Luke Littler holds back tears as he’s given rousing reception by fans at Ally Pally after PDC World Championship defeat

Published: 23:34, 3 Jan 2024Updated: 23:34, 3 Jan 2024Luke Littler bravely held back the tears following his PDC World Darts Championship final heartache.

The 16 year old’s heroics on his debut appearance at the tournament has seen dartsmania sweep the nation.

Littler has captured the imagination but it wasn’t to be for him in the finalCredit: Getty
Having defeated two past champions en route to the final at Alexandra Palace, his final task was to beat world no.1 Luke Humphries.

However, Humphries proved too good as he sealed a 7-4 victory over the new boy wonder of darts.

Littler has handled the hype both in and out of the arena with great maturity and was gracious in defeat as he offered his congratulations to Humphries straight after the match ended.

He’s been a breath of fresh air from his kebab-eating antics to befriending Premier League footballers, everyone wants a piece of Littler.

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He cut a disappointed figure before he was about to collect his runners-up trophy and appeared to fight back some tears on stage.

But those in attendance at Ally Pally showed their appreciation for Littler, chanting, ‘There’s only one Luke Littler.’

The adulation seemed to cheer Littler up, and he displayed a more upbeat figure later on in the evening.

“I’m disappointed not to get it over the line but it is what it is. I played a good part in the tournament and played a good part in a good final,” Littler told talkSPORT.

Humphries has won his first PDC World ChampionshipCredit: Getty

But Littler has won heartsCredit: Getty
“I just wanted to win my first game and then come back after Christmas, those were the goals set so this is just a massive bonus and I’ve gained a lot of experience from it,” Littler added.

“This is it, I’m in the top 32 so hopefully throughout this year I can stay in the top 32 and be a seed for the tournament in December, the 2025 World Championships. I know it’s a busy year ahead.”

“It’s been massive, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned how the crowd is on my side so it’s a good thing but I’ve learned about the set play, the breaks, compose yourself and go back on it so I’m going to take everything from it,” he continued.

“Obviously everyone wants to win it. I could’ve brought it back there and maybe gone on to win it but debut year, lost in the final, it is what it is, I’m really happy!

“I’m in the top 32 now so this is it, could potentially qualify for every tournament out there so there’s no school, no college, no nothing. This is it, Luke Littler on the darts tour.”