US Darts Masters: Luke Humphries beats Luke Littler to defend US title in New York

Luke Humphries defeated world champion Luke Littler in a decisive leg to defend his US Darts Masters title in New York.

Littler led for four straight legs before world number two Humphries raced to a 4-1 lead at Madison Square Garden.

Humphries tied at 5-5 and, shooting 7-7, secured back-to-back titles with 11 darts as he finished the match with a 104 average.

“It’s the most iconic venue I think Darts will ever go to.” said Humphries, who beat Stephen Bunting 6-3 in the last eight and Gian van Veen 7-6 in the semi-finals.

“Every year we come here it gets better and better, and the fans have been absolutely amazing. It’s crazy.

“It’s great to do back-to-backs. I’m always setting records and doing things that not many players have done.

“Me and Luke always have great games, and this is another great game in the Luke vs. Luke saga.

“I think if I can continue to perform like this I can push him, because he is incredible. He can beat the toughest player in the world.”

Littler hit a career-high nine in the final but missed out on a maiden title in the competition, which preceded the final. England football team playing Panama World Cup group matches in New York on Saturday.

“It was an incredible experience,” said the 19-year-old Littler, who beat Jim Long 6-1 in the quarterfinals and James Wade 7-4 in the semifinals.

“There were a lot of England fans going to the game so I appreciate them coming along.

“They were getting louder and louder as the night wore on, and I wish I could be fair to them.”