Luke Littler has broken his silence after losing to Luke Humphries at the New Zealand Darts Masters.
The 17-year-old was 6-2 up during the showdown, only for his opponent to mount a terrific comeback to win.
Humphries went on to win the trophy, with the 29-year-old crushing Damon Heta 8-2.
Littler didn’t appear to speak after the result or give any interviews – but has now broken his silence on social media.
Luke Littler has broken his silence after losing to Luke Humphries at the New Zealand Darts Masters
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The darts star, who has enjoyed an astonishing year so far, reposted team news from his favourite rugby league team, Warrington Wolves.
He accompanied his post with a message that read: “Goodnight from New Zealand (I tried to stay up_.
“5:14am go get the win boys.”
After waking up, Littler then shared the final result on his page – with Warrington Wolves destroying Leeds Rhinos 24-6.
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And he’s since proceeded to post a picture of his flight from Auckland to Dubai as he departed New Zealand earlier today.
While it was a difficult defeat for Littler, it was a huge win for Humphries.
The 29-year-old appeared down and out earlier in the match but summoned some magic to go through.
He was excellent in the final, with Heta left with no chance as he was beaten the trophy.
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And Humphries defended Littler after the teenager’s collapse, insisting it was only a lack of experience that cost the youngster.
“If Luke was five or six years into his Tour Card, he would have took the experience that he received like I have and reeled off the game,” he told Online Darts.
“I never give in. Even if I’m seven legs down, I give it my best and when I got to 6-1 I’m thinking I’ve been in this situation.
“His apprenticeship is right in the deep end and it’s probably the best thing for him.
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Luke Littler has taken to social media following his defeat to Luke Humphries at the New Zealand Darts Masters
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“My apprenticeship was playing in European Tour qualifiers, ProTour.
“If you would have put my apprenticeship in the deep end I probably would’ve been multiple time World Champion now. I needed that experience early.
“I’m not stupid to be honest, I know he will be the best player in the world one day. Whether it’s in five years or in a couple of years.
“Can’t be 17 years old and that good and not in five years be even better.”
Luke Littler was defended by Luke Humphries after his defeat at the New Zealand Darts Masters on Saturday
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On his victory, he continued: “As long as I’m winning the big ones that’s all that matters, I stand by that statement as long as I’m winning the big titles, the World Series if I do or I don’t win it doesn’t matter.
“But I’m dedicated more than ever, I want to win everything.”