World Grand Prix Darts: Luke Littler beats Johnny Clayton to book another final showdown with Luke Humphries | Arrows News

Luke Littler booked a thrilling World Grand Prix showdown against world number one Luke Humphries after a 5-1 semi-final win over Johnny Clayton in Leicester.

Littler survived three darts and fought back after two sets to sneak past Gerwyn Price – in the deciding first leg – the night before, although he produced an improved display to storm past Clayton at Court Mattioli.

The world number two posted an average of 97.26 and a maximum of 10 points during a one-sided display as Littler raced through the first two sets and rebounded from a third-set loss by clinching the fourth with a dramatic 140-point finish in the deciding first leg.

Littler then raced through the next two sets without losing a leg to move into another televised grand final against 2023 champion Humphries, who has reached the World Grand Prix Final for the third year in a row.

Humphries also took a huge 4-1 lead against Dani Nobert, in a game in which he scored a maximum of 14 goals and four tons of finishing, before recovering from a mid-game wobble to cruise to a 5-3 win over the Dutchman.

‘The Nuke’ has bested ‘Cool Hand’ in 14 of the previous 24 meetings, including six of the 10 encounters so far in 2025, although Humphries has won three of the past five finals in a PDC main event or world championship.

Letellier reaches his first World Grand Prix final

The 18-year-old responded to the first-leg loss to the shot by eventually firing a 161 to break back in the next set, then serving 15 straight arrows to close out the first set before Clayton began the second with a 118.

Littler had scores of 94 and 89 on his way to opening up a two-set advantage but saw Clayton come back in the next set, the Welshman taking 12 par with a brilliant finish of 154 before rounding out the set with a stunning 128 on point.

Clayton looked set to level the match when he left himself 32 up after 12 darts to go – against the darts – in the final stage of the fourth set, with only Letelier taking 140 points and regaining his two-set barrier.

That shot swung the momentum towards Littler, who scored 14 and 13 shots on his way to taking the fifth set, before the world champion opened with 96 and 80 points in the next set and sealed the victory by breaking 13 arrows in two five-pointers.

Littler: “I’m happy to reach the final.” He told Sky Sports. “The 140 felt like 170, but as soon as that double 10 landed it killed Johnny.”

In the final against Humphreys, he said: “I definitely owe him a Premier League title, but Luke’s record has been very good (here). He has lost a game and won himself, but for me it’s all new. Hopefully I can get the win and be on his back for world number one.”

How Humphreys held on to book another final at Leicester

Humphreys needed just 41 darts to finish a high-scoring first set in the straight legs, after a 155 checkout to break the lay-up with a brilliant 108 finish, then clinched second in a final playoff after shooting a 72 on point.

Neubert averaged more than 105 when he lost the first two sets but suffered a noticeable decline in the third set, where Humphreys won 14, 13 and 12 darts to consolidate his advantage, before the Dutchman took the fourth set after winning a double in the first leg.

A stunning 145 checkout saw Noubert break away immediately in an eventful fifth set, with the first four legs contesting the throw before Humphreys fired back-to-back 180s and held on to edge closer to the victory set.

Nobert held out a 90 finish and then broke the double nine to take the sixth set, with a dramatic comeback looking increasingly likely when a frustrated Humphries lost the seventh set despite opening with an 11-set lead.

Humphreys rebounded after the break to score 135 and 110 points in successive matches, before sealing the win on his next throw to join Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen in reaching three successive finals in the event.

“It’s a great achievement to match (Taylor and Van Gerwen),” Humphreys said He told Sky Sports. “I was in a state of flow and then suddenly I felt tired and it was a struggle.

“Dani (Naubert) pushed me hard. I was a bit disappointed in myself. I went into the second game before the seventh set and splashed water in my face and said ‘it’s now or never’.”

What’s next for Humphreys and Littler?

The top two seeds will now meet in the final on Sunday, which is played on a best-of-11 group basis. Littler is making his debut in the World Grand Prix Final, as Humphreys looks to win the event for the second time.

Which Luke will win the Boyle Sports World Grand Prix? Watch the final live on Sunday from 8pm on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event. Stream darts, football, golf, cricket and more without a contract with NOW.