Phil Taylor has likened the rivalry between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries to the iconic Coronation Street feud between Mike Baldwin and Ken Barlow. His remarks came after Littler overtook Humphries as world number one and then defeated him in the Grand Slam of Darts final.
Littler, 18, triumphed 16–11 in Wolverhampton, becoming the youngest player ever to reach the top of the PDC rankings, breaking Michael van Gerwen’s previous record set at age 24 in 2014. The world’s top two have now clashed in six major finals since early last year, winning three each, with the latest two going Littler’s way.
Sixteen-time world champion Taylor believes their rivalry is capturing attention. Speaking to The Sun for BetGoodwin, he said: “You always need rivalries — they drive interest. It’s like Coronation Street: whenever there’s a big bust-up, the ratings go through the roof. Remember when Mike Baldwin punched Ken Barlow? That probably drew around 100 million viewers!”
Humphries agreed that he and Littler stand apart from the rest, telling Sky Sports after their most recent final: “Yeah, I do think we’re on a different level — and I don’t feel arrogant saying that.”
“What can we do about it? We’re on opposite sides of the draw, and nobody seems able to stop us. I’m trying to beat him, and I can’t — so it’s up to everyone else to try.
“Right now, the two of us are performing at a level above the rest of the field. I’d love to face him in another World Championship final.”
The World Darts Championship kicks off in December, with the final set for January 3. This year’s champion will also take home an increased top prize of £1 million, double the previous amount.
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