Luke Littler ‘absolutely shell-shocked’ as Luke Humphries produces epic comeback | Other | Sport

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Luke Humphries has stunned Luke Littler with a dramatic fightback at the New Zealand Darts Masters. In their first-to-seven semi-final, the teenager contrived to blow a 6-2 lead as his rival reeled off five legs in a row to leave him shell-shocked.

Indeed, Littler cut a despondent figure afterwards, unable to smile as the pair shook hands.

Humphries meanwhile, will now progress to his first ever World Series final.

In the latest instalment in what has become an epic rivalry in 2024, Littler looked in cruise control at 6-2 before the PDC world champion stormed back. And after the youngster missed a shot at 122 in the decider, Humphries was left needing to take out 76 for a remarkable victory.

He did it in just two darts, nailing a treble 20 followed by double 8. And on commentary, the emotions of both Littler and the crowd were summarised perfectly.

“Well this is astonishing,” said one. “6-2 down, and Luke Humphries has turned it round with an incredible performance. Luke Littler looks absolutely shell-shocked. I think we all are.”

To compound matters, Littler was left to reflect on missing two match darts for the win. And yet, he appeared at his rampant best in the early stages as Humphries toiled, missing 10 shots at a double in the opening six legs.

The Premier League champion had been looking to bounce back in New Zealand after his humiliating final defeat in the Australian Darts Masters. There, Littler came up against Gerwyn Price, only to find himself 5-0 down in a matter of minutes.

Price eventually secured a comfortable 8-1 victory, denying the Englishman an eighth title in as many months. And afterwards, Little admitted he was targeting the next tournament as a chance to bounce back.

“Fair play to Gezzy. I couldn’t keep up with him there,” he admitted. “He didn’t miss much and he deserved the win. There’s no excuses. I was poor in that final, but hopefully I can carry my form from my first two games into New Zealand.”

Littler had already won World Series titles in Bahrain and Poland this year, as well as European Tour events in Austria and Belgium. But his semi-final capitulation is a blow to organisers, who miss out on being able to showcase the game’s most marketable current star in the final.



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