Luke Littler’s mentality summed up by Luke Humphries in four words | Other | Sport

Luke Humphries previously expressed his astonishment at Luke Littler’s poise under pressure, conceding his rival “never folds”. The world No. 1 may still be 19 years old but he certainly carries himself in a way that’s beyond his years.

Many of those situations have arisen against Humphries himself as the duo have squared off 29 times since Littler’s debut on the PDC Tour in 2024. Holding bragging rights with 18 victories compared to 11 for the 31-year-old, the chance for a 30th face-off could occur on Thursday in Night 9 of Premier League Darts.

“I said to him at the end: I don’t even think you have a heart! He never folds under pressure. You try your hardest to put him under it, and he just never folds.” Upon being made aware of Humphries’ statement, Littler displayed his modest side by asserting no player, including himself, will ever be capable of surpassing the legacy of Phil Taylor. The youngster said: “I didn’t hear him say that.

“I heard the crowd cheer a few times when he was talking, but I couldn’t hear him. But no one will ever beat Phil [Taylor]. I won’t be the greatest ever, even if I do win more than what Phil won.” Nevertheless, Littler has demonstrated no hesitation in maintaining his excellence, when warranted by the PDC rankings.

He said earlier this year: “I said throughout the year, whoever is number one is the best,” he said. “Luke Humphries has been the best in the world. Now I’m number one, I am the best.” Littler will face Gian van Veen in the quarter-finals on Thursday at the Manchester Arena in a rematch of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship final while the reigning Premier League champion Humphries confronts Gerwyn Price.