Humphries admits Littler is ‘best in the world’ as Nuke closes in on No. 1 ranking spot

World number one Luke Humphries has conceded that rival Luke Littler is the best player in the world right now.

Humphries made the claim following an opening round victory over Kiwi Haupai Puha in New Zealand, despite averaging less than 90.

And his remarks were vindicated 24 hours later when the Nuke landed a second World Series title in the space of a week – averaging 115 when thumping Humphries 8-4 in the final.

Littler has captured both the World Championship and World Matchplay this year, though he lost his Premier League crown to Humphries at the O2 in May.

The youngster's earnings over the last 20 months have catapulted him to world number two, now less than £300k shy of his namesake Humphries.

Humphries stuck in a ‘rut’ as Littler continues to shine

"Cool Hand" has struggled for form since lifting his first Premier League title at the back end of May, compounded by a first-round defeat to Gian van Veen at the World Matchplay.

Speaking exclusively to Darts Now from New Zealand, Humphries said: “Everyone has to go through a little lull in their careers, and I’m sure there’s many of the people who slate me online will be very happy with what I’m playing like.

“It’s important that I buck up my ideas and maybe practice harder and work harder and try and get myself out of what is a rut.

“Luke [Littler] is obviously the best player in the world and the better player, and he’s going to run off with it [the world number one spot].”

Difficult spell for Humphries is not yet a concern

The past couple of weeks in Australia and New Zealand have seen a deflated Humphries, and the Englishman admitted last week that he’s struggled for motivation since being crowned Premier League champion.

Though the spotlight has been dominated by his teenage counterpart, Humphries has lifted two major trophies this year, as well as the US Darts Masters in Madison Square Garden.

This period of the calendar is relatively quiet for the game’s superstars before the World Grand Prix kicks off a stacked schedule, which this year culminates with the first-ever £1 million World Championship.

The 30-year-old is defending over £900k in prize money in the next five months, but the eight-time major winner has consistently proven that when the pressure is on, he can find a level that few have access to.

However, the Nuke is not defending any prize money between now and the World Championship, meaning he will almost certainly enter the showpiece event as the number one seed.