LUKE HUMPHRIES has sent a “dangerous” warning to Luke Littler ahead of the World Darts Championship next month.
The two stars are tipped by many to set up a repeat of last year’s epic final at Ally Pally, which saw Humphries bring an end to Littler’s dream debut in brutal fashion.
AlamyLuke Humphries has fired a warning over the World Championship to Luke Littler[/caption]
But in the mean time, both men are competing at the Grand Slam of Darts this week.
Littler has been drawn in a tough group against darts stars Dimitri van den Bergh, Keane Barry And Lourence Ilagan.
While Humphries has to get past James Wade, Mickey Mansell and Rowby-John Rodriguez.
The duo will be hoping to go far in the Grand Slam, allowing them to build up plenty of confidence for the Worlds.
Humphries is the defending champion in both tournaments.
But he has warned Littler that should his Grand Slam title vanish quickly, it won’t put him off his stride heading in the World Championships.
Issuing a “dangerous” message, Humphries said: “It’s always nice and always helps you if you’re winning big tournaments.
“There’s a lot of people that will put your name in the hat and think you’re going to win again.
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“Of course, if it doesn’t go to plan I’ll always be dangerous in the world championships.
“The longer format really does benefit me so it’s a great opportunity for me to get some more silverware and give myself even more confidence than I’ve already got.”
Humphries has also had his say on his tough group at the Grand Slam.
He added: “I think every group is going to be tough.
“I’ve got a few lower-ranked players in there and then with James Wade as well, but I’ve never taken anyone for granted in my whole life and I certainly won’t start now.
“It’s a best-of-nine game. Couple of bad legs and you’re right under it.
“It wouldn’t have mattered to me if it was the toughest or the worst draw.
“Anything can happen and I have to make sure I’m at my top level to make sure I don’t slip up and not get out the group.”
Inside Littler’s massive rise
LUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship at the beginning of the year.
The Nuke reached the final on his Ally Pally debut at just 16 years of age – smashing records along the way.
He has then gone on to win a host of PDC events and the Premier League title – which he claimed at the O2 Arena by beating world champion Luke Humphries in May.
He also finished his first season in the World Series as the No1 ranked player.
He has joined Jude Bellingham on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list.
And the teenage titan even had to snub an invite from the WWE.
The Sun exclusively revealed that Littler is plotting to create a fitness empire.
He is also cashing in away from the Oche thanks to an Instagram side hustle.
And he’s even the face of a brand new cereal.
But he is newly single after splitting from girlfriend Eloise Milburn following a 10-month relationship.
Check out all of our latest Luke Littler stories.