Humphries beats teenager Littler in PDC final

England's Luke Humphries defeated teenager Luke Littler 7-4 in a gripping final at Alexandra Palace to win his first PDC World Championship title.

Littler, 16, was aiming to become darts' youngest ever world champion after a remarkable run to the final.

But Humphries, the pre-event favourite who became world number one on Tuesday, saw off his challenge to claim the £500,000 first prize.

Trailing 4-2, the 28-year-old won five consecutive sets to close out victory.

Humphries has now won four of the past five major televised tournaments in the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation).

Littler's progress on his World Championship debut has captured the public's imagination in the past three weeks and he produced another exceptional, composed performance in the final.

However, Humphries' brilliance ensured the youngster fell just short of completing what would have been an amazing sporting fairytale.

Humphries appeared to settle the quicker of the two finalists as the first four sets were shared, with Littler finding his range by landing finishes of 142 and 120 in the second.

The teenager took the fifth to lead for the first time and appeared to have his more experienced opponent on the ropes when he raced through the sixth set.

But Humphries gained impetus from a 170 finish at the start of the seventh and never looked back, levelling the match with a 121 checkout on the bull and taking a 5-4 lead with a 12-dart leg against the throw.

Littler hit a 170 checkout of his own in the 10th set, but Humphries held his nerve, sinking to his knees after landing a shot at double eight to clinch the biggest win of his career.

More to follow.