THE LUKES OF HAZARD

Littler in for a very uncomfortable time back in Germany but team-mate Humphries will shield him from the venom of the crowd

- BY MIKE WALTERS X@MikeWaltersMGM

LUKE HUMPHRIES will be Luke Littler's human shield when The Nuke runs the gauntlet of a German crowd once more.

The Lukes of Hazard will forge a dream ticket as England defend their crown at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt.

For Littler, it will be an acid test of intestinal fortitude as he plays in Germany for the first time since he suffered a rough ride from Munich audiences in April.

The 18-year-old world champion vowed to swerve tournaments in the country after his 7-4 defeat by Gian van Veen at the German Darts Grand Prix, little realising that he would have to return this week for the World Cup.

World No.1 Humphries, who led England to triumph with Michael Smith last year, has promised to be his teenage sidekick's bodyguard but also to thrust him into the spotlight to improve the red-hot favourites' chances of success. Cool Hand Luke said: “It will be me that decides who throws first, but I will probably put him first because you play to your strengths.