Luke Humphries has admitted to being 'relieved that run is over' after beating Luke Littler for the first time since the World Championship final.
The two Premier League rivals went toe-to-toe in a brilliant tie at the European Darts Grand Prix on Saturday with the match going to a deciding leg.
Littler had the darts to give him the advantage and gave himself a chance at finishing off Humphries for the seventh match in a row.
But the teenager failed to check out on bullseye with Humphries taking full advantage of his rival's miss.
Luke Humphries had lost six consecutive matches against Luke Littler
PA
The world champion landed double tops to end his long wait for a win over Littler and progress to the third round of the competition.
His win over Littler ends a six-match losing streak for Humphries with matches between the pair regularly going the distance.
Speaking after the match, Humphries claimed his previous record against Littler wasn't something he gave much though to.
However, he expressed his relief at finally winning his first match against Littler in nearly four months.
"That record wasn't something that was playing on my mind," he said.
"Luke is a fantastic player and in elite level sport, these runs of results can happen, but of course I'm relieved that run is over."
Humphries now progresses to the third round of the European Darts Grand Prix where he will face Stephen Bunting.
The world No 1 lost to Bunting last week at the International Darts Open and there's still some hard feelings for Humphries from that match.
Luke Humphries is through to the third round
PA
"I never should have lost that match, but I was so tired," Humphries said.
"After this weekend I really need a few weeks of rest, but first on finals day I have to be bang on. After all, I want to win this tournament."
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
HUMPHRIES ENDS THE STREAK! 💥
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 20, 2024
What a contest! 👏
Luke Humphries celebrates his first win over Luke Littler since the World Championship final, prevailing with a majestic 11-dart break in the decider!
🔜 Ricardo Pietreczko v Gabriel Clemens
📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 | #ET4 pic.twitter.com/0FAGfP1J1L
There's just four nights left of the Premier League season with Humphries and Littler both sitting on 26 points.
Michael Smith is currently outside the top four spots, but he's only six points behind Humphries and Littler.
A nightly win for Smith could drastically change the standings with Liverpool hosting the night 13 of the season on Thursday.
