Luke Littler swept aside Luke Humphries to win a first World Grand Prix title in Leicester. The 18-year-old triumphed 6-1 in the final, showcasing exceptional composure in crucial moments.
Humphries had appeared more impressive en route to the final, but Littler was flawless in deciding legs, winning each of the first four sets from 2-2. He came close to a rare nine-dart finish in the third set but missed the final bullseye.
In the fourth set, Humphries rallied from 2-0 down with two big checkouts, only for Littler to prevail in the decider. A 154 checkout from Humphries gave him the fifth set, but Littler dominated the final two sets to seal victory.
“Very happy to tick it off,” said Littler, who will play in the World Youth Championship on Monday. “It’s not the easiest tournament to win. This week has been so tough, but now I’ve picked the trophy up it’s one I can tick off and there’s not many left.”
Humphries, the world number one, expressed disappointment: “He’s so clinical and the first four sets I missed darts to get in. Double 16 was my friend for the last three years and tonight it wasn’t. Fair play to him, he was really good.”
