Luke Littler could find it more difficult to play at the World Darts Championship with added pressure on him and Luke Humphries is the man to beat, according to an experienced referee.
The 17-year-old sensation already has 10 PDC titles to his name after a remarkable rise from the junior ranks over the past 12 months.
Littler will be one of the favourites to contend for the world title as he aims to exact revenge for last year’s final defeat to Humphries, who is still world No 1.
While that could be a clash for the ages, darts referee Russ Bray is clear in his mind that ‘Cool Hand’ is the favourite to claim the title.
“I reckon Luke Humphries goes back-to-back. I’ve been with him in the last couple of weeks, and the kid is hitting form,” Ladbrokes ambassador Bray said.
“He’s just won the Ladbrokes Players Championship again – to me, he’s the boy to beat.
“To be honest, with Luke Littler having all of the hype around him, I actually think that’s taken all of the pressure off of Humphries; the pressure is all going to be on Littler… there’s no two ways about it.”
Littler was triumphant at the Premier League of Darts, Grand Slam and World Series Finals this year to exhibit his winning mentality and unflappable character in high-pressure situations.
But now that the teenager is a known commodity in darts, Bray thinks he could struggle under scrutiny.
“He’s got a different kind of pressure this year. Because of everything he did last year at Ally Pally, and everything he’s done in 2024, the expectation is a lot higher now,” he added.
“There’s a lot more demand on him. He’s got a target on his back, and they’ll all be gunning for him.
“And look, he is beatable; he got beat in the first round of three majors this year, so that tells you everything.”
Littler has a hell of a way to go to catch Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor’s collection of 16 titles but time is on his side given his youthful age.
After joining Littler and his mother for dinner recrently, the darts hero thinks Warrington-based Littler has a chance to surpass his record.
“He’s got age on his side, he’s got the ability,” Taylor said: “He just plays his game. He’s quiet as a mouse. Lovely company. Not motivated by prize money.”
The teenager gets his tournament underway on December 21 with a clash against one of Ryan Meikle or Fallon Sherrock as he looks to prove his doubters wrong.
