…and as you turn to your side, there’s a man dressed as a banana.
This, truly, is what it means to be a darts fan.
Littler 4-3 Humphries (0-2)
By Dominic Hogan
Humphries is growing back into it now, and sinks another maximum to take the match tally to 25.
Humphries needs 41 to break and take charge of the eighth and does just that in 11.
This is the World No 1 that we saw in the first set, but will we get the same outcome?
Littler 4-3 Humphries (0-1)
By Dominic Hogan
Humphries has sealed the record number of 180s for a WDC tournament now as we see our 902nd!
Humphries needs 32 to seal the first leg on throw and does just that at the second ask.
Can Littler bite back?
By Dominic Hogan
We’ve already said it, but you really can’t call this one.
First one of these two looks like reeling off a proper run of legs, but then the other pulls out something incredible under the greatest of pressures.
Humphries now has a chance to get back on level terms in the eighth after a set of just crazy proportions.
Can the teenager bite back though and re-establish his lead?
Littler 4-3 Humphries (2-3) – HUMPHRIES CUTS THE DEFICIT!
By Dominic Hogan
It’s very tight at 302-304.
Who will blink first? Littler needs 170 to seal the set, but can’t quite make it.
Humphries gets yet ANOTHER 180, and now Littler can do it with double 2…
… AND HE MISSES!
And just like that, Humphries snatches from under his eyes and it’s the first sign of anger from Littler as he remonstrates with himself as he leaves the stage.
This has been relentless, it’s been unbelieveable, and there’s still so much more to come – First to seven wins it, remember!
Crowds go wild at Luke Littler’s brother’s pub The Millhouse as prodigy goes ahead
By Jon Brady
The only place that might rival St Helen’s Darts Academy for noise tonight will be The Millhouse pub on the other side of town, where Luke Littler’s brother Leon pulls pints and dad Anthony Buckley is a regular.
Leon isn’t behind the bar tonight, reports MailOnline’s Richard Marsden; he’s watching the drama unfold in person at Ally Pally.
But family friend Siobhan Davies, who turned out with husband Martin and son Josh, told us: ‘We’ve all been watching Luke’s matches throughout the tournament. There’s huge interest because he’s a local lad, everyone seems to be talking about Luke.’
Martin added: ‘I wasn’t a darts fan but I am now. It’s been really exciting, especially because Luke is from Warrington. He’s put the town on the map.’
Landlady Lisa Leyland, who has laid on cans of Littler’s favourite tipple, Tango, for the occasion, said she has ‘never known such excitement’.
She continued: ‘It’s off the scale. Luke is only one step away from glory – and he’s only 16.
‘Even if he doesn’t win it he’s already done loads for the town by boosting the atmosphere and morale.’
And as for giving Leon the night off? It was never in doubt: he was ‘given the night off’, no questions asked.
Littler 4-2 Humphries (2-2)
By Dominic Hogan
Littler needs this one to keep his two-set lead in the tie, and is on a 122 check out to do just that.
Humphries needs 48 but the 16-year-old doesn’t give him the chance for a third ton out of the tie!
We’re going the distance in the seventh…
Littler 4-2 Humphries (1-2)
By Dominic Hogan
Not Littler’s best leg but he’s still within touching distance.
He leaves himself 94 with Humphries on 71 but he’s missed the big number and got only 31!
Littler needs this to hold throw and needs bull but just misses out by a hair’s breadth and gets just 25.
Humphries repairs the damage and takes the leg to take control in the set.
Littler 4-2 Humphries (1-1)
By Dominic Hogan
Humphries has missed an absolute sitter of an opportunity, missing all three opportunities at double 8.
Oh this is unbvelievable – Littler sneaks up on the World No 1 to sink tops and draw back level against the throw in the second leg!
Littler 4-2 Humphries (0-1)
By Dominic Hogan
Humphries sets himself up with 170 to finish on what would be a massive leg to lose after going 4-2 down…
And he hits the BIG FISH!
Littler 4-2 Humphries (3-0) – SIXTH SET GOES TO LITTLER!!!
By Dominic Hogan
Humphries just looks to be second-guessing himself just as he lets fly, and now he’s knocked his own dart out treble 20 to score -60 with his third dart – it’s all happening now!
Littler needs 136 to add insult to injury but he’s missed that double 8 once more! He just can’t buy a double 8 at the minute!
But with his last dart, Littler opens up a two-set lead against the darts!
Is this the moment he races off? He leads the last 11 legs 9-2!
‘Everyone has heard the name Luke Littler’: Club’s pride at ‘our Luke’ aiming for glory
By Jon Brady
The Ally Pally’s West Hall might hold over 3,000 people but the biggest cheers for Luke Littler will be coming from St Helen’s Darts Academy, where the protege honed his skills on the road to global stardom.
MailOnline’s Richard Marsden has been at the club, east of Liverpool, where members and locals have shared their pride at the teenager’s achievements.
Darts professional Eleanor Cairns, 19, the 2022 Girls World Champion, trained alongside Littler.
She said: ‘He had a natural talent since the day he came here. Everyone was talking about him then and he has just proceeded to win more titles.
‘And now everyone knows about him. Everyone has heard the name Luke Littler. It has been incredible to watch. Win or lose I’ll be proud of him.’
Jake Callaghan, 10 – with the cool lightning bolt shirt – has played against Luke.
He said: ‘He is so good. I have played against him a few times and he is so hard to play against. I hope to be a good as him one day.’
Things are still tense even as Littler moves ahead 3-2 – hearts are in mouths at the club with every ebb and flow as they watch and pray for their lad to win.
Littler 3-2 Humphries (2-0)
By Dominic Hogan
177 to start the first leg, 180 in the second.
He follows up with 87, but Humphries is now on for a nine after 360 off his first six darts!
170 to do it… but the boos ring out after he misses his first and leaves himself on 76.
And Humphries misses out again! Just 60 from that visit and now Littler just needs the double 8…
AND HE GETS IT AGAIN!
Littler 3-2 Humphries (1-0)
By Dominic Hogan
Well, Littler is on a nine-darter but after four perfect darts he misses out and needs 184 from his next two visits.
Make that 16 now, with Humphries stranded on 211.
He’s not had the best of luck with that double 8 and again misses it three times!
He only needs the double 4 now and gets it first time with Humphries still on 170 to break!
Big set for World No 1 Humphries
By Dominic Hogan
Every single match we’ve thought Littler will meet his match, but nothing looks like it can stop him.
Can Humphries pull something out now on throw to keep him on the leash?
Romeo Beckham and his girlfriend Mia Regan rock green wigs as they support Luke Littler
By Jon Brady
Darts has never been short of fans – but the sheer number of famous faces at the Ally Pally tonight is a sign that the sport has truly entered the mainstream this year.
Littler can almost certainly take credit for bringing famous faces like Romeo Beckham, James Maddison and Derek Chisora to the event tonight.
In fact, Beckham, as we’ve reported, posted for an Instagram snap shared by girlfriend Mia Regan in which he pointed at a sign reading: ‘Super Luke Littler’.
Littler 3-2 Humphries (3-1) – LITTLER TAKES THE FIFTH!!!
By Dominic Hogan
Another 180 for Humphries – his 10th already – before he follows it up with just 43!
How about that for punishment – Littler then thumps in a 180!
He’s on 51 to take the fifth set… AND DOES!
LITTLER LEADS ON SETS!
Littler 2-2 Humphries (2-1)
By Dominic Hogan
Littler is the first to be within a check out of the third leg of the fifth on throw, needing 144 and leaves himself 16.
Humphries is breathing down his back with 56 though, and somehow Littler misses three at the double.
But Humphries can’t hit tops and Littler gets another chance.
He seals it with his fifth attempt, and with the drama subsiding he does take a lead in the set.
Littler 2-2 Humphries (1-1)
By Dominic Hogan
More boos after Humphries can only manage the five perfect darts to start the second leg.
The World No 1 just needs 60 to finish off with Littler on 246 and he should steal this one now… and he does with tops to seal the second leg on with 12 darts.
Littler 2-2 Humphries (1-0)
By Dominic Hogan
Here we go then in the fifth and Littler will throw first.
He nails a 180 – not a bad way to start, that.
Just the 60 next time up though, although Humphries is throwing a little more wayward at the start of this one.
The teenager misses double 8 to check out at 130 and needs only 16 to finish at the second checkout opportunity, and slams a double 8 home to get his nose ahead!
Luke Littler’s comeback after the early upset is already sparking memes
By Jon Brady
The match isn’t even halfway done with four of a potential 13 sets settled, two apiece, but that hasn’t stopped the internet from riffing on the tense face-off between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.
X, formerly Twitter, is alive with memes on Luke’s early upset in the first set and the comeback he staged in both the second and fourth.
From the classic ‘call an ambulance…but not for me!’ meme to scenes of Denzel Washington disarming gunmen in The Equalizer, it’s a good time to be a darts fan online.
Ebbs and flows throughout!
By Dominic Hogan
Nothing to separate these two at the moment – there’s a real ebb and flow to this final already.
Humphries was masterful in the opening throws but Littler has just kept nibbling back at him to keep within touching distance.
That foiurth set wasn’t the highest scorer but was all the more excrutiating and enthralling for it as both missed their chances to check out at the first opportunity.
We’ve already had four sets somehow – a maximumm of nine more to go!
Littler 2-2 Humphries (3-1) – FOURTH SET LITTLER!
By Dominic Hogan
A few boos after Littler misses the chance of a nine-darter at his second visit – slightly unfair you feel!
Littler misses his chance to check out at the first port of call but lets it slide and now he can do so on a double 15…
… after missing his mark first time round he eventually does in three arrows by thumping home a double 4 to take the second set and level it up!
What a game we have ahead of us!
A hug for good luck from girlfriend Eloise
By Jon Brady
Luke Littler’s girlfriend Eloise Milburn, 21, has been a constant source of support for the record-breaking dartsman – and tonight is no different.
As Littler made his way onto the stage at the Ally Pally, there was a pause to get a tight embrace from his partner.
The pair have only been dating for a handful of weeks after meeting online while playing FIFA on their Xboxes – and there’s no denying she has stepped up to give him support as he stands on the edge of glory.
She has more investment than most, not least because she’s an accomplished darts player herself.
Littler 1-2 Humphries (2-1)
By Dominic Hogan
This fourth set is not the greatest quality we’ve seen tonight, but they all count.
Littler can clinch the third against the throw, and fires home a 180 at his second visit!
Humphries previous fluidity looks to have left him a touch, and now Littler can check out with 136.
Stand Up If You Love The Darts is of course flying around the arena as Littler misses his check out before the World No 1 gets his first leg of the set!
Littler 1-2 Humphries (2-0)
By Dominic Hogan
It’s a lower-scoring second leg in the fourth, but Littler gives himself 126 to win on throw, with Humphries on 112.
He doesn’t hit any of his marks though and still needs 72.
The World No 1 also misses out though with just 41 and the crowd roars for their favourite, but again he misses double tops!
Wow it’s a big let-off though as Humphries also misses the mark, and Littler polishes it off to go 2-0 up in the fourth!
Scenes from Luke Littler’s local darts club as the prodigy battles to go down in history
By Jon Brady
As we have reported tonight, Luke Littler’s local darts club, St Helen’s Darts Academy, has opened its doors tonight to let aspiring Littlers-to-be prove themselves – and to give locals somewhere to watch the event together.
Flanked by press photographers and TV cameras, locals are giving it their all as they cheer on their lad.
There are some proper youngsters in the crowd at the academy tonight. How inspiring must it be for those watching on, knowing that their idol has been exactly where they are now?
Littler 1-2 Humphries (1-0)
By Dominic Hogan
Just the eight maximums to Humphries already, to Littler’s three.
Littler is again putting pressure on the Humphries throw and needs just 84 to check out, but can’t quite make it, but he is lucky as the World No 1 is not yet on a finish.
At the second chance though he does break with a double 10!
Littler 1-2 Humphries (2-3) – THIRD SET HUMPHRIES!
By Dominic Hogan
Another set heading into the fifth leg – this has been some drama already.
But now it’s Humphries who is in the ascendancy as he gets another maximum, before Littler has a bounce out!
Humphries just needs the bullseye to take the set as he looks to check out, but misses.
But after Littler looks to get back into it Humphries sinks his set dart into double 8!
Littler 1-1 Humphries (2-2)
By Dominic Hogan
Littler is just missing that treble 20 a little more often as he drags twice into treble 5.
Humphries responds with 180 of his own, and after 65 needs only 116 to check out and level the set.
Littler still needs 217 but Humphries is focussed on his own game, and takes the leg!
Luke Littler’s family tense as Luke Humphries claimed the first set
By Jon Brady
We can’t imagine how Luke Littler’s mum Lisa is feeling right now as she watches her 16-year-old son stand on the precipice of all-time glory.
But these photos certainly give us an idea of the knots her stomach must be in as she watched Luke Humphries take the first set, before Littler stormed back to win the second.
The teenager’s girlfriend, Eloise Milburn, will be feeling the tension in the room too – look at the concentration in her face as she wills her boyfriend on…
Littler 1-1 Humphries (2-1)
By Dominic Hogan
Littler is on throw now but Humphries is in a great position to break the teenager’s throw but looks a little hesitant as he leaves himself 138 to check out.
Littler, needing 70, misses on double 10 and Humphries breaks!
Littler 1-1 Humphries (2-0)
By Dominic Hogan
Littler’s in the groove now, and Humphries just doesn’t look quite as settled and assured after the recent onslaught from the 16-year-old.
Littler’s average is up to 99.31 as he begins to put some bigger scores on the board.
And it pays off as he takes the second leg too to go into pole position heading into the final leg of the third set.
Mario and Luigi and Oompa Loompas among those excited to be at World Darts final
By Jon Brady
Gaming’s most famous plumbers, Mario and Luigi – or rather, a pair of men dressed as them – are among those watching this momentous final in north London tonight.
They told Sky News they managed to get tickets ‘quite late on’ – as did a set of Oompa Loompas who snagged some ‘golden tickets’ of their own.
‘It’s a good bit of sport, everyone doesn’t take it too serious and get involved,’ ‘Mario’ told the broadcaster.
Littler 1-1 Humphries (1-0)
By Dominic Hogan
Littler with the throw at the start of the third of a maximum of 13 sets.
The teenager needs an 80 to check out…. and gets it!
Off the mark in the third set!
Littler 1-1 Humphries (3-2) – SECOND SET LITTLER!
By Dominic Hogan
He’s awake noe alright – another 180 and suddenly the tide is with Littler. Humphries is now looking like letting slip the total control he had on this one.
Littler needs 120 to win it now, and seals it on a Shanghai!
SECOND SET LITTLER!
Littler 0-1 Humphries (2-2)
By Dominic Hogan
Littler, after breaking throw, is already down in the fourth leg after Humphries’ fifth maximum of the tie.
A few boos after Humphries misses a chance at a nine-darter.
But they quickly turn to cheers as Littler turns it on to take the fourth leg and suddenly he’s in with a shout to draw level again!
Littler 0-1 Humphries (1-2)
By Dominic Hogan
Littler is still not looking on it just yet and is at risk of going two sets down in a heartbeat.
But how does he respond? Only with a maximum to attack the Humphries throw!
But now Humphries gets one of his own and after both miss out on their first chance at a check out, Littler snatches it on double 15!
Boxer Derek Chisora among those at Ally Pally
By Jon Brady
Footballers, sons of footballers, and now boxers – there doesn’t seem to be a sport that isn’t represented at the Alexandra Palace tonight.
Alongside Spurs’ James Maddison and Romeo Beckham (both pictured below), regional heavyweight champion boxer Derek Chisora has been spotted in the crowds watching the historic darts final.
Chisora is wearing a hat that appears to show Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers as Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed – we wonder what Chisora makes of darts’ very own clash of the titans tonight?
Littler 0-1 Humphries (0-2)
By Dominic Hogan
Another 180 to start off for Humphries and Littler just misses the chance to match him with a 140 of his own.
Another trebleless visit takes Littler’s total up to 12 already!
134 from Humphries leaves him 87 to finish off the second leg of this second set, but he can only manage 82 leaving double 5 to win again…
… And he does just that!
Littler 0-1 Humphries (0-1)
By Dominic Hogan
Humphries gets us going in the second set, and it’s another poor start for Littler who is averaging just 87.05 so far.
The leader buries a 180 to lead by 270 and Littler can only pull back 60, before Humphries takes the first leg.
Luke Littler’s walk-on in pictures
By Jon Brady
Luke Littler almost can’t believe he’s here – bidding for World Darts Championship glory – as he takes to the stage at Alexandra Palace.
The crowds went wild as he walked out to Greenlight by Pitbull – with the lyrics ‘We only got one life, one life/And we gon’ live it up’ – and gazed skyward.
There was a hug for girlfriend Eloise Milburn as he made his way to the stage – before Littler and Humphries shared a smouldering fist-bump.
You could cut the tension with a knife in these photos…
Littler 0-1 Humphries (1-3) – FIRST SET HUMPHRIES!
By Dominic Hogan
Littler just slightly hesitates going for a maximum and hands Humphries a chance to take the first set, which the World No 1 misses out on!
Littler pulls out a 180 but it’s not enough and Humphries seals the first set in pretty comfortable fashion!
Littler 0-0 Humphries (1-2)
By Dominic Hogan
Third leg already now with Littler getting us going.
He’s not doing too well though and registers a seventh trebleless visit already and he’s got ground to make up here.
Both are on the Shanghai finish… Humphries misses first up, and Littler turns it down, before Huhmphries gets the first break of throw to go 2-1 up!
Littler 0-0 Humphries (1-1)
By Dominic Hogan
First maximum of the encounter for Humphries to leave himself 47, which he misses out on the first opportunity and needs just a double eight to even things up.
He misses first time, but takes the second opportunity!
Littler takes the first leg!
By Dominic Hogan
Walking In a Littler Wonderland is being absolutely belted out around Ally Pally making it pretty difficult to hear anything else as we finally get underway!
Just 44 from Littler first up matched by 100 by Humphries for the first throws before Littler leaves himself a 164 to checkout, which he misses first time to leave a further 40.
But after Humphries misses his own chance, Littler checks out with tops!
Romeo Beckham among the famous faces watching from Ally Pally tonight
By Jon Brady
David Beckham’s son Romeo and his girlfriend Mia Regan are among those in the Ally Pally’s west hall tonight watching Luke Littler take on Luke Humphries.
Regan posted an image of Romeo wearing a Paddy Power headpiece as he holds up a sign reading: ‘Super Luke Littler’.
She then posted another sign with the playful taunt used by many against Littler in the tournament, in light of his age: ‘He’s got school in the morning!’
And here comes Cool Hand Luke!
By Dominic Hogan
There are a couple of boos in the crowd for Humphries as he makes his way out to DNCE’s Cake By The Ocean – he’s definitely read the room, though, and it gets the thousands of darts fans in the house even more pumped up for this one – not that they needed it!
A few final warm-up darts for the pair are all that stands between us and the final now.
Confidence personified
By Dominic Hogan
Man that kid looks like confidence and composure personified.
It may as well be a walk out to the shops for some milk – that’s how bothered he looks.
He heads straight for his family and partner for a last-minute hug and worlds of wisdom before he takes up his post on the stage to await Humphries’ arrival.
Walk-out time!
By Dominic Hogan
Here we go then – cue the music it’s time for the walk-outs!
First up is the teen sensation Littler…
Could he be ‘the GOAT’?
By Dominic Hogan
Not to put too much pressure on his shoulders after one stunning tournament run, but Wayne Mardle reckons that Littler could become the GOAT.
While we have seen some big names fall afoul of the Nuke so far in the last week or so, are we maybe – just maybe – running the risk of jumping a little bit ahead of ourselves.
One thing you would say though is that Littler seems to not be paying too much attention to all the noise around him – and it’s fair to say that’s put him in good stead.
Check out more of what Mardle had to say as we tick ever closer to the walkouts at Ally Pally.
Ally Pally filling up with minutes to go
By Jon Brady
They’ve turned out in their thousands, ready to drain the Ally Pally of every pint of beer and every slice of kebab meat it has to offer – and now darts fans are taking their seats with just minutes to go until the WDC final.
From circus ringmasters, traffic cones and Oompa Loompas to a Bananaman or two, and even dartboards, supporters are as underdressed as ever.
The West Hall is a humble venue – capacity 3,200 – but it will never have felt so grand as it will tonight, with all attention focused on a tiny circle at the centre of the stage, upon which history will be made tonight.
All feels very dramatic, doesn’t it? Good thing everyone’s dressed for the occasion.
Littler wins the bull!
By Dominic Hogan
Luke Littler will throw first!
In the practice room ahead of the start of this one the youngster has taken the bull and will throw first in this one!
Let’s not read too much into that, but it’s always to start with as many positives behind you as possible.
Inspiration strikes for young fans at Luke Littler’s local darts club in Warrington
By Jon Brady
The would-be Luke Littlers of the future have been practising their skills at the prodigy’s local darts club in Warrington.
St Helen’s Darts Academy has a dartboard established in honour of Littler as well as other legends like Raymond van Barneveld and Lisa Ashton.
But it’s the 16-year-old’s board that has been getting all of the attention tonight, with young fans in their own darts shirts practicing ahead of the final tonight.
We’re a big fan of Jake Callaghan’s shirt – all lightning bolts and a big dartboard right in the middle, in case you missed why he’s excited.
After a few rounds on the board, the entire club is settling in to watch, waving signs with messages like ‘Nuke ’em Luke’.
The club wrote on Facebook: ‘All our players and committee are so proud of you Luke.’ We’ve got something in our eye over here.
Humphries in glittering company
By Dominic Hogan
Luke Humphries ripped Scott Williams to shreds last night – in fact his winning average was the eighth highest in WDC history at 108.74.
The match-ups that saw greater numbers read like a darting Mount Rushmore with the likes of Van Gerwen, Van Barneveld, Taylor dominating.
Not bad company to be in, right?
Where would it rank if Littler goes the distance?
By Dominic Hogan
There’s been some talk at Ally Pally in the studio about just how massive it would be if Littler went the distance…
Would it be the biggest achievement in sport? Would it be a bigger accomplishment than some of the heroics we’ve seen in the past?
Think Stokes at Headingley, Raducanu at the US Open, Leicester in 2015-16 – would this be better than the rest?
Darts is transcending sporting boundaries
By Dominic Hogan
These two have been on stunning runs at the WDC – and it’s turned a few heads from other sports too!
The calm before the storm from inside Ally Pally
By Jon Brady
Fans will be taking their seats any time now for the World Darts Championship final – but for those who weren’t lucky enough to get the highly coveted briefs, what is it like inside the hallowed halls of Alexandra Palace?
Sports writer Kieran Gill is there, and has been sharing footage of an empty Ally Pally – with stadium-style seating and hall-length tables laid out for those fortunate enough to be witnessing history tonight.
Those seated at the tables running the length of the venue will find themselves the lucky recipients of some Paddy Power merchandise. The bookmaker is the title sponsor of the event.
Among the goodies? Badges, hats and…underpants. Each to their own.
For those of you just joining us…
By Dominic Hogan
For those of you just joining us unaware of what we have on offer tonight, then firstly what rock have you been hiding under!
Luke Littler has absolutely torn up, set fire to and scattered the ashes of the script and torn through the World Darts Championship to make the final on his tournament debut.
Oh, he’s also 16.
And despite knocking out a couple of former champions already along the way, he’s now got to beat the World No 1 and pre-tournament favourite in Luke Humphries, who had a sublime 2023 that saw him pick up three major honours on his way to a superb run at Ally Pally.
We’re not quite straying into ‘what ifs’ just yet – but there is an opportunity tonight to write one of the great stories of all time. Not just in darts, but in sport.
We’ve not got long until we’re expecting to get our stars out on the stage tonight, and you really, truly will not want to miss this one!
‘I’m not setting a goal tonight’: Luke Littler is characteristically coy on his chances
By Jon Brady
Can anything faze Luke Littler? Pressed by Sky Sports News earlier on his chances, he refused to rate his own chances ahead of the match against Luke Humphries.
Instead, he spoke of his pride at inspiring other would-be future darts stars. He is, as ever, completely unflappable.
He told the broadcaster: ‘I’ve been proud of myself since I won my first game. I set my goal to win my first game, come back after Christmas and that’s it, I’ve not set any more goals.
‘I’m not going to set one tonight, just hope I’m going to win it because you never know.
‘It’s unbeliveable. If I’m on it, I can beat anyone, and I’ve beat three world champions.
‘I’m in the top 32 now so I’ll be going almost everywhere on the tour. I can’t wait for it. Winning all these games, I’m just letting it go and getting onto the next one.
‘I’m not going to set any goals to try and win it tonight: Luke’s got a quick throw, I’ve got a quick throw so it’s going to suit both of us tonight.
‘I’ve checked my TikTok, there’s so many youngsters playing, it’s good. I give them a comment saying “keep it up” and that. It’s crazy what I’ve done for the sport.’
How long d’you reckon Littler spends practicing?
By Dominic Hogan
For any of you at home thinking ‘I could do that, darts isn’t that hard!’ then think again.
How long do you reckon Littler spends honing his craft, though?
That magic figure of 10,000 hours? A couple a day?
Both wrong answers, I’m afraid!
Take a look at the story below to find out just how much the Nuke spends practicing on average – and I promise you won’t quite believe it!
Here it is!
By Dominic Hogan
Here it is – the Sid Waddell Trophy, the one they’re both in the house to lift at the end of the night (featuring a rogue hoover…)!
Who’s it going to be lifting that majestic piece of silverware tonight? Who you backing?
A little under an hour away until we expect to see the two stars of the show at Ally Pally.
Luke Littler cashing in on newfound fame with official darts for £102 and flights for £1 each
By Jon Brady
Luke Littler is already cashing in on his newfound fame – with the teen prodigy’s officially licensed darts sold out despite costing £102 each.
Experts reckon that Littler will be in line for lucrative corporate tie-ins and sponsorships regardless of tonight’s result and sales of his official darts seem to suggest they’re on the money, literally.
Officially licensed darts produced by Target, emblazoned with his ‘The Nuke’ logo on the flights, sell for £102.95 on both its website and third-party retailers. The ‘Swiss tip’ hard point darts are sold out until February, while soft tip darts are still in stock.
A leaf out of Bolt’s book
By Dominic Hogan
Usain Bolt in 2008 grabbed the headlines for his somewhat unexpected preparation for his astounding 100m gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, when he revealed his build up included some chicken nuggets and a nap.
It would appear that Littler has taken a similar route of relaxation ahead of a night that will surely be full of nerves and tension.
We saw earlier what Littler has been getting up to earlier today, but surely his ham and cheese omelette – and a pizza – takes the proverbial biscuit?!
He’s a man of his word, too, having promised that’s exactly how he would gera up for the WDC final on beating Cross last night.
‘I’ll do what I’ve been doing,’ he said on Tuesday. ‘In the morning, go for a ham and cheese omelette, then come here have a pizza and then practice!
‘That’s what I’ve done every day.’
Pubs in Luke Littler’s hometown Warrington gear up for the match – with cans of Tango!
By Jon Brady
Warrington is behind Luke Littler tonight as he prepares to square up to Luke Humphries in the PDC World Championship final – with one pub even getting in a case of Tango, one of his favourite drinks, for the night ahead.
The Millhouse pub in the town has cancelled its weekly pub quiz for the game, and has put up banners reading ‘Come on The Nuke!’ and ‘Luke “The Nuke” Littler: One of our own!’ as it shows the event on big screen TVs.
Littler might not be old enough to buy a drink at the watering hole but his brother Leon, 20, pulls pints behind the bar and dad Anthony Buckley is a regular.
Landlady Lisa Leyland is all smiles as she poses with darts – and a case of the fizzy orange drink that the darts prodigy likes to pair with a kebab – while a few locals have been trying their hand at matching the local lad’s talent on the pub’s dartboard.
As punters piled in, Lisa said of his meteoric rise: ‘It’s brilliant. It’s absolutely brilliant. It’s amazing. I get a bit emotional about it.’
Littler has become so popular in his hometown that Hot Spot takeaway has rebranded its doner wrap, chips and mayonnaise meal as ‘Luke Littler’s Favourite Kebab’.
Connor Gough, 27, watching the game in a town centre bar, said: ‘He’s doing the town proud and he’s got the whole town talking about darts too.’
Classy from Crossy
By Dominic Hogan
How about this for a touch of class from Rob Cross?
The 2018 champion was beaten 6-1 despite taking the first set last night, but went straight over to Littler to shake his hand and wish him all the best!
‘Generational talent’
By Dominic Hogan
This isn’t a one-off either by the way.
Here’s a little look at Littler nailing a nine-darter at just 14…
Wondering how it’s shaping up at Ally Pally?
By Dominic Hogan
Wondering what it’s like at the heart of it all tonight?
Well our man Kieran Gill is at Ally Pally this evening, and here’s just a taster of how things have been heating up ahead of one of the most highly-anticipated games of darts of all time…
Half-and-half scarf at the darts?!
By Dominic Hogan
Ah, the inevitable half-and-half scarves that seem to plague most sporting events…
A polarising topic in the right crowds, but on a night like tonight – and at the darts no less – you’d be surprised if that’s the biggest fashion faux pas come the end of the evening…
Life will ‘change forever’ for the winner
By Dominic Hogan
Is there anything better than being World No 1 in your craft?
Well maybe winning the World Championship the very next day – and that’s exactly what Luke Humphries is out here trying to achieve tonight…
‘Bigger than the Ashes’: Luke Littler’s semi-final was watched by 2.32million on Sky Sports
By Jon Brady
Luke Littler isn’t just breaking darts records – he’s smashing TV milestones too.
A peak of 2.32million people watched his barnstorming semi-final win over Rob Cross on Tuesday night, according to Sky Sports – up 165 per cent on last year’s semi-finals and twice the previous viewing record.
The last record was set in January 2015 when Gary Anderson beat 16-times world champ Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor.
Sky says the figures are on a par with live Premier League, Carabao Cup and Championship playoff peaks – so next time someone tells you darts is niche, you can point to this and tell them to think again.
PDC chairman Eddie Hearn posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the viewing figures were ‘bigger than the Ashes’.
And he’s not wrong: Sky said an average of 965,000 people tuned in across the four days at Headingley in the summer, the highest ever for a Test match.
‘Last night Littler v Cross smashed the record with 2.32m audience! Bigger than the Ashes, bigger than the Ryder Cup let’s break 3m tonight for the final,’ Hearn wrote.
How do you produce a darts prodigy?
By Dominic Hogan
How does one become a darts prodigy at 16…? Asking for a friend.
Well, as with all things there’s got to be a healthy combo of nature and nurture, but you surely need the right teachers showing you the ropes along the way.
Take a lookat the St. Helens talaent factory that might have helped produced a world champion by the end of the night.
‘A cracker’ awaits us all
By Dominic Hogan
As a double winner of this one, as well as almost a dozen other major honours, Gary Anderson should know a thing or two about crackers at the darts.
Fans arrive at Ally Pally ahead of historic final
By Jon Brady
Darts fans are arriving in force at Alexandra Palace ahead of the earth-shattering final between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.
As ever, it’s an understated affair for those lucky enough to get their hands on briefs for tonight’s historic face-off.
It’s one thing to be able to say you were here when Luke Littler became the youngest ever World Darts Championship finalist – and quite another when you tell people you were dressed as a traffic cone.
‘I had to let him win, I was only 12!’
By Dominic Hogan
True to form, Littler was full of jokes about that clash in 2019 ahead of tonight’s match.
It’s only the biggest day of your sporting career, Luke!
At this point, feels like I’m more nervous than he is about it…
A duel four years in the making
By Dominic Hogan
Tonight is going to be a herculean clash between the two Lukes, but believe it or not they’ve actually squared off once before.
And no it wasn’t at Ally Pally or any of the great sporting venues that might spring to mind, but in the Hayling Island quarter-final in the halcyon days of November 2019.
Littler was 12 – still staggering that that’s only four years ago – and was edged out by a 24-year-old Humphries on the night.
Who’d have thought that they’d be here on tonight’s stage later just a few years later?
You can take a look at that one at the link below.
Spare a thought for Humphries
By Dominic Hogan
Littler is the story of the tournament, and I think even Luke Humphries would be the first to admit that he has been nothing short of sensational.
But his opponent tonight would be the name on everyone else’s lips if it weren’t for the teenage star.
Humphries had only really enjoyed a middling career in darts up until the turn of 2023, never making it past the semis at a major tournament.
But 2023 saw the start of one of the most dominant 12-month periods in the game, with Humphries picking up the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and the Players Championship Finals – and he could add the WDC tonight!
Yes, Littler has honestly been pretty breath-taking, but let’s not forget that his opponent has been on one hell of a ride himself in the last year or so!
How do you prepare for the biggest night of your life?
By Dominic Hogan
So put yourself in Littler’s shoes for a moment.
It’s the morning of the biggest day of your entire life, how do you get yourself in the mood to carve your name in the annals of sporting history?
A ham and cheese omelette? Yeah, same.
Littler ‘can’t wait’ to get back out there
By Dominic Hogan
It’s just breath-taking how unfazed this guy is by the whole ‘a couple of hours away from sporting immortality’ thing.
It’s just a game, right?
By Dominic Hogan
So, what’s the big fuss all about? After all, it’s just two blokes chucking some tiny arrows at a board, right?
Oh you could not be more wrong.
Littler has turned the sport on its head over the course of the last month or so, undergoing a transformation the likes of which nobody would have expected – not even your uncle who claims his mate’s dog’s friend’s goldfish put a fiver on Leicester to win the league in 2016.
Tonight the kid from Warrington could become the youngest ever winner of the WDC in his first appearance.
Don’t underestimate how seismic this is; nobody has done this, nobody thought anyone could get to this point, and it’s pretty likely that nobody ever will again.
All he’s got to do is beat the best ranked player in the entire world. Should be easy right?
Welcome everybody
By Dominic Hogan
Forget the Olympics, forget the Euros – we’ve got THE sport event of 2024 coming your way tonight.
That’s right, it’s the PDC World Darts Championship final coming live from Alexandra Palace directly to your feeds as we take you through what has the potential to arguably be the greatest underdog story in sporting history!
16-year-old unseeded Luke Littler takes on World No 1 Luke Humphries tonight at Ally Pally on his tournament debut. Does it get bigger than that?!
We’re expecting the pair out on stage at around 8.00pm, which gives us a little over two hours to build up to what will be a titanic night of darts that none of us will be forgetting in a huryy, so don’t you go anywhere.
- LUKE HUMPHRIES WINS THE WDC 2024!
- Littler 4-6 Humphries (2-1)
- Littler 4-6 Humphries (1-1)
- Littler 4-6 Humphries (1-0)
- Is there one last twist?
- Littler 4-6 Humphries (1-3) – HUMPHRIES ONE SET AWAY NOW!
- Littler 4-5 Humphries (1-2)
- Littler 4-5 Humphries (1-1)
- Littler 4-5 Humphries (0-1)
- Littler 4-5 Humphries (2-3) – HUMPHRIES MAKES IT THREE ON THE BOUNCE!
- Littler 4-4 Humphries (2-2)
- Littler 4-4 Humphries (1-2)
- Littler 4-4 Humphries (0-2)
- Littler 4-4 Humphries (0-1)
- This is a special match we’ve got
- Littler 4-4 Humphries (1-3) – HUMPHRIES TAKES THE EIGHTH!
- Littler 4-3 Humphries (1-2)
- Littler 4-3 Humphries (0-2)
- Littler 4-3 Humphries (0-1)
- Littler 4-3 Humphries (2-3) – HUMPHRIES CUTS THE DEFICIT!
- Littler 4-2 Humphries (2-2)
- Littler 4-2 Humphries (1-2)
- Littler 4-2 Humphries (1-1)
- Littler 4-2 Humphries (0-1)
- Littler 4-2 Humphries (3-0) – SIXTH SET GOES TO LITTLER!!!
- Littler 3-2 Humphries (2-0)
- Littler 3-2 Humphries (1-0)
- Nerves of ice
- Littler 3-2 Humphries (3-1) – LITTLER TAKES THE FIFTH!!!
- Littler 2-2 Humphries (2-1)
- Littler 2-2 Humphries (1-1)
- Littler 2-2 Humphries (1-0)
- Littler 2-2 Humphries (3-1) – FOURTH SET LITTLER!
- Littler 1-2 Humphries (2-1)
- Littler 1-2 Humphries (2-0)
- Littler 1-2 Humphries (1-0)
- Littler 1-2 Humphries (2-3) – THIRD SET HUMPHRIES!
- Littler 1-1 Humphries (2-2)
- Littler 1-1 Humphries (2-1)
- Littler 1-1 Humphries (2-0)
- Littler 1-1 Humphries (1-0)
- What a second set of darts
- Two sets down already…
- Littler 1-1 Humphries (3-2) – SECOND SET LITTLER!
- Littler 0-1 Humphries (2-2)
- Littler 0-1 Humphries (1-2)
- Littler 0-1 Humphries (0-2)
- Littler 0-1 Humphries (0-1)
- First Blood Humphries!
- Littler 0-1 Humphries (1-3) – FIRST SET HUMPHRIES!
- Littler 0-0 Humphries (1-2)
- Littler 0-0 Humphries (1-1)
- Littler takes the first leg!
- And here comes Cool Hand Luke!
- Littler wins the bull!
- Where would it rank if Littler goes the distance?
- For those of you just joining us…
- Here it is!
- A leaf out of Bolt’s book
- A duel four years in the making
- Spare a thought for Humphries
- How do you prepare for the biggest night of your life?
- Welcome everybody
TOP STORIES
- Rob Cross vs Luke Littler – World Darts Championship semi-finals RECAP: ‘The Nuke’ destroys Rob Cross 6-2 with Luke Humphries beating Scott Williams to set up sensational Alexandra Palace showdown
- Chelsea Q&A LIVE: Will Ben Chilwell feature in the FA Cup? What is the latest on Ian Maatsen and more as Mail Sport’s Adrian Kajumba answers your questions
- Luke Littler’s birth certificate is revealed ahead of the World Darts Championship final… with fans still shocked at ‘The Nuke’s’ age as he stuns the world to reach tonight’s final
- Breakfast of champions… Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler, 16, steps out for £8.50 cheese and ham omelette in Islington with his beautician girlfriend – before wonderkid makes his way to Ally Pally for final
- Liverpool vs Newcastle – Premier League RECAP: Score, team news and updates as Jurgen Klopp’s side aim to stretch lead at the top of the table with a win
- Transfer news RECAP: Man United ‘will target Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise’, whilst Borussia Dortmund are actively working on a loan deal for Jadon Sancho
- Luke Littler reveals he left school with NO GCSEs – and says he isn’t someone to look up to – as he promises to treat his parents if he wins £500,000 prize for becoming World Darts Champion
- Newcastle Q&A: Is Eddie Howe under pressure? And what to expect ahead of the first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 and more as Mail Sport’s Craig Hope answers your questions
- Luke Littler vs Luke Humphries tale of the tape: 16-year-old starlet has higher tournament average and checkout percentage – but teenager’s rival takes the momentum after dominant semi-final
- Inside the St Helens talent factory that helped Luke Littler to World Darts Championship final: Unassuming Merseyside store hopes to produce a second title winner after successes of Michael Smith and Stephen Bunting
- The Lukes’ Lady Lucks! Beautician, 21, dating wonderboy Luke Littler, 16, will cheer him on alongside his namesake opponent’s lowkey – but equally glamorous – partner at World Darts Championships final
- World Darts Championship sponsors Paddy Power face a seven-figure bashing from punters if Luke Littler wins tonight’s final – and 500 fans bet on him at 50/1 or higher before the Ally Pally tournament even started!
- Luke Littler’s semi-final win over Rob Cross was the most watched darts match EVER – with over 2.3MILLION fans tuning in – as Eddie Hearn hails it as ‘bigger than the Ashes and the Ryder Cup’
- Liverpool Q&A: Can the Reds really sign Kylian Mbappe? What does the future hold for Fabio Carvalho and more as Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele answers your questions
- Man United invite boyhood fan Luke Littler to Old Trafford – after the darts sensation receives good luck messages from Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans
- Luke Humphries reveals touching tribute he plans to pay his girlfriend’s father – amid his battle with prostate cancer – if he wins Paddy Power’s Ballon d’Art trophy for hitting the most 180s at the World Darts Championship
- Darts wonderkid Luke ‘the Nuke’ Littler, 16, goes head-to-head with rival ‘Cool Hand’ Luke Humphries, 28, to win the World Dart Championships in front of a VERY merry Ally Pally audience and millions of fans at home
- World Darts Championship: Live score and updates as Luke Littler, 16, thrashes Brendan Dolan 5-1 to reach the semi-finals and win £100,000
- Wayne Rooney stunned champions Arsenal, Tiger Woods made his PGA Tour debut, Anthony Joshua was in trouble with the law and Conor McGregor was a plumber! What sport’s greats were doing aged 16 as Luke Littler goes for world title glory
- Sky Sports have had NO offers to show Luke Littler’s World Darts Championship final free-to-air… despite MPs’ calls for deal to be struck to show Ally Pally showdown
- Mother of Luke Littler’s 21-year-old girlfriend hits back at ‘mean comments’ about their five-year-age gap – and says her daughter is just ‘a lovely young girl in a new relationship’ with the 16-year-old darts supremo
- Lib Dems call for Luke Littler’s World Darts Championship final to be shown on free-to-air TV – as millions stand to miss out with tonight’s Ally Pally event being broadcast on Sky Sports
- Luke Littler’s team-mates reveal surprising number of hours the teenage sensation spent practicing as the 16-year-old prepares to take on Luke Humphries in the World Darts Championship final
- Incredible throwback picture emerges of Luke Littler after playing against World Darts Championship final opponent Luke Humphries when he was just 12… as World No 1 says he’ll ‘probably have to play the game of my life’ to beat him
- How much will the winner of the PDC World Darts Championship earn, with the total prize fund a whopping £2.5million… everything you need to know as teenage sensation Luke Littler remains in contention to secure a life-changing payday
- Luke Humphries was applying for office jobs at Luke Littler’s age and almost QUIT darts due to anxiety and panic attacks… now the new World No1 is aiming to beat the 16-year-old sensation to claim his first world title
- Darts sensation Luke Littler, 16, says he’ll have a ham and cheese omelette for breakfast, pizza and dinner… before trying to win £500,000 at Ally Pally: Youngest-ever finalist takes on No3 seed Luke Humphries (who he played aged 12) for historic title
- Luke Littler is already cashing in on his newfound fame with official darts selling for £102 and flights for £1 each (and both are already sold out)
- Legendary referee Russ Bray reveals he is ‘proud’ to be recognised as the ‘voice of darts’, as he prepares to call his 28th and last World Championship final tonight
- Fulham 2-1 Arsenal – Premier League: Live score, team news and updates as Gunners fumble the chance to end 2023 top
- Japan plane fire RECAP: Hero Japan Airlines cabin crew lauded for ‘incredible job’ after evacuating 379 from hellish inferno in MINUTES
- Luke Littler, 16, moves just one win from glory and a £500,000 prize after destroying 2018 champion Rob Cross 6-2 at Ally Pally to become the youngest ever World Darts Championship finalist
- Luke Littler, 16, issues an apology after causing a stir on social media for being photographed holding The Sun newspaper – as Warrington-based darts star says ‘I didn’t fully understand at the time what I was being asked to do’
- BUSINESS LIVE: Business confidence weakens; Entain hands activist board seat; FTSE 100 turns 40
- Love match! Darts hero Luke Littler, 16, met girlfriend of six weeks Eloise Milburn, 21, while playing FIFA on Xbox where they bonded over their love of the game
- The darts-playing beauty consultant, 21, with a singing voice like Adele who won over Luke ‘the Nuke’ Littler: How 16-year-old wonderkid has found love – as he prepares for World Darts Championship semi-final
- Crystal Palace Q&A LIVE: What’s the latest on Roy Hodgson’s position at the club? The latest on Michael Olise’s future at Palace and more as Mail Sport’s Kieran Gill answers your questions
- West Ham 0-0 Brighton – Premier League: Live score, team news and updates as Brighton claim their first clean sheet of the season, as West Ham extend unbeaten run
- Luke Littler receives messages of support from Luke Shaw, Gary Neville Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans ahead of PDC World Darts final… with 16-year-old Man United fan inundated with messages from his idols
- Japan earthquake RECAP: Death toll ‘rises to 13’ the morning after powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Ishikawa – as daylight lays bare the devastation to homes and temples
- Luke Littler reveals semi-final rival Rob Cross’s eight-word message to him after his £200,000 victory at the World Darts Championship… before he goes for glory in tonight’s final
- Desperate darts fans force ticket website to CRASH while touts flog seats for nearly £1,200 each in last-minute scramble to watch youngest-ever finalist Luke Littler, 16, take on No3 seed Luke Humphries
- Luke Littler, 16, reveals the three VERY humble purchases he’ll make with his World Darts Championship winnings, where he could earn up to £500,000 with just one more Ally Pally win after storming into the final
- He’s done-r it! Kebab fan Luke ‘the Nuke’ Littler, 16, demolishes former world champ Rob Cross to become the youngest-ever World Darts Championship finalist – securing at least a £200,000 payday and earning a hug from his delighted beautician girlfriend
- Luke Littler could pocket a whopping £500,000 and is one win away from being ranked in the top 10 following his fairytale run at Ally Pally…so what comes next for the 16-year-old should he WIN the PDC World Darts Championship?
- Darts fans joke they have ‘caught’ Luke Litter, 16, after unearthing a tweet from 2014 suggesting he was ‘an experienced mechanic at seven’… while others point out ‘famously two people have never shared a name’
- Transfer news LIVE: Roberto Firmino is targeted by Premier League clubs after his Saudi struggles and Hugo Lloris is in talks with MLS side Los Angeles FC
- Celtic 2-1 Rangers – Scottish Premiership: Live score, team news and updates as Kyogo Furuhashi’s sublime second-half goal wins Old Firm clash
- Luke Humphries thrashes Scott Williams 6-0 to book PDC World Championship final against Luke Littler … with world No1 standing between the teenage darts sensation and Ally Pally glory
- Liverpool fans shocked after learning Curtis Jones is a big fan of one of their Premier League rivals amid speculative reports linking him with a move to the title contenders
- Jude Bellingham ‘breaks obscure LaLiga rule every time he plays for Real Madrid’… and follows in the footsteps of Gareth Bale by doing so!
- SIMON JORDAN: Don’t bash Wayne Rooney, what was he doing at Birmingham City? The club’s owners got what they deserved after a poor appointment without any substantive thinking
- James Maddison, Romeo Beckham and Derek Chisora among the crowd for Luke Littler’s World Darts Championship final against Luke Humphries at Ally Pally
- REVEALED: What Man United loanee Mason Greenwood allegedly said to get sent off in Getafe’s heated 2-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano that saw THREE red cards
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe is pictured at Old Trafford for the first time since his £1.3bn investment in Man United – as INEOS chief ‘spends two hours speaking to executives’ before leaving
- Newcastle are ‘looking very seriously into replacing Eddie Howe with Michel Sanchez’ with Magpies owners impressed by Girona manager, who has steered the Catalans to the top of LaLiga alongside Real Madrid
- Newcastle launch review into their safety operations after major security breach during Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund at St James’ Park
- Emma Raducanu wins on comeback after FINALLY returning from 259 days out of action, with 21-year-old British star relaunching her career in Auckland, ranked at 298th in the world following her injury nightmare
- TRANSFER GOSSIP: Kalvin Phillips’ move to Newcastle is in doubt, Bayern Munich are ready to splash £15m on striker to partner Harry Kane, while AC Milan are considering a deal for Aston Villa youngster
- Son Heung-min is the biggest overperforming finisher this season after clinical showing for Spurs, with TWO West Ham stars joining him… but which Liverpool forward and Chelsea midfielder have failed to impress?
- 23 wickets fall on a CHAOTIC first day in Cape Town as South Africa are bowled out for just 55 – before India lose their last six without scoring in just 11 balls – as hosts reach stumps three down and still 36 behind
- Paul Pogba looks alone as he fights a four-year ban which would end his career… Saudi Arabia could offer him a way out of his Juventus nightmare but the French star would be a HUGE gamble given his injury record
- SIMON JORDAN: The 12-year-old ‘influencers’ on Sky TV might not think the FA Cup matters… but they are wrong. PLUS, why I can’t stand the hype and circus of the January transfer window
- Former Premier League flop and World Cup star signs contract worth less than £1 to return to his boyhood club… and his task is to win them a first title in 19 years!
- Real Madrid 1-0 Mallorca: Antonio Rudiger spares Brahim Diaz’s blushes after his HORROR miss from point-blank range as German’s late winner keeps Los Blancos top of LaLiga
- Arsenal complained to PGMOL over the rough treatment of Bukayo Saka by opponents with their star man the third-most fouled player in the Premier League in 2023
- Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes could MISS Chiefs vs. Chargers in LA on Sunday as coach Andy Reid hints he’ll rest stars before NFL playoffs
- Baby joy for Nick Kyrgios as tennis star is dealt major boost after Australian Open disappointment
- Meet the 28-year-old crypto billionaire new owner of an F1 team: Australia-based geek is friends with UFC star Israel Adesanya and has already made his mark in the Premier League
- Jet-fueled rage! Jimmy Kimmel blasts Aaron Rodgers an ‘a**hole’ and says he has ‘put my family in danger’ for saying he will be named one of Jeffrey Epstein’s associates and says he could SUE him
- Paige Spiranac reveals her top five goals for 2024 as golf’s glamor girl looks to perfect her game on the course and ‘lean up’ after seeing in the New Year
- Aaron Rodgers suggests Jimmy Kimmel will be named as one of Jeffrey Epstein’s associates as the Jets quarterback jokes he ‘will definitely be popping some sort of bottle’ when the list is made public
- Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift enjoy a New Year’s Day drive the morning after their passionate kiss at a glitzy party as the couple head to the Chiefs star’s other house in Kansas City
- Taylor Swift is spotted boarding her private jet in Kansas City after saying goodbye to boyfriend Travis Kelce… with the pair having spent a loved-up Christmas Day and New Year’s together at his $6m home
- The world’s most mysterious strongman unmasked: Reclusive giant who counts Joe Rogan as his biggest fan finally reveals his training secrets – and why he almost never shows his face
- Everton consider handing former Manchester United star a Premier League lifeline on short-term deal after he became a free agent in the summer… as Sean Dyche’s Toffees dig in for relegation scrap
- Inside Wayne Rooney’s property empire: A sprawling £20m Cheshire mansion and a luxury holiday home on the Caribbean island of Barbados… where the England legend could be spending his time after being sacked by Birmingham after just 13 weeks
- IAN LADYMAN: Wayne Rooney is on the scrapheap and facing the end as a manager at the age of 38 after leaving Birmingham – so why did he even sign up for the impossible job?
- Mary Fowler posts holiday pics from her trip down under to see boyfriend Nathan Cleary – and one features a VERY romantic hidden detail
- Jason Kelce reveals the tracksuit he wore on New Year’s Eve was the gift brother Travis bought him and all his Chiefs teammates… as he laughs off criticism of his ‘drawstring length’ and admits he’s still not a fan of velour!
- Man United ‘target Crystal Palace star Michael Olise’ as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plots overhaul of Erik ten Hag’s misfiring attack – and winger ‘has a release clause activating in the summer’
- Inside the INCREDIBLE body transformation of darts star Luke Humphries – after World Darts Championship semi-finalist shed over four stone in recent years
- No Mo Salah is a blow but Liverpool will also miss the calm Wataru Endo… the £16m Japanese star has gone from a consolation prize to a key cog in Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League table-toppers
- New mum Ash Barty delights her fans in rare appearance with her adorable son Hayden
- West Ham’s ‘next Declan Rice’, a Liverpool prodigy known as the ‘Tasmanian devil’ and a 17-year-old playing in the Champions League… after a breakout year for Alejandro Garnacho, who is every Premier League team’s best teenage prodigy?
- Gary Lineker pressures BBC into DELETING bizarre tweet mocking up Wayne Rooney as a Peaky Blinder after his sacking by Birmingham City
- Cupid’s arrow hits bullseye! Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler’s darts-loving beauty consultant girlfriend, 21, says ‘the dream carries on’ as wonderkid, 16, prepares for historic World Championship semi TONIGHT – after pair sealed his quarterfinal win with a kiss
- Footy star Mitch Moses marries his girlfriend in stunning ceremony – but one of his Parramatta Eels teammates upstages him in the fashion stakes
- Rory McIlroy REGRETS being ‘too judgmental’ to players who joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour… and indicates that he now realizes that not everyone is in his or Tiger Wood’s financial position
- Tyreek Hill rushes home from Miami Dolphins practice as firefighters tackle HUGE blaze at his $6.9m house
- UFC superstar Paddy Pimblett shows off STAGGERING weight gain weeks after beating Tony Ferguson in prime shape… with his frame ballooning during the festive period
- WWE ‘set to sign TWO superstars for sensational comebacks’ – including a former world champion – hot on the heels of stunning returns for The Rock and CM Punk
- Where would 16-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler rank among the youngest champions in sport? Pele won the World Cup at 17, while Boris Becker and Martina Hingis were tennis prodigies… but a 13-year-old gold medal winner eclipses them all!
- Nathan Cleary sends fans wild after ‘soft launching’ new girlfriend Mary Fowler on Instagram as sporting power couple get cosy on the beach and share intimate coffee date
- MAN UNITED CONFIDENTIAL: Andre Onana could leave for AFCON after clash with Spurs on January 14, West Ham are interested in outcast Jadon Sancho and Mary Earps looks set to leave on a free
- Travis Kelce’s managers are worried he is getting TOO famous amid Taylor Swift romance… and they plan to reduce his TV commercial time and prioritize ‘authenticity first’
- Are Douglas Luiz and Alisha Lehmann back together? Aston Villa’s power couple smile and cuddle in New Year’s Day snap just over a year after reported break-up following Swiss raunchy calendar shoot
- Fans react to hilarious responses when Mohamed Salah signed for Liverpool in 2017 that have aged HORRIBLY – as one fan complained he’s a ‘Chelsea reject’ and it’s ‘£34m down the drain’
- Travis Kelce opens up on his shocking car crash age 17 that saw him lose his drivers’ license after totaling his Dodge Caravan by hitting three parked cars – with some of his football team in the back: ‘I put lives in danger’
- Wayne Rooney got sacked after just 82 days at Birmingham, Gary Neville won three games at Valencia and Frank Lampard lost his job at Chelsea and Everton – how the dugout is tarnishing England’s Golden Generation
- James Milner moves level with Man United legend Ryan Giggs as the second-highest appearance maker in Premier League history after playing in his 632ND game in Brighton’s trip to West Ham
- Rory McIlroy claims Roy Keane REFUSED to sign an autograph for the Northern Irishman when he was 12-years-old… as golf star reveals his favourite Manchester United players
- Tragic details emerge about footy player Dakota Baldwin-Wright who died after getting struck by a train travelling in Europe