Luke Humphries has denied Luke Littler a record fifth nightly win in the Premier League Darts in Manchester by beating him 6-4.
The world champion dug deep to overcome the teenage sensation in a high-quality contest in his hometown.
Humphries secured the victory by finding double five after missing his first two attempts at a finish.
The crucial moments came in leg six when Littler busted on 90 after straying into double 20 when needing double five, and in leg nine when he missed the bullseye.
Luke Humphries playfully taunted Luke Littler's missed nine-darter
Sky Sports
Despite averaging higher than his opponent, Littler's checkout percentage proved costly as he hit just 4 of 21 attempts at doubles.
A light-hearted moment occurred in the fourth leg when Littler came agonisingly close to a nine-darter.
After hitting eight perfect darts, he needed only double-12 to complete the feat.
The 18-year-old missed by about an inch, drawing groans from the Manchester crowd.
Humphries playfully taunted his young rival, putting his hand up to his eyes in a gesture suggesting Littler had missed by miles.
The moment was taken in good spirit, with the two players bumping fists and sharing a smile.
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Littler went on to win the leg, levelling the match at 2-2.
However, his struggles on his favourite double 10 and double 15 would prove costly later in the contest.
Littler averaged 96.63 in the defeat, compared to Humphries' 93.8.
Despite the higher average, Littler's checkout percentage was a disappointing 19%.
His struggles on the doubles were particularly evident on his favourite double 10 and double 15.
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Luke Littler narrowly missed the second nine-darter of the night after Gerwyn Price hit one earlier
PA
In contrast, Humphries was clinical on his finishes with a 46.2% checkout success rate.
The world champion's ability to find crucial doubles at key moments proved the difference in the match.
Leg six proved pivotal when Littler busted his score of 90 by hitting double 20 instead of his intended double 5.
Humphries capitalised by hitting double 16 with his final dart to win the leg.
The victory has significant implications for the Premier League table standings.
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Luke Humphries progressed to the final to face Nathan Aspinall
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Humphries has reduced Littler's lead at the top to five points.
A win for Humphries in the final against Nathan Aspinall would further cut the gap to just three points.
Despite the setback, Littler remains in a strong position with 28 points.
He will have at least a 13-point lead, possibly 15, over whoever finishes the night in fifth place.
This cushion means Littler is edging closer to confirming a play-off spot.
Littler almost nails a SECOND NINE-DARTER of the night! 😩 pic.twitter.com/oztBMNRI7F
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) April 10, 2025
While missing out on a record fifth nightly win in Manchester, Littler still has six weeks to achieve this milestone.
Few would bet against the teenage star accomplishing it at some stage.
