Hard to LUKE beyond a Littler-Humphries final

CHRISTMAS must be around the corner as the World Darts Championship starts at Alexandra Palace today.

- By JONATHAN VEAL

Luke Humphries and Luke Littler during the final of the 2025 BetMGM Premier League Darts Play-Offs in May.

(Photo: Andrew Redington / Getty Images)

Two-and-a-half weeks of darting action awaits in an extended tournament before the champion is crowned on January 3.

Here are five competitors to keep an eye on during the tournament...

It is difficult to look beyond Luke Littler as the 18-year-old has truly established himself as the best player in the world.

Returning to Ally Pally 12 months on from his historic title, it has been an incredible 2025.

He has won five major titles, including the UK Open, Matchplay, Grand Prix and Players Championship for the first time, and finished runner-up in two other finals.

He appears invincible in the longer format of the game and is really growing into a showman on stage.