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Gary Anderson makes Luke Humphries feelings clear in Luke Littler comparison

Gary Anderson has hailed Luke Humphries as darts' top star ahead of Luke Littler before the World Darts Championship semi-finals

[Gary Anderson]

Gary Anderson says Luke Humphries is still darts' main man(Image: James Fearn/Getty Images)

Gary Anderson has revealed why he considers Luke Humphries to 'the man' in darts ahead of Luke Littler. Both Anderson and Littler have secured their spots in the World Darts Championship semi-finals, with the clashes scheduled for Friday evening at Alexandra Palace.

Anderson triumphed over Justin Hood with a 5-2 victory in his quarter-final encounter earlier this week, setting up a semi-final showdown against Gian van Veen. Meanwhile, Littler will square off against Ryan Searle, with a coveted place in Saturday's final at stake - potentially marking a third consecutive final appearance for the young star.

Littler continues his quest to retain the crown he claimed last year at just 17 years of age. Now 18, Littler remains the favourite to claim world championship glory for what would be the second time in his young career.

Despite Littler's run to the past two World Darts Championship finals and his status as reigning champion, Anderson maintains that 2024 winner Humphries deserves recognition as the sport's star player.

"It doesn't make any difference," Anderson remarked when quizzed if his previous tournament victories would provide an edge. Luke Littler, the man is phenomenal, its as simple as that.

[Luke Littler]

Luke Littler remains the favourite to win this year's World Darts Championship(Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire)

Luke Humphries to me is still the man though, because he spent the last two years defending his money, and hes still sitting in number two. Hes only just lost his number one spot.

So now after this year, young Mr Littler has got it all to do, and well see how that goes. Littler, hes fantastic, but to me, Humphries is right up there, if not at the top.

Humphries was beaten by Van Veen in the quarter-finals and would have squared off against Anderson in the semi-finals had he advanced further. Now, Anderson will go head-to-head with Van Veen in the semi-final at Alexandra Palace, aiming for his third title and first since 2016.

Anderson, aged 55, shared his thoughts on what he perceives as the "downfall" in his career, despite being a two-time world champion.

Eric Bristow, Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, Luke Littler. To me, theyre the players, I call them greedy, Anderson said.

"Its not that they want to win, they need to win because theyre that good. It just keeps them going. Im going to win this, Im going to win that.

[Luke Humphries]

Luke Humphries has the backing of Gary Anderson(Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire)

Ive never been like that. Thats my downfall. You come, you play, you take whats given to you and thats it.

Anderson added: But at the same time, Ive had a good life, Ive got things outside of darts, which I love to bits. Ive enjoyed life. Ive not spent all my days at a dartboard.

"Ive went out and done things, seen places. Through darts, Ive seen places. But Ive got my lakes, I work hard at my lakes. Ive got the kids, theyve got gymnastics, football, darts, whatever. So, if I was away all that time, that wouldnt happen. So I dont regret one little bit of it.

The time just flies past. so to get home and spend time with your family, thats the most important thing. This is all just like a fairytale, a job that you get to see the world and you do okay on, but at the end of the day, family, friends, youve got your bubble. Thats all you look after.

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