Darts World Matchplay: Humphries targets Littler in final
Luke Humphries has targeted a final clash with defending champion Luke Littler at the World Matchplay, a major European darts event that drives significant broadcasting and betting revenues.
Luke Humphries has set his sights on defeating Luke Littler in the final of the World Matchplay, a prospect the world number two claims would put the "sparkle on top" of reclaiming the title at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.
The tournament, broadcast live across Europe on Sky Sports from July 18 to 26, is the second largest in the sport's calendar. It represents a key summer event for the continent's sports broadcasting and gambling sectors, with sponsor Betfred backing the nine-day competition.
A Humphries-Littler final would pit the sport's two biggest names against each other, maximizing viewer engagement. Humphries secured Matchplay glory in 2024 with an 18-15 victory over Michael van Gerwen, a win that kicked off a major haul culminating in his World Darts Championship title.
However, defending the Blackpool crown has proven notoriously difficult. Humphries lost 10-8 to Gian van Veen in the opening round of the 2025 edition, a defeat he attributes to missing crucial doubles at vital moments. Littler, who won the tournament last year, is attempting to become the first player since Van Gerwen in 2016 to retain the trophy.
Humphries enters the 2026 event in what he describes as the "best of his life" form, having reached nine televised finals since his 2024 Premier League triumph. He opens this year's campaign against Cameron Menzies.
"The dream draw would be to play him in the final of the Matchplay because we have played each other in a World Darts Championship final, a Premier League final," Humphries said. "I think it just adds that extra sparkle, that extra achievement on top of winning a major. If you are beating him in a final, you are playing the best player in the world and you are beating the best player in the world in the final."
Despite holding a 4-1 advantage in their recent head-to-head record, Humphries expects the rivalry to remain tightly contested. "I wouldn't say I have the edge over him. I think this rivalry is going to go on for many years. This is probably what's going to happen. It's going to flip-flop all the time," he said.
Humphries noted that having previously won the tournament provides an "extra little bit of a buzz" as he seeks his first televised title since 2025. "The goal for me is nothing less than winning it again this year," he said.
