Luke Humphries beat world champion Luke Littler in a deciding leg to defend his US Darts Masters title in New York.

World number two Humphries raced into a 4-1 lead at Madison Square Garden before Littler won four consecutive legs to take the lead.

Humphries levelled at 5-5 and, with the throw at 7-7, secured back-to-back titles with an 11 darter as he finished the match with a 104 average.

“This is the most iconic venue I think darts will ever go to,” said Humphries, who beat Stephen Bunting 6-3 in the last eight and Gian van Veen 7-6 in the semi-finals.

“Every year we come here it gets better and better, and the fans have been absolutely amazing. It’s been insane.

“It’s great to go back-to-back. I’m always out to set records and do things that not many players have done.

“Me and Luke always have fantastic games, and it’s just another brilliant game in the saga of Luke v Luke.

“I feel if I can keep performing like this then I can keep pushing him, because he’s unbelievable. He’s the toughest player in the world to beat.”

Littler hit nine maximums in the final but missed out on a maiden title in the competition, which took place before the England football team play Panama in a World Cup group game in New York on Saturday.

“It was an unbelievable experience,” said 19-year-old Littler, who beat Jim Long 6-1 in the quarter-finals and James Wade 7-4 in the semi-finals.

“There were a lot of England fans here who are going to the game so I appreciate them coming along.

“As the night went on they got louder and louder, and I wish I was in the crowd with them to be fair.”