Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are on course to set up what could be one of the most thrilling World Championship Darts finals ever staged.
Littler kicked off his defence of the title with a 3-0 victory over Darius Labanauskas, while Humphries needed four sets to defeat Ted Evetts.
According to Spreadex Sports’ PDC Preview, Littler is the favourite to retain the title at the Alexandra Palace in London. He has also been tipped to score the most 180s in the tournament.
Littler off to a flyer against Labanauskas
The 18-year-old hit seven maximums in his opening match, and is a surefire bet to add more to his tally when he faces David Davies in the second round.
Littler admitted that he felt under pressure before the match started, before quickly relaxing into his rhythm against the stubborn Lithuanian.
“There were a few nerves but once you win a leg and win a set, it settles you down,” Littler said. “That first set was crucial against the darts.
“Everyone in the tournament wants to get through the first round. It’s definitely the hardest game – it doesn’t matter who you play. If you don’t play well, you’re not going to win, so I’m very happy with that.”
Littler has had a stellar run since winning the 2025 world title, winning the Premier League and World Matchplay to rise to the top of the PDC’s rankings.
His rivalry with Humphries looks set to dominate darts for the foreseeable future, and the pair seem to be on inevitable collision course in this year’s tournament.
Humphries staves off Evetts in tense opener
Humphries was made to work by Evetts in his first-round match, but eventually got over the line to set up a meeting with veteran Paul Lim.
The world number two declared ‘war’ on Littler after slipping to a 16-11 defeat against his main rival in the final of the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton last month.
He hit eight 180s against Evetts and will be eager to add more to his tally against the oldest ever player to participate in the World Darts Championship.
The 71-year-old is a wily campaigner, but he could struggle to keep pace with Humphries in the second round. However, the 2024 champion is taking nothing for granted.
”It’s amazing – he’s a legend,” Humphries said. “The hardest thing for me is that he loves me to bits.
“I talk to Paul a lot and he always says to me, ‘you’re my favourite player’. It’s hard to go and play him – the crowd are going to be against me, so it will be a tough game.”
Littler & Humphries could fire darts into another stratosphere
The rivalry between Littler and Humphries has the potential to be a game-changer for darts over the next few years.
Their head-to-head bears similarities to the showdowns between Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld, which shaped the sport during the early part of the 21st century.
Although the reigning champion has had the upper hand over the past year, Humphries has ability to beat him when he produces his best form.
While Littler is expected to progress to his third consecutive world final, a possible quarter-final meeting with Gerwyn Price is a potential banana skin.
Humphries has a couple of dangerous opponents in his half of the draw, but it would be a major surprise if he failed to make it to the final.
A showdown between Littler and Humphries on January 3 is the ideal scenario for a sport that seems destined to become even more popular.
Written by Michael Cage
