For only the second time in the illustrious history of the Masters darts tournament, the world’s top two ranked players have clashed in the final, delivering an astonishing display of skill. In both these rare encounters, the combined average score of the finalists soared above an incredible 105 points per throw. This elite phenomenon recently unfolded with the thrilling Littler vs. Humphries final, echoing the legendary Van Gerwen vs. Anderson battle of 2017. This trend signals a shift in the sport, with emerging talents challenging established champions and forcing them to adapt to an ever-higher standard of play.
A Rare Confluence of Darts Greatness
In the high-stakes world of professional darts, reaching the final of a major tournament like ‘The Masters’ is an achievement in itself. But for the world’s number one and number two ranked players to meet in the ultimate showdown is a truly exceptional event. This specific scenario has only occurred twice, and on both occasions, it resulted in an unprecedented display of scoring power.
What Makes a “Combined Average of 105+” So Special?
An “average” in darts refers to the score a player achieves per three darts thrown. A consistent average of 100 or more is considered elite, signifying near-perfect play. When two players in a final achieve a combined average of over 105, it means both competitors were consistently hitting trebles and high scores throughout their match, pushing each other to their absolute limits. It’s a testament to sustained excellence under immense pressure.
The Elite Finals: Two Historic Showdowns
These two remarkable finals stand out in darts history:
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World Masters 2026: Littler vs. Humphries
The most recent example saw the meteoric rise of Luke Littler (England) meet the reigning World Champion, Luke Humphries (England). This highly anticipated final lived up to its billing:
- Luke Littler: Averaged 104.72
- Luke Humphries: Averaged 105.51
- Final Score: Littler defeated Humphries 6-5
- Combined Average: 210.23 (105.115 per player)
This match showcased two of the sport’s brightest talents, with Humphries solidifying his status and Littler continuing to prove he’s a force to be reckoned with, even against the world’s best.
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The Masters 2017: Van Gerwen vs. Anderson
The first instance of this elite meeting featured two legends of the game: the dominant Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands) and the iconic Gary Anderson (Scotland). Their clash was a masterclass in high-scoring darts:
- Michael van Gerwen: Averaged an astonishing 109.42
- Gary Anderson: Averaged an impressive 103.58
- Final Score: Van Gerwen defeated Anderson 11-7
- Combined Average: 213.00 (106.50 per player)
Van Gerwen’s performance, in particular, was one for the ages, demonstrating the kind of relentless scoring that cemented his place as one of darts’ all-time greats.
A Shifting Landscape: The New Guard Rises
This phenomenon of incredibly high averages in top-tier finals is not just a statistical anomaly; it reflects a significant evolution in the sport. As darts legend and commentator Wayne Mardle aptly puts it:
“There is now a new generation with Littler, Humphries, and [Gian] van Veen.”
This statement highlights a crucial shift. For years, players like Michael van Gerwen dominated the sport. However, the emergence of prodigious talents like Luke Littler and the consistent excellence of Luke Humphries, alongside promising players like Gian van Veen, means that even established champions must adapt. The bar for success is continually being raised, demanding even greater consistency and higher scoring power to remain at the pinnacle of professional darts. Van Gerwen, like other seasoned pros, will undoubtedly need to evolve his game to contend with this formidable new wave of talent.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartsnieuws.com.
