Featured Image Credit: PDC Darts
Topics: Darts, Luke Littler
Jack Kenmare
Luke Humphries has given his thoughts on the inaugural Hyde Park Darts Championship after fans criticised the outdoor event following an eventful final involving Luke Littler.
It was announced earlier this year that a PDC darts Pro-Am tournament would take place at London's Hyde Park on Tuesday, 8 July, with Luke Humphries, Luke Littler, Nathan Aspinall and Fallon Sherrock taking part.
The light-hearted event, which is part of Hyde Park’s Open House summer festival, also seen special guests Olly Murs, Roman Kemp and Dion Dublin take part in a Pro-Am doubles tournament.
In regards to the four-player singles tournament, Humphries beat Fallon Sherrock before recording a 6-4 victory over Littler in the final.
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Thousands watched the pair overcome tricky conditions on the day, which included gusts of wind. In fact, in the closing stages of the game, Humphries struggled to hit D6 before Littler scored 22 after aiming for T20.
Here's how fans on social media reacted to the scenes.
One said: "Look at how the darts are going in the board. This is why we play darts indoors," while another commented: "They'll be playing snooker on a cruise ship next."
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A third wrote: "About time. One of, if not the only sport where conditions never change. Forever just you and the board so mixing it up and throwing a few spanners in improves it for me."
A fourth said: "What in the Blackpool pleasure beach is this," and a fifth added: "Who thought it was a good idea to play darts outside."
Despite the negative reaction from some sections of the darts community, Humphries described the day in London as "great" as he posed for a picture with his fiancee, Kayley.
Aspinall also praised the event, which saw the Stockport-born player team up with former Manchester United and Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin in the Pro-Am doubles tournament.
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"Well what can I say about this evening," he said. "Playing darts in Hyde Park unbelievable. Fantastic show and all the special guests were fantastic. Thanks you to everyone who came and can’t wait to do it all again next year."
The event took place ahead of the World Matchplay in Blackpool, which gets underway later this month. Humphries will be hoping to defend his title after beating Michael van Gerwen in last year's final.