Luke Littler and Luke Humphreys are a year on from their incredible run in the PDC World Darts Championship and are in no mood to start slowing down.
The past few weeks have continued to be a whirlwind for the 17-year-old Littler, claiming his first televised major Grand Slam victory and losing to Humphries in the final of the Players Championship on Sunday.
Now looking at the World Cup draw, people see the two Lukes on the collision course for a semi-final showdown at Alexandra Palace, whetting the appetite for another tournament full of excitement and drama.
In brilliant form so far, moving up to world No. 4 in the PDC Order of Merit, Littler is staying grounded and focusing on winning his opener against either Wither Fallon Sharrock or Ryan Meikle before considering possible post-Christmas clashes. .
“It was good to win a Grand Slam,” Littler said Sky Sports. “It’s good to find the form at the end of the year that leads to the World Cup.
“As Luke Humphreys said, he was happy to win (the Players Championship) because it boosts his confidence, especially for the world.
“If you asked me if I would be the world number four, with the titles I’ve lifted and the nine darts I’ve hit, I’d say you’re lying,” he added.
“Obviously win the first game hopefully and then come home for Christmas. Hopefully it’s a long December and January in London.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Last year’s finalist Luke Littler talks about his year so far and his practice
However, Humphries, who plays either Thibaut Tricol or Joe Comito in the second round, already knows that if he meets Littler again, it will be a match to remember.
“It would be nice to meet him in the final again, but if we get that far and it’s a semi-final match, it will still be great,” Humphreys said. Sky Sports.
“We both love playing against each other, we both have great rhythm and we get along really well.
“We have fun on stage.
“It will be a blockbuster clash if we both get into that semi-final.”
“We are both the best in the world”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Reigning world darts champion Luke Humphreys looks set to become a double champion at Alexandra Palace this Christmas.
The debate leading up to the worlds is which of the two is currently the best in the world.
Statistically, both agree that Littler is in better shape at the moment, but Humphreys insists he can beat his teenage rival in his prime.
“I think we’re both the best players in the world right now,” Humphreys said.
“The averages he’s putting up, it’s fair to say he’s in very good shape, like I did last year.
“But in the Players Championship, I don’t think I was at my best and I was able to win, and it’s not easy.
“It’s pretty close between the two of us to be honest, but with the averages he’s putting up, it’s fair to say he’s playing the best darts at the moment.
“But the World Championship is different, it’s difficult.
“It’s not a foregone conclusion. It’s a great opportunity for both of us, me to win my second and him to win his first.”
When asked if he was the best darts player in the world at the moment, Littler added: “I don’t know. I never say that. Statistics are wise.
“It was good for Luke to win the Players Championship so we’ll both be ready for the worlds for sure.”
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship Watch every match exclusively live from December 15 to January 3 on Sky Sports’ special Darts channel. Stream darts and better sports with NOW!.
