Littler storms past Clayton to book Humphries showdown

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

Littler survived three match darts and fought back from two sets down to sneak past Gerwyn Price - in a final-leg decider - the previous evening, although produced an improved display to storm past Clayton at the Mattioli Arena.

The world No 2 fired an 97.26 average and 10 maximums during a one-sided display, where Littler raced through the first two sets and bounced back from losing the third by snatching the fourth with a dramatic 140 finish in a final-leg decider.

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Take a look at Luke Littler's outrageous 140 checkout during his semi-final clash against Jonny Clayton

Littler then raced through the next two sets without dropping a leg to move into another TV major final against 2023 champion Humphries, who is through to the World Grand Prix final for a third consecutive year.

Humphries also held a commanding 4-1 advantage against Danny Noppert, in a match where he fired 14 maximums and four ton-plus finishes, before he recovered from a mid-match wobble to close out a 5-3 victory over the Dutchman.

Littler has got the better of 'Cool Hand' in 14 of the 24 previous meetings, including six of the 10 clashes so far in 2025, although Humphries has won three of the past five finals in a PDC major or World Series Event.

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How Humphries held on to book another Leicester final

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Highlights of a thrilling semi-final match between Luke Humphries and Danny Noppert at the World Grand Prix

Humphries needed just 41 darts to wrap up a high scoring first set in straight legs, following a 155 checkout to break by holding throw with a brilliant 108 finish, then snatched the second in a final-leg decider after taking out a 72 outshot on the bullseye.

Noppert averaged over 105 when losing those first two sets but suffered a noticeable slump in the third, where Humphries won 14, 13 and 12-dart legs to extend his advantage, before the Dutchman edged the fourth set after taking out double one in the last leg.

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Humphries hit a classy 155 during the opening set of an enthralling semi-final

A stunning 145 checkout saw Noppert immediate break in an eventful fifth set, where the first four legs went against throw before Humphries fired back-to-back 180s and held to get within a set of victory.

Noppert held with a 90 finish and then broke on double nine to take the sixth set, with a dramatic comeback looking an increasing possibility when a frustrated Humphries lost the seventh set despite opening with an 11-darter.

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Noppert hit back against Humphries with a mega 145 checkout

Humphries rallied after the break to deliver 135 and 110 finishes in successive legs, before closing out victory on his next throw to join Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen in reaching three consecutive finals at this event.

"It's a great achievement matching [Taylor and Van Gerwen]," Humphries told Sky Sports. "I was in a flow state and then all of a sudden I was tired and it was a struggle.

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Noppert hit back against Humphries with a mega 145 checkout

"Danny [Noppert] pushed me really hard. I was a little frustrated in myself. I went into the break before the seventh set and splashed water on my face and said 'it's now or never'. I came back fired up and it worked. That break did me the world of good."

What's next for Humphries and Littler?

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Following his thrilling victory against Noppert, Humphries says the break allowed him to recompose himself and go on to defeat the Dutchman

The top two seeds will now meet in Sunday's final, which is played over the best of 11 sets. Littler is making his first appearance in the World Grand Prix final, as Humphries looks to win the event for a second time.

Which Luke will win the Boyle Sports World Grand Prix? Watch the final live on Sunday from 8pm on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event. Stream darts, football, golf, cricket and more contract-free with NOW.

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