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DARTS fans pointed out the "sliding doors moment" they are convinced cost teen sensation Luke Littler the world championship.

The 16-year-old was leading world No1 Luke Humphries 4-2 in sets when he attempted a treble.

Luke Littler was beaten by Luke Humphries in the final
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Luke Littler was beaten by Luke Humphries in the finalCredit: X @OfficialPDC
This was the moment fans fear Littler lost the final
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This was the moment fans fear Littler lost the finalCredit: X @OfficialPDC

Littler had one dart to go 5-2 up but could not hit the D2 - leaving himself furious after squandering the opportunity.

Humphries turned the tide around and eventually secured the championship with a dramatic 7-4 victory.

But fans could not help but look back to the painful moment Littler failed to go three sets ahead.

One said: "Luke Littler needed 58 with two darts left, tried single 18 to leave tops for a clear lead of 5-2 in sets.

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"But he accidentally hit 54 to leave double 2. Bamboozled, he missed it. Turning point…"

Another added: "That chance to make it 5-2 for Littler will be his sliding doors moment."

One argued: "This is where Luke Littler needed to know that two T18's leaves you D2. It took him so long that he lost all rhythm."

Another pointed out: "Sliding doors…"

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Humphries himself admitted had he gone three sets down it would have almost been game, set and match.

He said: "He missed one dart, I think he got an unlucky deflection in that triple 18. If it's 5-2, it becomes a really uphill task then for me.

"But to come back 4-3, 4-4, to get in front 5-4, 6-4 and then to real off that incredible leg, I can't lie to you that double eight my hand was shaking like mad.

"It just fell in for me and it was very fortunate. I'm world champion and world No1, I can't ask for more."

Luke Humphries celebrates after beating Luke Littler
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Luke Humphries celebrates after beating Luke LittlerCredit: PA
The finalist embrace after the dramatic final
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The finalist embrace after the dramatic finalCredit: AP

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