Michael van Gerwen believes Luke Humphries has ‘let himself down’ (Image: X: @DartsNow_ / Getty)
believes that ‘let himself down’ by failing to set up a semi-final against .
Many expected Humphries and Littler to do battle for the second year running, having put on an epic show in the 2024 final. But ‘Cool Hand’ suffered a shock defeat against out-of-form in the last 16 to leave his title defence in tatters.
And Van Gerwen, who is looking to win his fourth world title by beating Littler tonight (Friday), has rubbed salt into his rival’s wounds. “I expected the semi-final to be between him [Littler] and Luke Humphries,” said the ‘Green Machine’. “But Luke Humphries let himself down this tournament, unfortunately.”
Though darts fans missed out on seeing the world’s two best players – on form over the last 12 months – do battle on the Ally Pally stage this year, a clash between Littler and Van Gerwen is still a mouth-watering prospect.
Van Gerwen was once expected to challenge Phil Taylor’s haul of 16 world titles, but he has not clinched darts’ top prize since winning his third Championship in 2019. Littler, meanwhile, is aiming to become the tournament’s youngest-ever winner.
‘Mighty Mike’ is 18 years older than ‘The Nuke’, and he is using all of that experience to try and gain a psychological advantage ahead of their high-stakes showdown.
Luke Littler defeated Stephen Bunting to make his second consecutive world final (Image: Getty)
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“Luke has been there, but he [only] had a sniff [of the trophy],” said Van Gerwen. “I’m going to make sure he keeps by his sniff as well. Of course everyone talks about him, but that’s what England does with their heroes, isn’t it? I think that’s good. That’s what Holland should do with their heroes as well. Time moves forward. The sport moves on and it will never stop.”
Van Gerwen booked his spot in the final courtesy of a comfortable 6-1 win over Chris Dobey on Thursday night. The Dutchman averaged 98.84 and hit over 42 per cent of his doubles to make it through without a hitch.
Where to buy Luke Littler’s darts
Luke Littler is heading to the latter stages of the WDC, and you can emulate the 17-year-old with a set of his Target G1 Swiss Point darts for £99.95. You can also upgrade to the gold Prodigy darts for £129.95.
There is also a more affordable Loadout 90% Tungsten darts for £45.90. If you need something to throw them at, Amazon has reduced the Luke Littler Cabinet & Dartboard Set to £59.99.
But his performance was overshadowed by a commanding display from 17-year-old Littler, who averaged more than 105 against Stephen Bunting. That was enough for the youngster to come away with a 6-1 victory, and he retains his status as the firm bookmakers’ favourite going into the final.
Littler and Van Gerwen have played 12 times over the past year, with each player notching six wins. The last two meetings have gone Littler’s way, however, and he has shown superior form at the World’s this time round.