That’s the end of our live coverage of a cracking World Championship. The final wasn’t the all-time classic we craved, but it was still a unique and unforgettable game. The whole tournament was loads of fun, and I’m pleased to announce we’ll be liveblogging every single game next year, including the first round.
I appear to have gone rogue there. It’s been such a pleasure covering more games than usual, even if it’s not great for the old systolic readings. Thanks ever so much for your company and emails throughout the 2024 World Darts Championship. Two young men called Luke ensured it was one for the books. Goodnight!
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The final in numbers
Average Littler 101.13, Humphries 103.67
180s Littler 13, Humphries 23
Checkout % Littler 36.51, Humphries 43.1
Highest checkout Littler 170, Humphries 170
Legs won Littler 23, Humphries 25
In the end it came down to timing, as it always does. The double two to go 5-2 up – and the rogue treble 18 that preceded it – with gnaw at Littler for at least 12 months. Eventually it will become a prologue, and he’ll reflect on his every single moment of his debut world championship with a smile.
Luke Humphries may never smile about all those dark moments he experienced on stage – but he knows they’re at the front of the book now, not the back. All that anxiety and fear was an essential part of a coming-of-age story that has just been given the perfect ending.
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