New Zealand Darts Masters LIVE RESULTS: Luke Littler STUNNED by Luke Humphries as Cool Hand picks up title
LUKE HUMPHRIES has won the New Zealand Masters after a thrilling final day.
Teenage sensation and No1 seed Luke Littler was dumped out in the semi-final stage by Humphries.
Humphries fought back from 6-2 down against Littler before beating Aussie ace Damon Heta in the final.
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Humphries wins New Zealand title
Luke Humphries won his first ever World series title today in New Zealand.
He took Damon Heta to school in the final, winning 8-2 in the final.
Before that, he battled back from 6-2 down against Luke Littler to win 8-6.
Humphries - I know Littler will be best in the world one day
Luke Humphries has backed Luke Littler to go on to become the world no 1 soon enough.
He said: “I know he’ll be the best player in the world one day. Whether it’s five years or a couple of years. He can’t be 17-years-old and that good and not in five years time be even better. It would be a shock to me.
“But he has to work hard, he can’t rest on his laurels. He has to work hard at the game. He probably will be World No.1 in five years time.
“It’s never a guarantee, he has to work hard and get there. I believe he will, he’s a good lad. His mum and dad are lovely people, he’s got good support around him.
“I get on really well with him. I’m going to make it as hard as possible for anyone not just Luke to be World No.1. I want to stay there as long as possible.”
Bully Boy slams breakdancing
Michael Smith slammed breakdancing being in the Olympics and said it is time darts make an appearance on the schedule.
Bully Boy believes there should be gold, silver and bronze for hurling tungsten at the oche.
But he's shocked that competitors get gongs for hurling their bodies around in dance "battles".
The English ace, 33, made his point with a simple post on social media.
Smith wrote: "And darts can’t get in the Olympics. #breaking."
It was a powerful bullseye for those who doubt the inclusion of street-dancing rather than some more established sports.
Apart from darts, that list of non-Olympic activities includes snooker, squash, bowling, netball, polo and Mixed Martial Arts.
MVG returning soon
Michael van Gerwen says he is returning to darts soon after successful surgery.
The Dutchman has had his third surgery on his teeth, which have troubled him throughout his career.
He wrote on social media: "The surgery went well, and I’m feeling good! 💪
"Ready to pick up the darts again next week at the Pro Tour. Thanks for all the support during this time. 💚
"Now, it’s time to get back to work!"
Littler survives scare
On his way to the New Zealand semi-finals, Littler had to survive a scare against trucker Jonny Tata.
After Tata made it 2-2, Littler turned on the style to end up winning 6-2.
Little shock
Luke Littler was left shocked today in the New Zealand masters.
He blew a 6-2 lead against Luke Humphries to end up losing 8-6 in a dramatic game.
Humphries would go on to beat Damon Heta in the final/
Littler shock
Luke Littler went out in a shock to eventual winner Luke Humphries today.
Littler was 6-2 up but went on to lose five legs in a row in the first to seven match.
Humphries went on to win his first ever world series later that evening.
Humphries wins New Zealand title
World champion Luke Humphries won his first ever world series title today in New Zealand.
Here's all the latest from the tournament.
HUMPHRIES WINS!
Humphries takes the game 8-2.
He's the New Zealand Open Champion.
It's his first ever World Series trophy.
Heta 2-7 Humphries
Humphries just one leg away from winning the New Zealand darts masters here!
Heta 2-6 Humphries
After Heta gets one back, Humphries takes another.
A 101 average so far in this.
Heta 1-5 Humphries
Humphries inches closer to a maiden world series title.
Heta needs to dig deep here.
Heta 1-4 Humphries
A really dominant performance from Humphries as he makes it four legs on the spin.
Heta 1-3 Humphries
Three legs on the spin for Humphries here.
That's just the start you want in a final!
Heta 1-1 Humphries
Heta starts well as he looks to make a splash here.
The Aussie no1 has been in great form in the Oceanic world series.
Heta 7–4 Wright
Heta will play Luke Humphries in the final tonight!
New Zealand's darts masters is due to get a brand new champion.
Heta 5–4 Wright
Still Heta's to lose but Wright is creeping up.
Could there be another comeback on the cards?
Heta 5–3 Wright
Aussie Damon Heta looks like he';; be making the finals in New Zealand here!
Heta 4–3 Wright
This one looks like it's going right to the wire.
Wright showing a massive improvement in his form here.
Heta 4–2 Wright
Heta in control here at the break.
But this was the same score Littler had against Humphries.
Still got to finish it off...
Heta 3–2 Wright
Heta still in control here but Wright's form appears to be recovering.
Heta 2–1 Wright
Heta back in control here as he makes it 2-1.
Heta 1–1 Wright
Wright reacts well to level.
Heta 1–0 Wright
Heta takes the first frame here.
He's in some form at the moment.
Heta - Wright
Damon Heta emerges wearing a Dragon Ball Z outfit in tribute to Goku and the fans are loving it.
He takes on another character in Peter Wright.
Humphries awaits in the final for one of these men.