World Grand Prix darts: Luke Littler beats Jonny Clayton to guide one other last showdown with Luke Humphries

Luke Littler booked a blockbuster World Grand Prix showdown in opposition to world No 1 Luke Humphries after a 5-1 semi-final victory over Jonny Clayton in Leicester.

Littler survived three match darts and fought again from two units all the way down to sneak previous Gerwyn Worth – in a final-leg decider – the earlier night, though produced an improved show to storm previous Clayton on the Mattioli Area.

The world No 2 fired an 97.26 common and 10 maximums throughout a one-sided show, the place Littler raced by the primary two units and bounced again from dropping the third by snatching the fourth with a dramatic 140 end in a final-leg decider.

Littler then raced by the subsequent two units with out dropping a leg to maneuver into one other TV main last in opposition to 2023 champion Humphries, who is thru to the World Grand Prix last for a 3rd consecutive yr.

Humphries additionally held a commanding 4-1 benefit in opposition to Danny Noppert, in a match the place he fired 14 maximums and 4 ton-plus finishes, earlier than he recovered from a mid-match wobble to shut out a 5-3 victory over the Dutchman.

‘The Nuke’ has obtained the higher of ‘Cool Hand’ in 14 of the 24 earlier conferences, together with six of the ten clashes thus far in 2025, though Humphries has gained three of the previous 5 finals in a PDC main or World Sequence Occasion.

Littler storms into maiden World Grand Prix last

The 18-year-old responded to dropping the opening leg in opposition to the throw by firing in a 161 end to interrupt again within the subsequent, then delivered back-to-back 15-darters to shut out the opening set earlier than Clayton began the second with a 118 checkout.

Littler took out 94 and 89 finishes on his method to open a two-set benefit however noticed Clayton hearth again within the subsequent, with the Welshman taking out a 12-darter with a elegant 154 end earlier than closing out he set with a surprising 128 on the bullseye.

Clayton seemed heading in the right direction to degree the match when he left himself 32 after 12 darts – in opposition to the darts – within the last leg of the fourth set, just for Littler to take out 140 and restore his two-set buffer.

That outshot swung momentum in direction of Littler, who posted 14 and 13-darters on his method to breezing by the fifth set, earlier than the reigning world champion opened with 96 and 80 checkouts within the subsequent and wrapped up victory with a 13-dart break on double 5.

“I’m glad to get through to the final,” Littler advised Sky Sports activities. “The 140 felt like a 170, but as soon as that double 10 landed it killed Jonny off.”

On the ultimate in opposition to Humphries, he mentioned: “I definitely owe him one for the Premier League but Luke’s had a very good record [here]. He’s lost one and he’s won one himself, but for myself it’s all new. Hopefully I can get the win and be on his back for world No 1.”

How Humphries held on to guide one other Leicester last

Humphries wanted simply 41 darts to wrap up a excessive scoring first set in straight legs, following a 155 checkout to interrupt by maintain throw with a superb 108 end, then snatched the second in a final-leg decider after taking out a 72 outshot on the bullseye.

Noppert averaged over 105 when dropping these first two units however suffered a noticeable hunch within the third, the place Humphries gained 14, 13 and 12-dart legs to increase his benefit, earlier than the Dutchman edged the fourth set after taking out double one within the final leg.

A shocking 145 checkout noticed Noppert instant break in an eventful fifth set, the place the primary 4 legs went in opposition to throw earlier than Humphries fired back-to-back 180s and held to get inside a set of victory.

Noppert held with a 90 end after which broke on double 9 to take the sixth set, with a dramatic comeback wanting an growing risk when a pissed off Humphries misplaced the seventh set regardless of opening with an 11-darter.

Humphries rallied after the break to ship 135 and 110 finishes in successive legs, earlier than closing out victory on his subsequent throw to hitch Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen to achieve three consecutive finals at this occasion.

“It’s a great achievement matching [Taylor and Van Gerwen],” Humphries advised Sky Sports activities. “I was in a flow state and then all of a sudden I was tired and it was a struggle.

“Danny [Noppert] pushed me actually laborious. I used to be a bit pissed off in myself. I went into the break earlier than the seventh set and splashed water on my face and mentioned ‘it is now or by no means’. I got here again fired up and it work. That break did me the world of fine.”

What’s subsequent for Humphries and Littler?

The highest two seeds will now meet in Sunday’s last, which is performed over the very best of 11 units. Littler is making his first look within the World Grand Prix last, as Humphries appears to be like to win the occasion for a second time.

Which Luke will win the Boyle Sports activities World Grand Prix? Watch the ultimate reside on Sunday from 8pm on Sky Sports activities+ and Sky Sports activities Foremost Occasion. Stream darts, soccer, golf, cricket and extra contract-free with NOW.