Luke Humphries brings up Luke Littler misery after crushing Michael van Gerwen spirits

Luke Humphries rued Luke Littler's Premier League revenge after making more history by winning his first World Matchplay on Sunday night. The world No 1 beat Michael van Gerwen 18-15 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, adding to his impressive trophy haul that Littler stifled in May.

Humphries fell short in the O2 Arena final against the 17-year-old sensation, losing 11-7, but he has enjoyed a year of dominance on the PDC Tour.

Since crashing out of last year's World Matchplay semi-finals, Humphries has reached eight finals in 10 major tournaments, winning seven of them.

His triumph over Van Gerwen saw him join the Dutchman, Phil Taylor and Peter Wright as the only players to win the Matchplay and World Championship in the same year.

After celebrating his success in Blackpool, Humphries expressed his delight with his family's attendance for another career highlight.

"I'll keep being driven by winning trophies, seeing my family's elated faces and finding joy from them, and seeing my son," Humphries told the media.

"He has no clue what's going on, but I see him pointing, and there are loads of lights, so he's enjoying it while not knowing what's going on with his dad. It's lovely to have him with me and my family.

"They travelled all the way from Newbury, four and a half hours, and my friend Rob, he drove from Ireland to come and watch me as well so, so many people who you don't want to let down, to be honest.

"Because sometimes there's a little bit of extra pressure on your shoulders when you get all your family and friends out.

"For nights like these, it's worth them being here because they get the elation of you winning as well."

But Humphries displayed his perfectionist streak by admitting he still had lingering frustrations over his Premier League defeat to Littler two months ago, missing out on history.

He continued: "I'm just gutted Luke [Littler] played so well in the Premier League final, to be honest! Because I was four legs away from creating incredible history!

"But I will go back next year - I'd hope I'll get selected - and play in it and try again."

Van Gerwen - a three-time Matchplay champion - has now lost his last eight matches against Humphries in a startling hoodoo.

He also hasn't tasted major silverware since lifting his seventh Premier League title last year.

After his latest defeat to Humphries, a downbeat Van Gerwen, ruing missed chances in the final, admitted he was "shattered".