Teenage Sensation Luke Littler Claims Grand Slam of Darts Title
In a thrilling display of sporting prowess, 18-year-old Luke Littler has successfully defended his Grand Slam of Darts title, defeating rival Luke Humphries 16-11 in the final held in Wolverhampton. This victory marks Littler's second consecutive win at the tournament and solidifies his status as a dominant force in professional darts.
Rise to World Number One
The triumph came just days after Littler achieved the world number one ranking for the first time in his career, following a semi-final victory over the Netherlands' Danny Noppert. This latest win represents his eighth PDC premier event triumph in less than two years, a remarkable feat for the teenager.
Humphries, the 30-year-old former world champion, was on the receiving end of both significant milestones, losing his near year-long reign at the top of the darts rankings. The Order of Merit, determined by prize money earned over a two-year period, now sees Littler at the summit thanks to banking an impressive £1,850,000.
Fan-Led Calls for 'Bull Up' Rule Change
While the final itself provided immense entertainment, with Littler winning 10 of the last 13 legs to secure victory, it was the pre-match procedure that captured significant attention on social media. Darts fans voiced strong opinions about the 'bull up' rule, used to decide who throws first in a match.
Currently conducted behind closed doors, supporters are urging the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) to stage this crucial moment in front of the live audience to generate additional drama and transparency. One fan on X, formerly Twitter, explicitly urged: "Bull-up on stage in future".
Champion's Ambition and Rival's Vow
As the youngest PDC world number one ever, breaking a record previously held by Michael van Gerwen, who achieved the feat at 24 in 2014, Littler expressed his elation. "I am the best in the world, I can finally say it," he declared after the final. "World number one, you are the best in the world. To top it off by going back-to-back here makes it even more special. Now I'm number one, I'm hungry to stay there."
He acknowledged the target now on his back but stated it has only made him "more hungry" to maintain his position.
For Humphries, the defeat compounded the loss of his world number one status and followed his loss to Littler in last month's World Grand Prix final. However, 'Cool Hand Luke' remains defiant, pledging an all-out war on the darts superstar as the World Championships approach next month.
"I am going to win the Worlds. I am declaring war on him," Humphries told Sky Sports. "I'm playing good. Tiredness just crept in at the end there. We're going to go to war at the World Championships, we'll see who is the one there."
When asked if he and Littler are operating at a higher level than their competitors, Humphries affirmed, "Yeah, I do. I don't feel arrogant saying that... At the moment us two are playing a level of this sport that is better than everyone else. I want to play another world final against him."
