Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are a 12 months on from their unimaginable runs on the PDC World Darts Championship and are in no temper to begin slowing down.
The previous few weeks have continued to be a whirlwind for the 17-year-old Littler, selecting up his first TV rating main win within the Grand Slam and shedding to Humphries within the remaining of the Gamers Championship on Sunday.
Now, when wanting on the draw bracket for the World Championship, individuals see the 2 Lukes on a collision course for a semi-final showdown at Alexandra Palace, whetting the urge for food for one more event full of pleasure and drama.
Whereas at the moment in good kind, transferring all the way in which as much as world no 4 within the PDC Order of Advantage, Littler is staying grounded and specializing in profitable his opening match – towards wither Fallon Sherrock or Ryan Meikle – earlier than pondering of any potential clashes after Christmas.
“It was good to win the Grand Slam,” Littler informed Sky Sports activities. “It is good to seek out kind again finish of the 12 months, main into the World Championship.
“Similar as Luke Humphries mentioned, he was glad to win (on the Gamers Championship) as a result of it places his confidence up, particularly for the Worlds.
“If you asked me if I’d be world number four, as well as the titles I’ve lifted and the nine darters I’ve hit, I’d say you’re lying,” he added.
“Obviously win the first game, hopefully, and then come back home for Christmas. Hopefully, it’s a long December and January in London.”
Nevertheless, Humphries – who performs both Thibault Tricole or Joe Comito within the second spherical – already is aware of that if he faces Littler once more, will probably be a match to recollect.
“It would have been lovely to meet him in the final again but if we make it that far and it is a semi-final match up, it will still be a great one,” Humphries informed Sky Sports activities.
“We both love playing against each other, we have both got a great rhythm, and we get on really well.
“We now have enjoyable up on the stage.
“It will be a blockbuster clash if we both make that semi-final.”
‘We’re each the most effective on this planet’
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Reigning World Darts champion Luke Humphries seems to change into back-to-back champion at Alexandra Palace this Christmas
The controversy heading into the Worlds is which of the 2 is at the moment the most effective on this planet.
Statistically, each agree that Littler is in higher kind at this present second, however Humphries insists he can beat his teenage rival on his day.
“I think we are both at the moment the best player in the world,” Humphries mentioned.
“The averages he is putting in, it is fair to say he is putting in a big bit of form like I did last year.
“However on the Gamers Championship, I do not assume I used to be at my greatest and nonetheless managed to win and that is not straightforward.
“It is quite close between us both to be honest, but with the averages he is putting in, it is fair to say he is playing the best darts at the moment.
“However the World Championship is completely different. It’s powerful.
“It is not a foregone conclusion. It is massive opportunity for both of us – for me to win my second and for him to pick up his first.”
When Littler requested if he’s the most effective darts participant on this planet proper now he added: “I don’t know. I never say it. Stats wise? Yeah.
“It was good for Luke profitable the Gamers Championship so each of us will likely be undoubtedly prepared for the Worlds.”
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live from December 15-January 3 on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel. Stream darts and extra prime sport with NOW.
