Luke Humphries and Luke Littler have been rivals on the oche since their showdown in the World Championship final.
Humphries lifted the Sid Waddell trophy at Alexandra Palace, whilst Littler beat the World Champion to win the Premier League on debut.
The pair clashed this morning in the New Zealand Darts Masters semi-finals, where the teenager relinquished a 6-2 lead to lose a deciding leg.
Humphries went on to lift his first World Series title of his career and speaking to Online Darts, explained what the teenager must do to fulfil his potential and become the world’s best.
Humphries insists Littler needs to work hard to become number one
The newly-crowned World Matchplay Champion has won six out of the last nine majors and is at the summit of the rankings.
Though the reigning world number one, Humphries expects Littler to take that mantle.
He said: “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 a couple of years.
“You can’t be 17 years old and that good, and not in five years’ time be even better. It would be a shock to me [if he wasn’t better].”
Humphries added: “But he has to dedicate he has to work hard; he can’t rest on his laurels. He has to work hard at his game.
“He probably will be world number one in five years’ time. I have to accept that but it’s never a guarantee.
Littler should heed Humphries advice
Littler is undoubtedly a generational talent.
He has captured seven titles in 2024 since reaching the World final and shattered Michael van Gerwen’s record of youngest winner of a PDC major.
Elite sport is a ruthless beast; relying on talent alone is dangerous.
Michael Smith admitted getting lazy after winning the World Championship which saw him endure an extended title drought.
Littler has admitted he does not practise much.
At 17 years old, he can be forgiven, and he should be encouraged to enjoy his life as a young adult even if it affects his game in the short-term.
However, he will need to follow in his rival’s footsteps and dedicate himself to darts as he matures if he’s to realise his full potential.
The competition is as strong as it’s ever been in darts and though Littler is capable of winning everything multiple times, he must put in the work to achieve that.