Players Championship Darts Finals 2024 LIVE RESULTS: Luke Littler LOSES thrilling final to Luke Humphries – updates
LUKE LITTLER has lost the Players Championship final to Luke Humphries in what was a thrilling spectacle.
Littler defeated Mike De Decker 10-3 in his quarter-final earlier on Sunday, hitting THREE bullseyes in the stunning win. And he followed that up by beating Ross Smith in the semis 11-9.
But Luke Humphries was just too good in the final, beating Littler 11-7, despite some massive checkouts from the 17-year-old.
- Live stream: ITVX
- TV channel: ITV4
- Result: Humphries def. Littler 11-7
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What next for Lewis?
Adrian Lewis will take part in the Modus Super Series after losing his PDC Tour Card.
He also previously said he would go into the PDC qualifying school if he wanted to return.
Lewis explained his absence in the last two years, saying: "It was never my intention to put the darts away forever.
"I didn't really have the hunger, which I knew I needed to have to succeed.
"My wife has got an incurable kidney disease so we were in and out of hospital a lot of the time.
"Then, my daughter, she's disabled, she's got autism and it was just all getting too much for me.
"That's not going away of course, but we can learn to deal with it."
Ex-world champ loses tour card
Two-time world champion Adrian Lewis will not be a PDC Tour Card holder next year.
The 39-year-old is not playing in the PDPA qualifying for Ally Pally today and will therefore drop out.
'Littler for PM'
Fans were left in stitches after one fan at Minehead held up a side that read: "Littler for Prime Minister."
It prompted commentator Chris Mason to say: "He couldn't do any worse."
Got the Hump
Luke Humphries was left "furious" by the crowd in his win over Luke Littler in last night's final.
During the 14th leg, some fans had to be told to "stop whistling" by the referee as they tried to put Cool Hand off.
Viewers took to social media to hit out at the misbehaving supporter, saying: "Some match this but the disrespect towards Humphries is a joke. Whoever is whistling needs kicked out immediately."
Classy gesture
Gian van Veen has been praised by fans for consoling Jurjen van der Velde after World Youth Championship final defeat left him in flood of tears.
Van Veen, who lost in last year's final to Luke Littler, put his arm around him and heavily praised him during his on stage interview, admitting he got incredibly lucky to win.
One fan said: "Thought Van Veen was so lovely with how he handled that win at the end there. Very gracious, humble and considerate of Jurjen who you can’t help but feel broken for."
Another added: "Seeing van Veen consoling him just confirms the rumours that Van Veen is not only a brilliant dart player, but a top bloke as well."
A third wrote: "Gian has gained a fan or two."
Painful defeat
It was heartbreak for Jurjen van der Velde in the World Youth Championship final.
The youngster missed five darts for the title before compatriot Gian van Veen took his first chance to seal glory.
Van der Velde was left in tears on stage at the end of the game and was consoled by his rival.
Victory would have seen him book his place in today's draw for the World Championship.
But he instead has to be one of four to come through the PDPA qualifier.
Credit: Rex Cash is king
Luke Humphries and Luke Littler are enjoying an incredible rivalry.
They've both banked over £1million in prize money in 2024.
Littler's on £1.1million, while Humphries is edging it with £1.2million.
They've also won 17 titles between them.
These two, given their ages, will be going at each other for years. What a time to be alive.
Humphries reacts
Luke Humphries secured back-to-back Players Championship Finals triumphs with an 11-7 win over teenage sensation Luke Littler.
Speaking after the match, he said: "I'm really, really proud of that one to be honest.
"I didn't feel myself this week playing-wise, I felt like I was a dart behind in a lot of the scenarios but there's something that Luke does to you.
"He really drives me, makes me want to be a better player and I enjoy playing him.
"He let me in really early in that first session to go 4-1 up, I never looked back and I'm proud that I didn't take my foot off the gas. These big games are what I live for.
"Luke is a special talent and he was right - I said to him I've got to get these [titles] early before he wins them all.
"I'd love to be up here and hitting 105 averages like Luke is all the time but he's a different calibre, he's probably the best player in the world right now but there's something about me that never gives up.
"This is a great way to go into the Worlds."
Draw Day!
The draw for the World Championship takes place TODAY!
It comes right after a thrilling weekend in Minehead, which saw Luke Humphries beat teenage sensation Luke Littler in a re-run of the 2023/24 World Championship final.
The draw will get underway from 4.30pm GMT with Emma Paton and Wayne Mardle set to conduct proceedings.
Humphries is elated
Here's the money shot!
Humphries lifts the trophy, and doesn't he look delighted with himself?
What a perfect warm-up for the worlds.
Van Veen is youth champ
Meanwhile, while we waited for Humphries and Littler - there was the not so small matter of the World Youth Championship final.
It was won by Gian Van Veen, who is having an exceptional year.
Full report
It was a brilliant final between Littler and Humphries.
Read our report below.
Littler reaction
It was tough, I missed a few doubles.
“If you don’t take chances early on, it’s a lot to come back. I didn’t have enough in the end.
“It has been a good past two weeks. I cannot wait to go home, chill and practise for the worlds. We leads up to the big one.
“We always produce our best against each other. That first session, I didn’t have enough to get it back.”Humphries reaction
This was in my living room a couple of months ago and now I have it back.
“I didn’t feel myself this weekend. I was a dart behind.
“Luke drives me on, he makes me want to be a better player. I enjoy playing him.
“I am proud that I didn’t take my foot off the gas. It was a fantastic game again with Luke, he’s a special talent.
“Luke is probably the best player in the world right now.
“I told him I have to win these trophies before he starts to do so.
“These big games are what I live for, dream of, and to be a champion is why I do this, why I travel the world.
“I never give up. I know I can beat Luke. This is the best way to go into the worlds.”Littler 7-11 Humphries
Littler is doing all he can to put the pressure on, leaving 94.
Humphries can't get 140, but leaves double tops.
He returns to set up the marker, then gets the double tops he needs.
Humphries is the winner!
Littler 7-10 Humphries
133 leaves Humphries with the Big Fish.
But he's a fraction out of the treble 20. Ironically, he gets the bull next for a 130 which gives him a double tops.
Then Littler fluffs a 108 checkout hitting the two.
Humphries gets double tops! One more needed.
Littler 7-9 Humphries
Double 16 goes for Cool Hand Luke.
He just needs two more to win the tournament.
That's two more holds, at worst.
Littler 7-8 Humphries
How about that!
A 136 checkout from Littler, which draws a smile from Humphries.
Cool Hand Luke leads - with a break in hand - just.
We go into the next break, until we then go to a finish.
Who is going to come out on top?
Littler 6-8 Humphries
Oh that's risky but brilliant
Double 7 from Humphries gets him over the line.
Hold of throw, only. But he needed that.
Littler 6-7 Humphries
Tops for a 12 darter from Littler.
Anything Humphries can do, Littler can do better.
After the slow start, both players hitting ton averages now.
It's heating up.
Littler 5-7 Humphries
13 dart leg response from Humphries.
He extends his lead.
Brilliant stuff now. This game has ignited.
Littler 5-6 Humphries
That's staggering!
A164 finish from Littler earns a nod of approval from Humphries.
This is a test on Cool Hand Luke's resolve. Littler's on a roll.
Littler 4-6 Humphries
Great set up from Littler - leaving 40 - with a 130 plus score.
Tops needed for Humphries to seal the leg. Oh no! He missed it!
Luke requires 40, and he gets it!
The Nuke is back in this again, and is starting to find his range.
Littler 3-6 Humphries
Here's comes Littler!
The Big Fish is reeled in!
Humphries gives The Nuke a fist pump. Will that deflate Cool Hand Luke?
Littler 2-6 Humphries
Maximum number two for Humphries and he's down to 36 in a hurry.
Littler can't finish, so this is another opportunity to extend his lead.
Double 9, and that's an 11 darter from Cool Hand Luke.
Brilliant stuff.