PDC World Darts Championship 2025: Luke Humphries determined to defend title

Tricole, the first Frenchman to play in the tournament last year when he lost in the second round to 2018 champion Rob Cross, admitted facing Humphries would be a tough prospect.

“He is the reigning world champion, world number one and last winner of a PDC tournament – the Players Championship Finals. There’s no one fitter than him,” he told BBC Sport.

“So it would be quite a challenge for me. If I manage to play him, I’d love to give it my all and make him doubt me. But maybe he wouldn’t be at his best. It’s hard to believe that I could beat him even if I played him, but I’d do everything I could to do so.”

While the rise to stardom of 17-year-old Littler – who has won 10 titles in his debut season as a professional – has been credited with helping a surge in darts’ popularity, Humphries has been pleased with his own year as world number one.

“It’s been amazing, it’s been very tiring. I’ve enjoyed it, I think I’ve done myself justice,” he said.

“I’ve been in six major finals, won the World Cup [with England], the World Matchplay and retained the Players Championship Finals – I can’t say it’s not been a success. I’m quite proud of the way I’ve handled myself.”