Luke Humphries snubs Luke Littler when naming who he wants to win World Darts Championship after shock exit

Luke Humphries overlooked Luke Littler when naming the player he wants to win the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship.

Last year, Humphries took on teenage sensation Littler in what was a brilliant final at the Alexandra Palace in London.

World number one Humphries came out on top and got his hands on the much-coveted Sid Waddell trophy.

However, the 29-year-old's title defence came to a shocking close on Sunday night after he was beaten 4-1 by two-time world champion Peter Wright in the round of 16.

In the last eight, Wright will be up against Stephen Bunting, who sealed his place with a convincing 4-0 win over Luke Woodhouse.

After his win, Bunting revealed that Humphries told him that he would love to hand his crown over to him.

The 39-year-old said: "I’m focussed on one game at a time, one leg at a time, one dart at a time, one throw at a time. It’s pointless me thinking about who I’m going to play because things happen. Luke didn’t win. He’s the best player on the planet, he’s unbelievable, but Peter, 70-odd per cent on doubles, played a fantastic game.

"I probably did expect to play Luke, to be fair, in our practice sessions we talked about playing in the quarters. I kept my end of the bargain and unfortunately Luke just fell short. It wasn’t for lack of trying."

Stephen Bunting is aiming to win his first world title. Image: Getty

Bunting continued: "I spoke to him this morning [Monday] and he wished me luck, he said he would love to hand the crown over to me and give me his World Championship, That means a lot. He’s a massive friend of mine. We’ll continue to practice after this tournament.

"I know I can go all the way, it’s about doing it."

The quarter-final lineup at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship:

Peter Wright vs Stephen Bunting

Luke Littler vs Nathan Aspinall

Michael van Gerwen vs Callan Rydz

Chris Dobey vs Gerwyn Price