Luke Littler secures back-to-back World Series titles at the New Zealand Darts Masters
Luke Littler made it back-to-back World Series titles with victory at the New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland courtesy of an 8-4 win over Luke Humphries in the final.
Littler completed the World Series double Down Under with an inspired performance in front of a record-breaking crowd at the Spark Arena, averaging 115 to deny his rival Humphries.
The 18-year-old followed up his World Matchplay success with victory at last weekend’s Australian Darts Masters, and he extended his winning run to 13 matches by claiming glory in Auckland.
“It felt very much the same as last week,” said Littler.
“I had a shaky start in my opening game, but once you come into Finals Night you know you have to switch it on, and that’s what I did again tonight.
“I felt unbeatable up there. The crowd were brilliant and the venue was incredible – it felt like a Premier League night, and I’m very happy to lift another title.
“I’m playing very well at the moment, I’m enjoying my darts and hopefully I can keep this winning streak going.”
Littler was imperious throughout Saturday’s session, defeating Mike De Decker, Gerwyn Price and Humphries to seal his fourth World Series title.
The reigning World Champion opened up with a 6-2 victory over De Decker, recording his sixth consecutive win over the Belgian in a repeat of last week’s Australian Masters final.
Littler then followed up with a 7-2 demolition of 2022 champion Price, averaging 108 to set up a showdown against Humphries.
Littler punished a sluggish start from the world number one to race into a 3-0 lead, before following up an 83 finish with legs of 13 and 11 darts to extend his advantage to 6-2.
Humphries responded with 13 and 11-dart holds as he fought to hold on to his New Zealand Masters crown, only for an irresistible Littler to wrap up proceedings with successive 11-darters.
Despite missing out on a third World Series title, there were plenty of encouraging signs for Humphries – who averaged 102 in Saturday’s showpiece.
The 30-year-old had earlier dispatched 2024 runner-up Damon Heta 6-2 in the last eight, before averaging 102 and landing seven 180s in his semi-final victory over Chris Dobey.
“I played pretty well today, but when you run into a 115 average, there’s not much you can do,” admitted Humphries.
“I think if I’d won that sixth leg it might have given me a glimmer of hope, but the better player won for sure.
“When Luke’s on it, he’s untouchable. I held in there and I gave it my best, but he was just too good in the end.”
Earlier in the night, Dobey won through an extraordinary contest against Stephen Bunting, averaging 110.4 to seal a 6-3 victory against the Liverpudlian – who averaged 108 in defeat.
The evening’s other quarter-final clash saw Price defeat Josh Rock in a last-leg decider, overturning a 3-1 deficit and surviving a match dart in a frantic finale.
New Zealand Darts Masters 2025 Day Two Results
Saturday August 16
Quarter-Finals
Stephen Bunting 3-6 Chris Dobey
Luke Humphries 6-2 Damon Heta
Gerwyn Price 6-5 Josh Rock
Luke Littler 6-2 Mike De Decker
Semi-Finals
Luke Humphries 7-4 Chris Dobey
Luke Littler 7-2 Gerwyn Price
Final
Luke Littler 8-4 Luke Humphries
