Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are a year on from their incredible PDC World Darts Championship and are not looking to start a downward spiral.
The past few weeks have continued to be a whirlwind for the 17-year-old Littler, picking up his first TV Grand Slam win with a loss to Humphries in the final of the Players Championship on Sunday.
Now, watching the World Cup footage, the public sees the two Lukes go head-to-head in the final ceremony at Alexandra Palace, building the mood for another tournament full of excitement and drama.
Although he is currently in good form, moving up to world no. 4 in the PDC Order of Merit, Littler remains steadfast and focused on winning his opening match – against Fallon Sherrock or Ryan Meikle – before thinking about potential post-Christmas clashes. .
“It was great to win the Grand Slam,” Littler said Sky Sports. “It’s good to get in shape at the end of the year, which leads to the World Championship.
“Like Luke Humphries said, he was happy to win (at the Players Championship) because it boosted his confidence, especially for Worlds.
“If you asked me if I could be number 4 in the world, with the titles I’ve lifted and the nine darts I’ve beaten, I’d say you’re lying,” he added.
“Obviously win the first game, hopefully, and go home for Christmas. Hopefully, it’s a long December and January in London.”
However, Humphries – who plays Thibault Tricole or Joe Comito on the second line – already knows that if he meets Littler again, it will be a game to remember.
“It would have been nice to see him again in the final but if we get to the finals, it will be good,” Humphries said. Sky Sports.
“We both love playing with each other, we both have a good rhythm, and we get along really well.
“We are having fun on stage.
“It will be very difficult if we both make the semi-final.”
‘We are all the best in the world’
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Reigning World Archery champion Luke Humphries looks set to become back-to-back champions at Alexandra Palace this Christmas
The debate going into Worlds is which of these two is the best in the world right now.
According to the survey, both agree that Littler is at his best this time, but Humphries insists he can beat his younger rival on his day.
“I think we’re both the best players in the world,” Humphries said.
“The averages he’s putting up, it’s good to say he’s making big appearances like I did last year.
“But at the Players Championship, I don’t think I was at my level and I was able to win and it’s not easy.
“It’s very close between us to be honest, but based on what he’s doing, it’s fair to say he’s playing a very good game at the moment.
But the World Championship is different. It’s difficult.
“It wasn’t a prediction. It’s a great opportunity for both of us – for me to win the second time and for him to win the first one.”
When Littler asked if he was the best player in the world right now he added: “I don’t know. I never said that. Stats wise? Yeah.
“It was great for Luke to win the Players Championship so we’ll all be ready for Worlds.”
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