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.