Luke Littler and Luke Humphries' terrifying impact on darts clear with four-word verdict

has admitted that and are in a 'different galaxy' to the other darts professionals in the sport and claimed players increase their level when pitted against one of the star duo.

Littler, 17, has taken darts by storm over the past 12 months after bursting onto the scene and reaching the World Darts final, where he lost to Humphries, 29.

The world No 1 has dominated in 2024, winning the World Championship and World Matchplay tournaments, taking him to five PDC titles overall.

But earlier this year, Littler defeated Humphries 11-7 in the Premier League Darts final at the O2 Arena in London, with the teenager throwing a nine-darter in the 11th leg to showcase his talents.

And Cross gave a candid assessment on the state of play in the darts ranking order, putting Littler and Humphries high up on the pedestal above the rest of the field.

"Look, you've got the likes of Luke Littler, he's up there with the stars somewhere. I think he's in a different galaxy. He's brilliant," Cross said.

"Humphries... I think [he's the] best player in the world, maybe for the rest of us. I don't mean to put 'us' in the same boat.

"Luke a little bit because of the stardom. But Humphries, he's definitely on a different planet as the most consistent player in the world. And that's why he sits where he sits."

Cross also claimed that darts players know they have to raise their game in order to beat Littler or Humphries, with the knowledge that the rest of the players are capable of beating each other on their day.

"The rest of us all know that if we turn up with our B game we can beat each other," he added. "[If you] turn up against Humphries, you can't play a B game... you've got to play your A game and try to get results off that."

However, it seems 'Cool Hand' doesn't see himself as the best in darts, as Humphries singled out Gary Anderson as his pick.

"He's a legend of the game and maybe he doesn't get the respect he deserves because he's a great player. In my eyes he's the best player in the world," Humphries said in October. "He will sit here and say I am but if you're going on stats and potential, I think Gary Anderson is the best in the world right now."

Speaking of Littler, Humphries only had kind words to say about darts sensation: "I just think when you've got a superstar [Littler], it's hard not to go with that.

"Luke has grown the sport to absolutely incredible levels and he's making the sport bigger for all of us, let's be honest."