LUKE HUMPHRIES is optimistic that his connection with ‘little brother’ Luke Littler has the potential to lead the darts scene for the upcoming decade.

Humphries, 29, is on a quest to become the FOURTH player ever to defend the Sid Waddell Trophy successfully, joining the illustrious ranks of Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis, and Gary Anderson.

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If he manages to win £500,000 on January 3, his overall prize earnings would surpass £2 million over the previous year — an impressive feat.

Sport thrives on rivalries, and Cool Hand perceives his rise alongside 17-year-old sensation Littler as a way to enhance competition and usher in a “new era.”

The current world No 1, who boasts seven major TV titles, stated: “I claimed my first major around the time Luke was making his debut, and it feels like we’ve both been developing in tandem.

“This isn’t about one of us eclipsing the other; we’re both advancing together.

“Historically, Phil Taylor dominated until Michael van Gerwen rose to challenge him. While Phil might not have embraced the change, Michael certainly did.

“Similar dynamics existed with Eric Bristow and Taylor during Phil’s ascent.
“What sets us apart is our concurrent success.

“While I’ve celebrated more wins over the past 15 months, I hope we can share the accolades and build our own legacies over the next decade.”

This year’s thrilling contests between the ‘Lukes of Hazard’ showcased Humphries triumphing at the Worlds, Littler excelling in the Premier League, and Cool Hand seizing victory at the Players Championship.

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The duo steers clear of trash talk, often exchanging fist bumps on stage and embracing — their rivalry is characterized by mutual support and encouragement.

Humphries expressed: “I see myself as an older brother figure to him. I first met him when he was roughly 12 or 13.

Darts legend Phil Taylor suggests Luke Littler should skip the BBC SPOTY ceremony for ‘£2 million on the table’

“I was aware of his background and knew his father as well. I can only imagine how it would feel to be in his shoes at 17.

“We’ve both made significant strides in the elite tier of the sport. We maintain a good relationship; he forges his own path, but we always make an effort to stay in touch.

“Being at the pinnacle of this sport is exhilarating — it’s a privilege.

“We view it as a bonus that we are currently the top two players in the world.”

Humphries kicks off his title defense tonight against either France’s Thibault Tricole or Aussie Joe Comito, with a potential semifinal matchup against Littler if both progress.

The Berkshire native added: “We come from different regions — I’m from the south, he’s from the north — yet we now live near each other.

“If someone had told me a couple of years ago that this would happen, I would have struggled to believe it. He’d probably feel the same.

“Circumstances can change rapidly; one of us could rise to fame while the other may fall.

“Right now, we are fiercely competing for trophies, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

“He’s significantly younger, and if he elevates his performance, I’ll need to step up mine to keep pace.”

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